HONG KONG – The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government announced on Monday the creation of a working group to promote patriotic education in the territory.

The HKSAR government said in a statement that the Working Group on Patriotic Education under the Constitution and Basic Law Promotion Steering Committee will have as its convenor National People's Congress Standing Committee member Starry Lee Wai-king.

The working group will assist in formulating the overall plan and strategy for promoting patriotic education in Hong Kong and monitor and review the implementation of various patriotic education initiatives

“Patriotic education is rich in content, covering the history, culture, traditions and values, and symbols and signs of our country. It focuses on cultivating national awareness and sense of civic responsibility among all citizens,” Chief Secretary for Administration Eric Chan Kwok-ki was quoted as saying in the statement.

“I firmly believe that the Working Group on Patriotic Education will adopt a holistic and far-sighted approach, taking into account both the current situation and the relevant contents of the Patriotic Education Law of the People's Republic of China,” he added.

The working group will assist in formulating the overall plan and strategy for promoting patriotic education in Hong Kong and monitor and review the implementation of various patriotic education initiatives.

It will also facilitate coordination and cooperation between government departments and non-governmental organizations in promoting patriotic education and consider and handle other matters related to the promotion of patriotic education. 

The non-official members of the working group include Stanley Choi Tak-shing, Gu Min-kang, Kwok Wing-keung, Cally Kwong Mei-wan, Lau Chi-pang, Lee Luen-fai, James Li Tsz-shu, Melissa Kaye Pang, Henry Tong Sau-chai, Wong Kam-leung, Connie Wong Wai-ching, and Yang Yong.