To mark the 10th National Security Education Day on 15 April, Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU), in collaboration with the Kowloon City District Youth Development and Civic Education Committee, the Kowloon City District Office and the Kowloon City District Secondary School Heads Association, organised the National Security Forum on 11 April. The event took place on the HKMU Jockey Club Campus and was attended by over 300 teachers and students from 17 secondary schools in the Kowloon City District. The forum included keynote speeches, a roundtable discussion, and a Q&A session aimed at examining the retrospect and prospect of national security education in Hong Kong.
The Forum was officiated by distinguished guests, including Dr Horace Cheung Kwok-kwan, Deputy Secretary for Justice; Dr the Hon Starry Lee Wai-king, member of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPCSC) of the People's Republic of China and Legislative Council member; Mr Ivanhoe Chang Chi-ho, District Officer (Kowloon City); Mr Guo Changyong; Deputy Director-General of the Kowloon Sub-office of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (LOCPG); Mr Gary Yeung Man-yui, Chairman of the Kowloon City District Youth Development and Civic Education Committee; Prof. Charles Kwong Che-leung, HKMU Vice President (Administration and Corporate Development); and Mr Chen Tak Nam, President of the Kowloon City District Secondary School Heads Association.
Dr Cheung stated in his speech that the Hong Kong National Security Law and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance provide a “dual protective shield” for national security and social order. He reminded all parties to continuously assess whether the current legal tools are effective and to propose timely amendments to safeguard national security. In Dr Cheung's words, “The national security laws must be regularly reviewed and improved. Law enforcement agencies should also remain vigilant in eliminating hidden threats to national security and must not become complacent even when social order may appear stable.”
Mr Chang noted that the Kowloon City District Office has long been collaborating with HKMU to promote national security education within the district. Last year, as part of the “Kowloon City District National Security Education Community Promotion Programme”, HKMU designed a board game that was distributed to primary and secondary schools in the Kowloon City District. This engaging and interactive board game seeks to introduce to students the 20 major fields of national security.
Using the 60th Anniversary of the Dongjiang Water Supply to Hong Kong as an example of Hong Kong-Mainland cooperation, Mr Chang said, “Our country has provided stable and reliable water supply to Hong Kong for over 60 years. This has been vital for the continuous economic development of Hong Kong and for nurturing the well-being of its residents.” He further encouraged the participants to strive to equip themselves, give back to the country, and work together to create a brighter future.
Dr Lee reflected on Hong Kong's recent development trajectory, highlighting how it has deepened the public's understanding on the importance of safeguarding national security. She emphasised that national security is both a prerequisite and a guarantee for the prosperity and development of Hong Kong.
Prof. Kwong, Dr Cheung and Dr Lee participated in the roundtable discussion, titled “National Security Education Day: A Decade of Reflection and Outlook”, hosted by Mr Yeung,. The discussion examined national security education initiatives from various sectors of society. The speakers also shared practical ways to integrate national security into daily life, encouraging teachers and students in the district to contribute to national security and to foster proper values.
Prof. Kwong pointed out that HKMU had produced a series of national education videos for the National Security Education Day, National Constitution Day, and Anniversary of the Implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law. HKMU has also supported the Hong Kong Basic Law Foundation in hosting a roving exhibition on campus to promote national security information. He said, “HKMU values national security education and will continue to collaborate with different sectors of the society to promote awareness of national security both on campus and in the district, nurturing the next generation with a strong sense of national identity.”
Over 300 teachers and students from 17 secondary schools in Kowloon City District attended the Forum. The participants enthusiastically raised questions during the Q&A session, exchanging views on national security, and gaining valuable insights.