Singapore Centre for Chinese Language (SCCL) sent a delegation of four representatives to Hong Kong from 25 to 29 September, 2023. The team included Dr Foo Suan Fong (Executive Director), Master Teacher Mr Lim Yee Pin (Dean of Curriculum), Dr Zhang Limei (Dean of Academic Affairs), and Dr Lin Jinzhan, (Head of Research).

        The delegation's first stop was The Education University of Hong Kong. Dr Foo delivered a lecture titled "New Directions and Reflections on Teaching Chinese as a Second Language in Singapore" to postgraduate students of the Department of Chinese Language Studies on 25 September, on invitation from the Centre for Research on Chinese Language and Education. The faculty and students responded enthusiastically to the lecture. In the following discussion, the delegation met with Prof Zhu Qingzhi, Prof Leung Pui Wan, and several other scholars to explore future academic exchanges and collaborations.

        On 26 September, the delegation visited the Singapore International School (Hong Kong). Ms Pamela Yoong, the school's principal, and the school management team welcomed the delegation. After visiting the campus, the delegation observed a Chinese language class to gain a better understanding of the school's Chinese teaching program and discussed potential collaborations.

        On 27 September, the delegation visited the Faculty of Education at The University of Hong Kong and discussed continuing cooperation in postgraduate programs, academic exchange, and teacher training with Prof Yang Rui (Dean), Dr Elizabeth Loh (Assistant Dean), and Dr Cheong Choo Mui.

        During their visit to The Education University of Hong Kong on 28 September, the delegation delivered academic lectures to faculty and doctoral students of the Department of Chinese Language Studies and the Centre for Research on Chinese Language and Education. Dr Lin Jinzhan presented a lecture entitled "A Comparison of Singapore Chinese Textbooks with HSK/Chinese Proficiency Grading Standards for International Chinese Language Education and the Implications for Chinese Language Teaching and Learning". Dr Zhang Limei then gave a presentation titled "Providing Language Feedback Using Automated Marking Tools".

        The delegation visited the Buddhist Sum Heung Lam Memorial College on 29 September. The school's principal, Ms Fung Shun-ning, and management team presented to the delegation the school's educational philosophy, history, and current situation, focusing on its use of school-based data. After visiting its digital and meditation classrooms, the delegation observed a Chinese language class for high school students.

        During the week-long and fruitful visit, the delegation not only had in-depth exchanges with various universities, discussed the direction of cooperation, and shared academic achievements, but also gained a deeper understanding of Chinese language education in Hong Kong.

 

Dr Foo gave a lecture to students at The Education University of Hong Kong

 

The delegation held a discussion at The Education University of Hong Kong

 

Photo of Dr Foo and Ms Pamela Yoong, Principle of The Singapore International School (Hong Kong)

 

The delegation visited the Faculty of Education at the University of Hong Kong

 

The delegation visited the Buddhist Sum Heung Lam Memorial College