Following this, Legislative Council Member Li Zijing spoke about his personal development journey and educational background. He emphasized that selecting an educational pathway aligned with one’s strengths and interests is often more effective—and more likely to lead to strong outcomes—than pursuing goals without a clear direction. He noted that the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) offers a credible alternative pathway, with broad recognition by universities and a growing range of progression opportunities.

He further observed that, in recent years, the number of local Hong Kong candidates has continued to decline. Against this backdrop, he referenced ongoing efforts by Hong Kong’s publicly funded universities to expand non-local student intake, as well as the policy enabling eligible candidates to sit the HKDSE at designated Mainland test centers from 2024. In his view, these developments further strengthen the HKDSE’s attractiveness for students seeking diversified routes to higher education.

In addition, he shared perspectives on Hong Kong’s education and employment environment. He noted that as the proportion of Mainland students within Hong Kong universities increases, future cohorts may find it easier to adapt to campus life and integrate into the local community. He also highlighted Hong Kong’s continuing demand for talent and suggested that pursuing higher education in Hong Kong may offer favorable prospects for internship and employment opportunities after graduation. He encouraged students to plan proactively and make well-informed decisions when considering their academic and career pathways.

Mr. Wang Jian, Director of the Corporate Finance Department at China Construction Bank International Financial Co., Ltd., delivered a keynote lecture for students in the AP and HKDSE programs at the International College.

On 28 December, Mr. Wang visited our university and spoke to students from the AP and HKDSE program streams. His lecture, titled “Pathways to Higher Education in Hong Kong and the Development of International Finance,“ provided perspectives on further study planning and career development in the international finance sector.

From 28 to 29 December, a team of HKDSE curriculum experts from Hong Kong visited our International College to carry out lesson observations and provide professional guidance. The team attended classes across the program, reviewed instructional practices in depth, and delivered demonstration lessons for both teachers and students.

During the lesson observation sessions, the experts observed faculty teaching, with a focus on instructional design, classroom delivery, and student engagement. Following each session, the panel held detailed discussions with teaching staff, sharing professional perspectives and practical teaching strategies, and offering constructive recommendations to support continuous improvement in curriculum delivery and classroom practice.