Gifted Education

46.       The support rendered by the Government to families is not just confined to pre-primary education. Since we started to systematically promote gifted education in 2001, we have seen a growing number of exceptionally gifted local teenagers rise to fame by winning top awards in international competitions. To nurture students with exceptional potential and talent, we support the establishment of an Academy for Gifted Education. This will enhance the performance of high achievers.

47.       We envisage the Academy will target students aged 10 to 18 who are either excellent academic achievers or distinguished performers in specific areas. The curriculum will be tailor-made to bring out the full potential of students. The Academy will also provide training for parents and teachers to promote the concepts and practices of gifted education. In the long run, the Academy can be developed into a platform for international exchanges as well as research and development.

48.       To facilitate the development of family members and a knowledge-based society, we are steadily moving forward with our education reforms and have started to see results in various areas. Preparatory work for the introduction of the “3-3-4” academic structure has been progressing as scheduled. Students are now able to pursue continuous learning through multiple progression pathways. I have deep respect for all our frontline educators for their hard work in nurturing talent and their active participation in implementing the education reforms. We are delighted to see that in recent years generous donations for local education have been made by an increasing number of benefactors. Their lofty and visionary deeds have won wide acclaim in our community, and deservedly so.