HISTORY IN HONG KONG

Symbolism The design of the flag comes with cultural, political, and regional meanings. The colour itself is significant; red is a festive colour for the Chinese people, used to convey a sense of celebration and nationalism. Moreover, the red colour is identical to that used in the national PRC flag, chosen to signify the link re-established between post-colonial Hong Kong and China. The position of red and white on the flag symbolises the "one country two systems" political principle applied to the region. The stylised rendering of the Bauhinia blakeana flower, a flower discovered in Hong Kong, is meant to serve as a harmonising symbol for this dichotomy.[6] The five stars of the Chinese national flag, representing the Communist Party and Mao Zedong's four classes (proletarian workers, agricultural peasants, petty bourgeoisie and capitalists), are replicated on the petals of the flower.

Before the adoption of the flag, the Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Basic Law explained the significance of the flag's design to the National People's Congress:

WHERE IS HONG KONG?

The regional flag carries a design of five bauhinia petals, each with a star in the middle, on a red background. The red flag represents the motherland and the bauhinia represents Hong Kong. The design implies that Hong Kong is an inalienable part of China and prospers in the embrace of the motherland. The five stars on the flower symbolise the fact that all Hong Kong compatriots love their motherland, while the red and white colours embody the principle of "one country, two systems

Located in the continent of Asia, Hong Kong covers 1,054 square kilometers of land and 50 square kilometers of water, making it the 188th largest nation in the world with a total area of 1,104 square kilometers.

Hong Kong is a dependant territory of China. The population of Hong Kong is 7,153,519 (2012) and the nation has a density of 6787 people per square kilometer.

The currency of Hong Kong is the Hong Kong Dollar (HKD). As well, the people of Hong Kong are refered to as Chinese/Hong Kong.

The dialing code for the country is 852 and the top level internet domain for Chinese/Hong Kong sites is .hk.

Hong Kong shares land borders with only one country, China.

Situated on the southeast coast of China, Hong Kong’s strategic location on the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea has made it one of the world’s most thriving and cosmopolitan cities.

Hong Kong as we know it today was born when China’s Qing dynasty government was defeated in the First Opium War in 1842, when it ceded Hong Kong Island to Britain. Within 60 years, Kowloon, the New Territories and 235 Outlying Islands were also leased to Britain. However, the history of the more than 1100 square kilometers that Hong Kong now occupies predates the events of the Qing dynasty by more than a thousand years. And, as you explore the city’s colourful heritage, you’ll discover stories of powerful clans, marauding pirates and European traders. 

From its earliest days as a British colony, Hong Kong served as a centre of international trade. In the turbulent years of the early 20th century, the city’s population was bolstered by refugees, mostly from China. The arrival of immigrants in large numbers helped launch a new role for Hong Kong as a major manufacturing hub. It also brought economically stimulating energy and industry to the city’s character. In recent decades, as the economy of Mainland China has undergone a process of opening up, Hong Kong has transformed yet again – this time into a service-based economy as well as an important gateway to the world’s largest market.

Under the principle of 'One Country, Two Systems', Hong Kong became a Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China on 1 July 1997. This arrangement allows the city to enjoy a high degree of autonomy, including retaining its capitalist system, independent judiciary and rule of law, free trade and freedom of speech.

A look at the city’s history could give a strong impression that change is the only constant here. However, despite all its reinventions, Hong Kong’s spirit has never changed. In fact, the same energy and dynamism that turned a group of sleepy fishing villages into a crossroads of international trade is now taking Asia’s world city into the 21st century. Experience that spirit and Hong Kong’s story yourself by exploring the city’s rich culture and heritage.

Key events and dates in hong kong's history--from founding of country up to today

700 BC Aboriginal fishing communities establish floating communities.

50 BC China absorbs the entire region.

AD 960 –  1500s Clans settle the area and build walled villages as protection against bandits and pirates.

1514 Portuguese traders build a base in Tuen Mun

Early 1800s British merchants trade opium for Chinese silks, silver, spices and tea.

1840 – 42 Opium Wars result in China ceding Hong Kong Island in perpetuity to Britain; the Crown colony of Hong Kong is established.

1860 Kowloon Peninsula and Stonecutters Island are ceded to Britain.

1898 The New Territories are leased to Britain for 99 years; the colony becomes an important trading port.

1910 The Kowloon–Canton Railway to the border of China is completed.

1911 –1949 Refugees fleeing from political turbulence and warfare in Mainland China increase Hong Kong’s population.

1941 – 45 Japanese occupation during World War II.

1950 – 1970s Immigrants from China create booming textile and light manufacturing industries; ‘Made in Hong Kong’ goods are exported all over the world.

1980s Hong Kong becomes an international financial centre and joins the world's top 10 economies.

1984 China and Britain sign the Sino–British Joint Declaration on the future of Hong Kong. 1997 (July 1) Hong Kong becomes a Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China.

1998 Hong Kong International Airport opens at Chek Lap Kok and is named one of the Top Ten Construction Achievements in the 20th Century by the Construction Industry Manufacturers Association (CIMA) the following year.

2008 Hong Kong co-hosts the equestrian events of the 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

2011 Four Hong Kong festivals, including the Cheng Chau Bun Festival, Tai O Deities Parade, Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance, Yu Lan Ghost Festival of the Hong Kong Chiu Chow Community were all included in China’s third national list of intangible culture under a UNESCO convention.

The commercial, social and legal life of Hong Kong will remain as it is until 2047 at which time China will be able to exercise its authority.

Conclusions on Hong Kong's History Hong Kong has had a colorful past from pirates to Trader Barons and yet it is the future that looks to be the most interesting. Will Hong Kong be able to continue its growth onder the new management of the Communist ownership. Will the population remain and take a chance on the good intentions of the mainland government. All of this remains to be seen as Hong Kong approaches the 1997 deadline.

TOURIST ATTRACTION IN

HONG KONG

DISNEYLAND A theme park located on reclaimed

land, Penny’s Bay, Lantau Island.

It is the first theme park located inside the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort and is owned and managed by the Hong Kong International Theme Parks.

It is, together with Ocean Park Hong Kong, one of the two large theme parks in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong Disneyland is the 13th most visited theme park in the world in 2013, with 7.4 million visitors. -AECOM and TEA

The park consists of seven themed areas: Main Street, U.S.A., Fantasyland, Adventureland, Tomorrowland, Grizzly Gulch, Mystic Point, and Toy Story Land.

The park has a daily capacity of 34,000 visitors

the attendance continued to surge and received 5.23 million guests in the 2009/2010 fiscal year.

OCEAN PARK a marine mammal park, oceanarium, animal theme park and amusement park,

situated in Wong Chuk Hang and Nam Long Shan in the Southern District of Hong Kong.

Opened in January 1977 by the Governor of Hong Kong, Sir Murray MacLehose.

Ocean Park was constructed as a subsidiary of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, with HK$150 million of funding.

The land was provided free by the Hong Kong Government.

Ocean Park now comprises two main attraction areas: the Waterfront and the Summit.

Subdivided into eight attraction zones: Amazing Asian Animals, Aqua City, Whiskers Harbour, Marine World, Polar Adventure, Adventure Land, Thrill Mountain and the Rainforest.

VICTORIA PEAK

a mountain in the western half of Hong Kong Island. It is also known as Mount Austin, and locally as The Peak.

It is a major tourist attraction that offers views over Central, Victoria Harbour, Lamma Island and the surrounding islands.

The Peak is home to many species of birds, most prominently the black kite, and numerous species of butterflies.

PEAK TOWER

The Peak Tower is a leisure and shopping complex located at Victoria Gap, near the summit of Victoria Peak.

VICTORIA HARBOUR

The Victoria Harbour is world-famous for its stunning panoramic night view and skyline, particularly in the direction towards Hong Kong Island where the skyline of skyscrapers is superimposed over the ridges behind.

VICTORIA PARK

a public park in Hong Kong, named after Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom. It is located in Causeway Bay, on the north of Hong Kong Island, between Causeway Bay and Tin Hau MTR stations.

It is part of Wan Chai District, bordered by Victoria Park Road and then Victoria Harbour to the north and Causeway Road and Hong Kong Central Library to the south.

CLOCK TOWER

is a landmark in Hong Kong.

It is located on the southern shore of Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon.

It is the only remnant of the original site of the former Kowloon Station on the Kowloon-Canton Railway.

Officially named Former Kowloon-Canton Railway Clock Tower

Built out of red bricks and granite, the Clock Tower peaks at 44 meters, and is topped by a 7-metre lightning rod.

The top of the tower can be reached by a wooden staircase located within. The interior of Clock Tower had previously been open for visit, but is currently closed for maintenance.

The clock tower is located

near Victoria Harbour at the foot of Salisbury Road.

Another landmark, the Tsim Sha Tsui Ferry Pier, is located nearby.

The tower has been listed as a declared monument in Hong Kong since 2000.

Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade

Hong Kong’s Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade, extending from Kowloon’s colonial Clock Tower to Hung Hom, is the best place in the city to gaze at the colors and lights of the spectacular Hong Kong Island skyline set in front of a backdrop of green hills.

It’s also one of the best spots to catch the nightly Symphony of Lights.

NGONG PING 360 an aerial tramway on Lantau Island in Hong Kong.

the aerial tramway was previously known as Tung Chung Cable Car Project before acquiring the Ngong Ping 360 brand in April 2005.

Ngong Ping 360 connects Tung Chung, on the north coast of Lantau and itself linked to central Hong Kong by the Tung Chung Line, with the Ngong Ping area in the hills above.

This is home to the Po Lin Monastery and the Tian Tan Buddha, both already significant tourist attractions in their own right.

Ngong Ping 360 is owned by the MTR Corporation, the operator of Hong Kong's rail system.

It was built by Leitner Ropeways

Ngong Ping Cable Car is a 5.7-kilometre (3.5 mi) long bi-cable gondola lift system (referred to by its operators as a "cable car") linking between Tung Chung (where it connects the MTR Tung Chung station) and Ngong Ping (where the Po Lin MonasterY and Tian Tan Buddha are located).

TIAN TAN BUDDHA also known as the Big Buddha

a large bronze statue of Buddha Shakyamuni, completed in 1993, and located at Ngong Ping, Lantau Island, in Hong Kong.

The statue is sited near Po Lin Monastery and symbolises the harmonious relationship between man and nature, people and faith.

its base is a model of the Altar of Heaven or Earthly Mount of Tian Tan, the Temple of Heaven in Beijing.

One of the five large Buddha statues in China, it is enthroned on a lotus on top of a three-platform altar.

Surrounding it are six smaller bronze statues known as "The Offering of the Six Devas" that are posed offering flowers, incense, lamp, ointment, fruit, and music to the Buddha.

These symbolise the Six Perfections of generosity, morality, patience, zeal, meditation, and wisdom, all of which are necessary for enlightenment.

The statue is 34 metres (112 ft) tall, weighs over 250 metric tons (280 short tons), and was constructed from 202 bronze pieces.

268 steps to reach the Buddha.

Tian Tan Buddha, a giant Buddha statue completed in 1993, is an extension of the monastery.

HONG KONG MUSEUM

The Hong Kong Museum of History is a museum which preserves Hong Kong's historical and cultural heritage. It is located next to the Hong Kong Science Museum, in Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong.

The collections of the museum encompass natural history, archaeology, ethnography and local history.

The museum was established by the Urban Council in July 1975 when the City Museum and Art Gallery was split into the Hong Kong Museum of History and Hong Kong Museum of Art; some of the Museum of History's collections were on display at the City Museum and Art Gallery's original 1962 location at the City Hall.

From 1975 to 1983, the Hong Kong Museum of History was housed in a 700 m2 rented space within Star House. In 1983, the Museum was moved to a temporary location (which now houses Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre) in Kowloon Park.

It was moved to its present premises near Hong Kong Science Museum on Chatham Road South, Tsim Sha Tsui in 1998. It is currently managed by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department of Hong Kong Government.

PO-LIN MONASTERY

Po Lin Monastery is a Buddhist monastery, located on Ngong Ping Plateau, on Lantau Island, Hong Kong.

The monastery was founded in 1906 by three monks visiting from Jiangsu Province on the Chinese mainland and was initially known simply as "The Big Hut" ( 大茅蓬 Tai Mao Pung).

It was renamed to its present name in 1924.

The main temple houses three bronze statues of the Buddha – representing his past, present and future lives – as well as many Buddhist scriptures.

Wong Tai Sin Temple 

is a well known shrine and major tourist attraction in Hong Kong

It is dedicated to Wong Tai Sin, or the Great Immortal Wong.

The 18,000-m² Taoist temple is famed for the many prayers answered: "What you request is what you get" ( 有求必應 ) via a practice called kau cim.

The temple is located on the southern side of Lion Rock in the north of Kowloon.

Entrance of the Wong Tai Sin Temple

Good Wish Garden, within Wong Tai Sin Temple

Lamp holding statues in Wong Tai Sin Temple

REPULSE BAY

a bay in the southern part of Hong Kong Island, located in the Southern District, Hong Kong.

HAPPY VALLEY Happy Valley Racecourse is one

of the two racecourses for horse racing and is a tourist attraction in Hong Kong.

It is located in Happy Valley on Hong Kong Island, surrounded by Wong Nai Chung Road and Morrison Hill Road.

The capacity of the venue is 55,000.

It is one of the most well-known street markets in Hong Kong.

Its southern section, popularly known as Ladies' Market or Ladies' Street sells various, low-priced products for women and also other general merchandise.

Its northern section not far above Bute Street, has a wide variety of affordable plants, pet supplies and animals especially goldfish since it is also known as "Goldfish Street".

TUNG CHOI STREET

Lan Kwai Fong

Is one of Hong Kong’s most popular nightlife hot spots and home to over 90 restaurants and bars.

The atmosphere ranges from stylish wine pairings to raucous jelly shots and the food on offer is as diverse as the clientele.

AVENUE OF STARS The Avenue of Stars is the eastern

node of several tourist attractions along the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront.

The Avenue of Stars), modelled on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, is located along the Victoria Harbour waterfront in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong. It honours celebrities of the Hong Kong film industry.

The avenue was open to the general public on 28 April 2004 with an opening ceremony held the previous day, 27 April 2004.

Education System of Hong Kong

In the past, Hong Kong education was closely modeled on the UK system. This is hardly surprising since Hong Kong was administered by Britain from 1841 to 1997, when the former UK colony was handed back to China. However, since 1997, the education system taught in local schools has undergone a series of changes. While some of these changes have reflected different language of instruction policies, there have also been changes to the senior secondary curriculum. The new model, brought in at the beginning of the 2009/10 academic year, is now more in line with those found in China and even the USA.

While there are nine years of compulsory schooling in Hong Kong, six in primary school and three in junior secondary school, the Hong Kong government has made it easier, and therefore more likely, that the majority of students will receive 12 years of education. The removal of fees and one series of public exams in senior secondary school is a move which will make a full twelve years’ of education a much more accessible option for a great number of students.

There has always been schooling beyond the years of compulsory education. The majority of students attend 3 years of kindergarten (K1 – K3) before attending primary school. Under the new secondary system, the three years of junior secondary is followed by three years of senior secondary. This leads to the HKDSE (Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education) exams. Students gain entry to a range of post-secondary, vocational and tertiary courses offered by a variety of institutions based on the results of the HKDSE. The majority of courses offered by Hong Kong universities have undergone a change in structure for students graduating with the HKDSE. Courses are now 4 year programmes in response to the change from four years to three years in senior secondary school.

The schools provided by the Hong Kong Education Department (EDB – Education Bureau) can be divided into three main groups: government schools; subsidized schools, which are usually administered by charitable bodies; and private schools run by different organizations where admission is more often decided by academic merit (schools such as DBC and DGS are example of these types of schools).

Aside from the government system, there are private independent schools. The style of education, the language(s) of instruction and the international curricula offered by these schools appeal to both expatriate and local parents. Many of these schools have waiting lists and all charge higher (and in many cases, much higher) tuition fees than local schools.

In the past, the local education system has been very exam-orientated. However, in recent years there have been some moves towards fewer exams ad more continuous and formative assessment. Schools usually have a strict discipline code and virtually all students wear school uniform.

Primary schools used to be separated into morning (AM) and afternoon (PM) schools as a method of dealing with the problems of a lack of space and the large student numbers. However, with changing demographics and a falling birth rate, most primary schools have moved to become whole-day schools.While most schools are co-ed, there are a number of well-known schools with good reputations which are single-sex.

From 2012

Length Education type Additional names Type Focus School

year

3 years Kindergarten

voluntary General

Sept – June

6 years Primary education Primary 1 to 6 compulsory General Sept – July

3 years Junior Secondary education Junior Secondary 1 to 3 (Form 1 to 3)

compulsory General Sept – July

3 years Senior Secondary Education (leads to Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education)

Senior Secondary 1 to 3 (Form 4 to 6)

selective Specialised

Sept – July (Senior Secondary 1–2),Aug – Feb (Senior Secondary 3)

Depends on subject

Tertiary education (leads to bachelors, masters and other academic degrees)

selective Specialised Varies

Types of schools Type Category Description

Government schools

Comprehensive Run by the government.

Aided schools

Subsidized schools

Comprehensive Most common, run by charitable and religious (Christian, Buddhist, Taoist, TWGHs and others) organisations with government funding.

Grant schools

Subsidised

Schools run by charitable or religious organisations with government funding according to the now defunct Grant Code. Currently receiving government aid in accordance with the Codes of Aid [3], which also apply for the Subsidized schools.

Direct Subsidy Scheme (DSS) schools

Private

Run by non-government organisations. HKSAR Government has encouraged non-government primary and secondary schools which have attained a sufficiently high education standard to join the DSS by providing subsidies to enhance the quality of private school education since 1991/92 school year. Under the scheme, schools are free to decide their curriculum, fees and entrance requirements, under the following conditions:

The number of students doing the local curriculum (HKDSE) must be no less than half of all students.

All students must participate in the local TSA examinations.

Caput schools Subsidised Subsidies are provided according to the number of pupils admitted.

Private schools Private Run by private organisations and mainly accept local Chinese children. Admissions are based more on academic merit than on financial ability; they teach in English and in Cantonese.

Private international schools

Private

Provide an alternative to the mainstream education, in exchange for much higher tuition fees although it is recently deemed as high-pressure as local mainstream education. The schools teach streams in English and in the language of its sponsoring nation, e.g., French, German, Japanese, etc.

English Schools Foundation

Subsidised Provide an alternative to the high-pressured mainstream education. Tuition fees are lower than many other international schools as many ESF schools enjoy subvention by the Hong Kong Government to educate English-speaking children who cannot access the local

Kindergartens

In Hong Kong, kindergartens and kindergarten-cum-child care centres (hereafter collectively referred to as "KG") provide services for children from three to six years old. The aim of kindergarten education in Hong Kong is to nurture children to attain all-round development in the domains of ethics, intellect, physique, social skills and aesthetics; to develop good habits so as to prepare them for life; and to stimulate children’s interest in learning and cultivate in them positive learning attitudes, in order to lay the foundation for their future learning.

Primary EducationThe Government aims to provide a balanced and diverse school education that

meet the different need of our students; help them build up knowledge, values and skills for further studies and personal growth; and enhance students' illiterate (i.e. English and Chinese) and trilingual (i.e. English, Putonghua and Cantonese) abilities.

Primary schooling starts at the age of around six and there are 6 years of schooling at the primary level. There are three modes of operation in the primary schools, namely AM, PM and whole-day. Encouraged by the Government, most primary schools are adopting whole-day operation. Chinese is the language of instruction in most schools with English taught as a second language.

Since the curriculum reform at the basic education level in the 2001/02 school year, there has been enhanced learning and teaching in classrooms. Students are now enjoying a wide range of learning activities and there are improvements in students’ generic skills, values and attitudes. They are becoming independent learners. Schools continue to adapt the central curriculum to meet students’ needs. By building on their strengths and experiences, schools can strengthen their curricula to help students better develop their lifelong learning capabilities and nurture their whole-person development.

Secondary EducationThere are three main types of local secondary schools – government schools which are

operated by the Government; aided schools which are fully sub-vented by the Government but run by voluntary bodies; and private schools, some of which receive financial assistance from the Government. Government and aided schools deliver a curriculum recommended by the Government. They offer free and secondary education.

Besides, there are some international schools which offer non-local curricula and serve primarily non-Chinese speaking students and foreign nationals.

To cope with the challenges of the 21st Century and the demands of the rapidly developing knowledge-based society, the Government has implemented the 3-year new senior secondary (NSS) curriculum at Secondary 4 in September 2009.

This flexible, coherent and diversified curriculum aims at catering for students’ varied interests, needs and abilities, as well as nurturing students’ whole-person development and lifelong learning capabilities. The first cohort of NSS students graduated in the summer of 2012.

All students can now benefit from 6 years of secondary education. At the end of Secondary 6, students take one public examination - the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) Examination, which replaces the former Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination and Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination. The first HKDSE examination was held smoothly in 2012. The HKDSE qualification has gained extensive recognition locally and worldwide, in international benchmarking studies such as the NARIC (National Recognition Information Center) report and the Tariff System of the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) in the United Kingdom. As of June 2014, some 170 overseas tertiary institutions, including renowned universities such as Oxford and Yale, have accepted the new qualification for admission purpose, and more are being added.

Post-secondary EducationThe Government strives to provide multiple study pathways for secondary school

leavers, with multiple entry and exit points. Some of them will study bachelor’s degree programmes direct after completing HKDSE. Some will choose to study sub-degree programmes. Upon graduation, they can pursue study in top-up degree programmes (i.e. “2 + 2” arrangement) and obtain their undergraduate qualifications.

At present, there are 20 local degree-awarding institutions (9 publicly-funded and 11 self-financing ones) in Hong Kong. Apart from undergraduate programmes offered, students can also choose a wide diversity of sub-degree programmes, various continuing and vocational programmes that best suit their interests and ability.

We adopt a two-pronged strategy of promoting the parallel development of the publicly-funded sector and the self-financing sector in developing post-secondary education in Hong Kong. In academic year 2013/14, over one-third of the relevant age cohort will have the opportunity to pursue degree-level education. Taking sub-degree places into account, nearly 70% of young people will have access to post-secondary education.

There is also a wide array of taught and research postgraduate programmes for students who have graduated from their undergraduate studies to choose from.

Vocational Education

Vocational education plays a pivotal role in broadening the learning opportunities for school leavers and in-service personnel as well as nurturing the requisite human capital in support of Hong Kong’s development. The Government have been attaching great importance to vocational education.

The Vocational Training Council (VTC) provides through its 13 member institutions around 250 000 training places each year, offering people of different education levels with pre-employment and in-service vocational education and training programmes.

Various post-secondary education institutions also offer more than 250 higher diploma programmes, of which at least 60% of the curriculum is devoted to specialized content in specific disciplines, professions or vocational skills.

Tertiary EducationTertiary education is important in Hong Kong. There are eight universities and several

other tertiary institutions without university status. All the tertiary institutions offer a range of programes including undergraduate and post-graduate degrees, as well as Associate degrees and Higher Diplomas.

The number of places available for undergraduate degrees is substantially less than the number of students who actually fulfill the entry requirements for general admission to university. From the beginning of the academic year 2012, most courses were extended to four years, in line with the government’s policy of 3 + 3 + 4 (three years of junior secondary, followed by three years of senior secondary then 4 years of university). For students who fail to gain entrance to a degree programme, studying an Associate degree or a Higher diploma, which may articulate with a degree course later on, is a popular option. It is also sometimes possible to gain a course transfer form a successfully completed Higher diploma or Associate degree into an overseas degree program with some credit transfer.

Of the Hong Kong universities, The University of Hong Kong and the Chinese University of Hong Kong have the best reputations. The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology has been developing a strong name in the areas of Technology and Business.

In terms of post-graduate study, the trend for local Hong Kong people is to complete a post-graduate qualification abroad. In terms of post-graduate students at local universities, a significant number of them come from Mainland China.

Adult Education

Life-long learning has become a popular catch cry from the government and certainly taking a course seems to be a common activity among the adult population. The majority of the universities have schools which offer non-degree, adult learning courses and there are a range of other institutions as well, offering professional, general education and interest courses. Language courses, especially English, Mandarin and Japanese are common, and many adults study as a means of improving their prospects in the employment market. The government has even established a scheme which enables adult learners to apply for course fee reimbursement for approved courses. There is also the Open University of Hong Kong, run along similar lines to the UK one, which gives many people opportunities to study for a degree.

International Orientation

Hong Kong's universities try to encourage good students from abroad to come study in Hong Kong. There is lively exchange between students from the United States and Hong Kong. At HKUST, more students come from the the United States than from all European countries together. The same applies for the reverse direction.

Famous Universities in

Hong Kong

The University of Hong KongThe University Of Hong Kong (HKU) is the oldest university in Hong

Kong, as the name already suggests, and also one of the most renowned universities in Asia. It was founded in 1910. It offers programs at least in architecture, engineering, medicine, law, and social sciences. Interestingly, it only includes a faculty of business and economics since 2001. In the academic year ending in 2010. about 22,000 students were studying at HKU.

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST, 香港科技大學 ) belongs to the three most renowned universities in Hong Kong. Founded in 1991, HKUST celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2011. This is a surprising fact from an European point of view. Being built literally from scratch on the beautiful coastline of Clearwater Bay, HKUST made an ambitious and steep ascent in the last two decades. In January 2011 about 10.000 students were studying at HKUST as compared to a number of roughly 500 people employed in teaching.

HKUST Entrance roundabout (photo courtesy: Adam Resnick) HKUST is a campus university. Lecturing facilities, student residences, sport facilities, a supermarket and food courts turn the campus into a vivid place where students and teachers not only come for university quests but also spend parts of their free time.

HKUST has a strong focus on business and engineering. The international setting provides students, teachers, and researchers from abroad with a welcoming international atmosphere. HKUST is a partner university of Technische Universität München. The QS Asian University Ranking 2011 designated HKUST to be the best university in Asia.

The Chinese University of Hong KongThe Chinese University of Hong Kong. By Shingyip56 (Own work)[The Chinese

University of Hong Kong. By Shingyip56 (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0-2.5-2.0-1.0 (www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) is proud on being the only university in Hong Kong with Nobel laureates among the members of its faculties. To the latter belong arts, business administration, education, engineering, law, medicine, natural sciences, maths, social sciences. Europeans will note with interest that the university offers a school of Chinese medicine as well. CUHK is also oriented towards international students and researchers; it has formal exchange agreements with more than 200 universities in the world./licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) is proud on being the only university in Hong Kong with Nobel laureates among the members of its faculties. To the latter belong arts, business administration, education, engineering, law, medicine, natural sciences, maths, social sciences. Europeans will note with interest that the university offers a school of Chinese medicine as well. CUHK is also oriented towards international students and researchers; it has formal exchange agreements with more than 200 universities in the world.

The Hong Kong Polytechnic UniversityA prestigious university at the heart of Asia

Established in 1937, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is an internationally recognized university dedicated to academic excellence, innovative research and knowledge transfer. The university emphasizes in nurturing and unleashing student’s creativity and preparing them to be leaders in their professions with a serving heart for the community.In 2014 PolyU was ranked 30th in the world’s top 100 universities under 50 year's old, by Times Higher Education's 100 Under 50 Rankings. Over the years, the university has groomed over 355,000 graduates, many of whom have become leaders in their respective professions.Over 200 programmes, some internationally recognised and unique, making PolyU distinctive from other institutions in the region. The university offers unique programmes in design, environment and sustainable development, optometry, and physiotherapy, to name just a few.The only university in Hong Kong that incorporates Work-Integrated Education (WIE) and Service-Learning as components within the curriculum, encouraging students to apply their knowledge in practice to address societal needs and improve the lives of the needy. Hence, graduates are sought after by employers. In 2013/14 alone, more than 900 PolyU students participated in offshore internships in Chinese mainland and overseas countries, while some 2,000 students enrolled in nearly 40 Service-Learning subjects.

PolyU has a solid presence in the Chinese mainland, with six regional centres established to offer subjects, internship and Service-Learning opportunities for students in collaboration with mainland universities and corporations.

With a focus on multidisciplinary collaboration, PolyU fosters innovative research to meet the changing needs of society and advance technology frontiers. Students have vast opportunities in engaging in research projects. PolyU also topped the world in research performance and citation impact in the fields of textiles and clothing, according to a survey by Thomson Reuters.

PolyU has outstanding performance in knowledge transfer, contributing to the advancement of businesses and industries. Innovative ideas of students and teachers have been turned into reality, bringing positive impact to the world. According to the National Academy of Inventors, PolyU ranked 1st among higher educational institutes in Hong Kong in the number of U.S. patents granted during 2012 and 2013.

City University of Hong KongEstablished in 1984 as City Polytechnic of Hong Kong, City University of Hong Kong

achieved full university status in 1994. When it first opened its doors, about 1,100 students were registered. Today, more than 10,000 students attend the university. Also known as CityU, the institution’s main 15.6 hectare campus – housing its eight colleges and schools – is located in the Kowloon area.

The university’s motto, which is carved in stone in the university garden, is Officium et Civitas. This translates literally as “office and state”. This, the university says, reflects the sense of duty and encourages student and staff to combine “academic professionalism and career ethics”.

Past students include the Bona Mugabe, daughter of Zimbabwe’s president Robert Mugabe, and pop musicians Chet Lam and Fiona Sit.

The university has a strong reputation for sports, claiming a double victory (winning both the women’s and men’s overall championships) in the University Sports Federation of Hong Kong tournament on eight occasions – more than any other institution.

Under the motto “Be the Best that You Can”, CityU’s sports teams train at the five-story Hu Fa Kuang Sports Centre, which has – among many other facilities – six squash courts, a table tennis room, a climbing wall and two golf driving practice rooms.

Sport at the university made headlines for the wrong reasons in 2016, however, when the roof of its Chan Tai Ho multi-purpose sports hall collapsed, injuring three people.

On a more academic note, CityU’s Run Run Shaw library, named after the entertainment mogul and philanthropist, holds more than a million books.

Hong Kong Baptist UniversityFounded in 1956, Hong Kong Baptist University is a publicly funded institution

that has gained a reputation for the provision of whole person education, delivered by an international team of scholars in a caring and supportive environment.

Its main campus is located in a transport hub, enabling its students to immerse themselves in cosmopolitan Hong Kong life while gaining an all-round education that nurtures the abilities and attitudes required to be creative and capable leaders.

At present, HKBU has enrolled over 10,000 students and offers a wide range of undergraduate programmes, taught postgraduate programmes, and research programmes leading to the award of MPhil and PhD degrees.

The Hong Kong Institute Of EducationFounded in 1994, The Hong Kong Institute of Education is a non-profit public

higher education institution located in the the suburban setting of the metropolis of Hong Kong (population range of over 5,000,000 inhabitants). Officially accredited/recognized by the Education Bureau, Hong Kong SAR, The Hong Kong Institute of Education (HKIEd) is a medium-sized (enrollment range: 9,000-9,999 students) coeducational higher education institution. The Hong Kong Institute of Education (HKIEd) offers courses and programs leading to officialy recognized higher education degrees such as undergraduate certificates/diplomas, associate degrees, bachelor degrees, master degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study. This 22 years old HE institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic record and grades. International students are welcome to apply for enrollment. HKIEd also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sport facilities and/or activities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.

Lingnan University, Hong KongLingnan University, as the liberal arts university of Hong Kong, embraces the vision to

excel as an internationally recognised liberal arts university distinguished by outstanding teaching, learning, scholarship and community engagement. It is committed to providing quality whole-person education informed by the best of Chinese and Western liberal arts traditions; nurturing all-round excellence in students, including such attributes as critical thinking, broad vision, versatile skills, socially responsible values, and leadership in a changing world; and encouraging faculty and students to contribute to society through original research and knowledge transfer. Students admitted to Lingnan University’s MPhil and PhD programmes will conduct in-depth study in specific research areas. At research postgraduate level, Lingnan offers MPhil and PhD programmes in Chinese, Cultural Studies, English, History, Philosophy, Translation, Visual Studies, Business (including Accounting, Decision Sciences, Finance, Information Systems Management, Insurance, International Business, Management, Marketing, and Operations Management), Economics, Psychology and Social Sciences (including Political Science and International Relations, Sociology, Social Gerontology, and Social Policy). The University also offers a number of taught postgraduate programmes in Accountancy, Chinese, Cultural Studies, Human Resource Management and Organisational Behaviour, International Banking and Finance, Marketing and International Business, and Practical Philosophy.

Hong Kong Central Library

Hong Kong Central Library is the largest and the main library of Hong Kong, and using of Hong Kong Public Library headquarter, it functions similar to a National Library. It is located at the intersection of Moreton Terrace and Causeway Road in Causeway Bay.Facing Victoria Harbour, the 12-storey high building occupies a gross area of 9,400 square metres (101,000 sq ft) with a floor area of 33,800 square metres (364,000 sq ft). The building cost of the Central Library was HK$690 million ($88 million). The Library's collections amount to one fifth of the Hong Kong Public Libraries System; 2.3 million items out of the total 12.1 million items.The arch-shaped doorway atop the front facade of the Hong Kong Central Library symbolises the Gate to Knowledge, while the triangle, square and circle which make up the arch all carry further meaning. The circle represents the sky, the square the land and the triangle the accretion of knowledge. When it was originally proposed, the design was controversial and received critiques from Urban Council members.

EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY IN HONG

KONG

VisioEnglish

The platform provides quality English lessons for training institutions and language schools around the globe. It offers a wide range of English classes that are available to individuals and small groups. Lessons are delivered through an interactive online platform, VEM, in one to one basis over telephone or their online Visio conferencing system. The learners can fix their classes according to their convenience and the trainers at VisioEnglish will provide personalized lessons to suit their needs

Miki EdTech

it is a global education technology startup company that is developing and selling a complete suit of the best EdTech product along with a custom solution. Their mission is to find easy, comfortable and affordable ways to learn and share knowledge.

MIKI- it is the world’s first mobile collaborative eLearning platform, which works as a combined Google, twitter, Wikipedia, Whatsapp, and other social platforms that students use worldwide, but with the purpose of online education.    

Appedu

Founded in 2013, Appedu aims to give every student the tool to learn in the most customized manner, efficient and hassle-free, and yet in a minimal cost. Their core product, Snapask is a mobile app that allows students to ask questions about anything in one click. And get them connected to the most eligible teacher to provide a real-time one-to-one online class.

DigifabDigifab is Hong Kong’s professional 3D design and 3D fabrication education service aimed at Designers, Creative and Makers. They also deliver 3d modeling courses for beginners to help them get maximum satisfaction from 3d printers. Students learn the entire workflow, from downloading files, modeling components in 3d through design iterations to the workflow, to become a pro at 3D printing.

RegCourseIt offers an online platform for university students to gain an insight of the professors' teaching performance and to share their learning reflections on a variety university courses. With the help of technology, they revolutionize the university study experience. They shape a better campus and study experience for students as well as the university. RegCourse is currently available at eight universities in Hong Kong with more than 5k learning reflections and over 10k professor profiles.

3DAS

3DAS is an online education company that uses 3D gaming technology to run live classes. It is a school that is trying challenge the traditional classroom-teaching model. Being a high-tech education company, they are willing to try any new tools that can help them to enhance the online offering for better experience of students. 3D Avatar School aims to redefine online learning by providing 21st century students the opportunity to learn and practice language in a collaborative, goal-oriented and fun environment.

Making Smart ChoicesIt is a mobile app that teaches adolescents about sex education. The app is language interactive game developed by the Faculty of Education of the University of Hong Kong (HKU) to make their young generation aware about the safe sex knowledge.  

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