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To raise awareness among teachers and the public on safeguarding national security and on being law-abiding, The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK) has established the National Security and Legal Education Research Centre (the Centre), and held a launch ceremony today (9 January).

Professor Gu Minkang, Associate Co-Director of the Academy for Applied Policy Studies and Education Futures at EdUHK will serve as Director of the Centre. With the aim of enhancing and strengthening students' knowledge and understanding of national security and related laws, the Centre will integrate national security and legal education into the university curriculum. In addition, it will also join hands with local and Mainland experts and scholars to explore offering national security and legal education training materials, to provide self-funded courses for local schools and public institutions, and to organise other related legal programmes and legal training courses.

Through the Centre, EdUHK will also invite local and Mainland experts and scholars to provide academic and professional advice, explain and evaluate national security and legal education projects, organise regular national security education talks and seminars, and hold events on the annual National Security Education Day.

The ceremony was attended by Mr Paul Lam Ting-kwok, Secretary for Justice; Mr Fang Jianming, Deputy Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the HKSAR; Mr Tang Ping-keung, Secretary for Security; Professor Wang Weiming, Director-General of the Department of Educational, Scientific and Technological Affairs of Liaison Office of the People's Republic of China in the HKSAR; Mr Deng Jianwei, Bureau Chief, Office for Safeguarding National Security of CPG in HKSAR；Mr Wang Jianyuan, Deputy Director of Legal Department of Liaison Office of the People's Republic of China in the HKSAR; Mr Siu Chak-yee, Commissioner of Police; Ms Elsie Leung Oi-sie, former Secretary for Justice; Ms Maria Tam Wai-chu, the former Deputy Director and Professor Wong Yuk-shan, the Deputy Director of the Committee for the Basic Law of the NPCSC; Ms Louise Ho Pui-shan, Commissioner of Customs and Excise; Mr Benson Kwok Joon-fung, Director of Immigration; as well as many other community leaders.

EdUHK Council Chairman Dr David Wong Yau-kar, Deputy Chairman Dr Terence Chan Ho-wah, Treasurer Ms Imma Ling Kit-sum, President Professor John Lee Chi-Kin, Professor Gu Minkang, Council members and other members of EdUHK senior management also attended the ceremony.

Addressing the audience, Dr David Wong Yau-Kar stated that with a steadfast mission of nurturing future teachers’ talent with moral integrity, it is important to emphasise national security education and legal knowledge. “The establishment of the Centre is an important step in the effective implementation of national security education. Looking ahead, we will actively cultivate students’ knowledge and values on national and rule of law concepts, and contribute to the development of Hong Kong and the Country,” he said.

Emphasising the significance of national security is crucial, Professor John Lee Chi-Kin said, “EdUHK will continue to strengthen national security awareness and rule of law education for our students, foster teachers’ professional ethics training, and integrate academic research and practical application in the aspect of law, with an aim to bolster and deepen the understanding of national security and Basic Law among students as well as the general public."

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