Funded by the Tin Ka Ping Foundation, the Education University of Hong Kong’s (EdUHK) Department of Chinese Language Studies (CHL) held the closing ceremony of the “Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area ‘Characteristic Affection, Classical Aspirations’ Teaching Development Research Project” at EdUHK’s North Point Teaching Centre on 28 June 2025. The event was attended by over 150 representatives from the education sector, teachers, students, and distinguished guests from Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao to celebrate the innovative integration of traditional culture with modern education.

Officiating at the ceremony were Mr Sam Tin Hing-sin, Director of the Tin Ka Ping Foundation, and Professor John Lee Chi-Kin, Dean of the Academy of Educational Development and Innovation at EdUHK.

Professor Lee recognised the project’s achievements in his address, explaining that the initiative promoted traditional Chinese culture and revitalised classical poetry through technology, such as generative animations and virtual recitation competitions. He said that this significantly enhanced students’ cultural identity and moral development, and added that these achievements provided valuable insights for future educational collaborations in the region.

Mr Tin affirmed the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to supporting cultural and educational initiatives, fostering future talents in the Greater Bay Area who embody both humanistic values and innovative spirit.

The project leader, Dr Lai Chi-shing of CHL expressed gratitude for the steadfast support from the Tin Ka Ping Foundation and guidance from Professor Lee. “Through digital teaching materials, AI animations, and immersive theatre, we have effectively combined classical literature with moral education, injecting new technological vitality into traditional culture,” he said. “This initiative has reached more than 100 primary and secondary schools across the Greater Bay Area, benefitting tens of thousands of students,” he added. Dr Lai revealed that the project’s second phase was underway, aiming to expand the network, develop more interactive teaching materials, and establish a cross-border teacher training platform to sustain the innovative development of classical education.

Participating in the Project, Dr Yeung Wing-hon, Principal of Confucius Hall Yat Sen College in Hong Kong, explained that students initiated a “Campus Etiquette Campaign” after studying The Analects, transforming classical teachings into daily practices – a testament to the project’s core philosophy of “cultivating character through culture and nurturing hearts through sentiment.”

Professor Yu Xinming from Guangdong Second Normal University reflected on the teacher training activities in Guangzhou. He stressed that the project’s integration of classical poetry education with technological innovation has opened new avenues for Chinese language teaching in the Greater Bay Area.

The event also featured an award presentation ceremony for the Project’s “Essay Competition” and a “Micro-Video Competition”. Hundreds of entries from both Hong Kong and mainland China were received, notable works included the lower primary micro-video “Three Companions, One Must Be My Teacher” and the secondary school essay “On the Stork Tower”, showcasing students’ deep understanding and creative interpretation of classical culture.

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