Both traditional and simplified Chinese have value for Hong Kong
While learning simplified characters will benefit local students, traditional Chinese characters are still essential regardless of a student’s background
Despite growing cross-border integration, maintaining biliteracy and trilingualism continues to set Hong Kong apart from the rest of the country under “one country, two systems”. Embedded into the local education policy, the emphasis on learning English, Mandarin and Cantonese is as much an integral part of the city’s cultural identity as it is the formula for success in connecting with the mainland and the world. The policy is based on historical development and actual needs and has been serving the city well.
The Shatin Government Primary School came under fire not just for what was said to be a lack of consultation with parents on the new arrangement. It touched a raw nerve on the politically sensitive issue of Hong Kong-mainland relations. As some parents argued, their children might become disadvantaged and lose out to those who can answer exam questions more quickly. The move was also seen by some as the school bending rules and norms for the minority.