National Security Education in Hong Kong’s Universities in the ‘New Era’

Strengthening national security education (NSE) was one of the key issues addressed in the Chief Executive’s 2022 Policy Address. According to the Law of the People’s Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, educational institutions, including universities, have a responsibility to provide NSE. Unlike NSE implementation in primary and secondary schools, that in universities does not depend on centralised curriculum reform. Higher education institutions enjoy structural autonomy, and the curriculum and student population are more international and diverse. Hong Kong’s universities have taken initiatives to offer courses and develop other learning opportunities, yet the effects of these initiatives on student learning and understanding are mostly unknown. This is understandable, given the short time for which such courses have been offered. Nevertheless, it is important to understand their impact on students. The proposed study will explore the learning experiences of Hong Kong university students in the context of NSE.

Funding Source: HKSAR Govt - Public Policy Research Funding Scheme (PPR)