Direct Subsidy Scheme (DSS) schools are a distinctive component of Hong Kong’s education system. Sixty-nine DSS primary and secondary schools are located throughout Hong Kong, providing students with high-quality and diverse learning opportunities under government funding. These schools demonstrate flexibility and innovation in curriculum design, admission policies, and resource utilization, and have a comprehensive bursary system, ensuring equal access to education for students from diverse backgrounds.

The autonomy of DSS schools allows them to more actively respond to society’s expectations for “quality education.” Responding to social development and student needs, schools introduce international curricula, implement distinctive teaching methods, provide diverse language learning opportunities, and enhance in-depth learning in specific subjects. Through these up-to-date curricula, students are equipped to become a new generation with critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and cross-cultural communication abilities, making them more competitive in a rapidly changing world.

Furthermore, DSS schools have demonstrated outstanding effectiveness in promoting the holistic development of students. Through flexible resource allocation, many schools are able to provide a wealth of extracurricular activities, overseas exchange opportunities, and advanced teaching facilities, allowing students to realize their potential in areas beyond academics. From participating in international competitions and learning multiple languages ​​to engaging with cutting-edge technologies, these valuable experiences not only broaden students’ horizons but also lay a solid foundation for them to become future talents with a global perspective.

Finally, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the past chairpersons and executive committee members for their hard work in building such a robust foundation. Looking ahead, we will continue to support the national strategy in basic education, cooperate with the guidance of the Education Bureau, actively build platforms, build consensus, promote policy optimization, and foster collaboration and innovation among schools. We firmly believe that through continuous exchange and reflection, the Direct Subsidy Scheme (DSS) system will continue to improve, unleash greater potential, inject continuous vitality and possibilities into Hong Kong’s education, and cultivate a new generation with an international perspective, a sense of responsibility, and innovative capabilities required by today’s society.