A secondary school quiz has put students’ knowledge of national security to the test as the Hong Kong National Security Law marks its fifth anniversary.

Organized by Sing Tao Probe, a sister publication of The Standard, the quick-fire quiz was held at HKWMA Chu Shek Lun Secondary School, where two student teams went head to head on questions related to national security.

The questions included identifying key bodies responsible for safeguarding national security in Hong Kong, as well as naming examples from traditional and non-traditional fields that contribute to the overall goal of national security.

The contest ended in a draw after a closely fought round, with both teams demonstrating a solid grasp of the subject.

Lai, head of the school’s Citizenship and Social Development department, said strengthened education on the National Security Law has helped improve students’ awareness of national security and law-abiding values.

She said students’ understanding has deepened as the Basic Law and the Constitution have been incorporated into the junior and senior form curricula, alongside regular talks and enrichment activities.

NSL restored order and boosted global standing: Chow

In an interview, Holden Chow Ho-ding said the National Security Law has played an important role in restoring order in Hong Kong and helping young people develop a proper understanding of national security in a stable environment.

He said the implementation of the law has also helped preserve the city’s global advantages in areas including finance and legal services.

Chow noted that Hong Kong has returned to the top three in the Global Financial Centres Index, placing it alongside New York and London as part of the “Nylongkong” trio.

He also pointed to the presence of more than 2,700 family offices in the city, nearly double the number in Singapore, saying this reflected strong confidence in Hong Kong and the nation among wealthy families worldwide.

He added that an estimated 2.3 trillion in assets were managed in the city in 2023.

On legal services, Chow said the strong participation in the opening of the International Organization for Mediation demonstrated both national support and international recognition from the legal community.

Chow also cited earlier remarks by Xia Baolong, director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, who described the National Security Law as the “guardian” of the city’s prosperity and stability under “One Country, Two Systems.”

He said the fifth anniversary of the law offers Hong Kong an opportunity to raise awareness of national security, while encouraging young people to reflect on their duties as Chinese citizens.