Hong Kong teachers will have to complete at least 30 hours of digital education training every three years, as authorities release a blueprint to boost the use of technology in schools. The move, announced Wednesday by the Curriculum Development Council, mandates that primary and secondary schools embed digital elements into their annual development plans and introduces a new innovation and technology curriculum for students.
The training requirement sits within the existing 150-hour continuing professional development cycle that teachers must complete every three years. The 30 hours will cover areas such as AI literacy, integrating AI into subject teaching, and AI leadership. Training can be delivered by the Education Bureau, professional organisations, school sponsoring bodies, or universities.
Training mandate and content
Professor Isabella Poon Wai-yin, chairwoman of the Curriculum Development Council, said, "Digital education is vital to our country's competitiveness and to the future of young people. We firmly believe that by building on the existing foundation of IT and STEM education, schools are well equipped to deliver this effectively." The council added that the blueprint has received high recognition from schools and approval from education chief Christine Choi.
Teachers seeking structured guidance on AI integration can explore resources such as an AI Learning Path for Teachers, which aligns with the skills the new policy emphasises.
School-level changes and new curriculum
Beyond teacher training, the blueprint requires schools to incorporate digital elements into their annual school development plans. An innovation and technology curriculum will be rolled out for pupils, though the council did not specify a launch date. The curriculum aims to build on existing IT and STEM programmes already in place across Hong Kong schools.
Why this matters for Education
For education professionals, the 30-hour requirement signals a formal shift in how Hong Kong expects teachers to engage with technology. The mandate turns digital literacy from an optional skill into a core competency, with consequences for professional development planning. School leaders will need to coordinate training schedules and ensure that the new curriculum aligns with the digital elements in their school plans. The policy also highlights a growing demand for practical AI training resources, such as those available under the AI for Education tag, which can help teachers meet these new standards efficiently.
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