On 19th October, Saturday, the grand flag-raising ceremony titled "One Flag, One Heart: Celebrating China's 75th Birthday" took place at Shenzhen Hong Kong Pui Kiu College Longhua Xinyi School (PKXYS). A total of 52 schools and kindergartens participated, with 600 students from Hong Kong and 400 from Shenzhen coming together to pay tribute to the nation through flag-raising and parade, showcasing the spirit and patriotism of the youth. Mr. Jeff Sze (JP), Under Secretary for Education of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), was the guest of honour, joined by officials from both Hong Kong and Shenzhen, along with distinguished guests from various sectors and parents, all witnessing this inspiring event.

▲ Group photo

One Flag, One Heart

▲ Speech by Mr. Jeff Sze (JP), Under Secretary for Education of the Government of the HKSAR

In his speech, Mr. Jeff Sze emphasised that youth are the future and hope of our nation, making it vital to nurture their patriotism. He expressed his desire for this event to build a bridge of friendship between Shenzhen and Hong Kong, encouraging students from both regions to work hand in hand to contribute their wisdom and strength to our country's prosperity. Looking ahead, he envisioned a tighter bond among young people from both regions, urging them to seize the advantages of "One Country, Two Systems", and to leverage the opportunities presented by national reform and opening-up, and the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

▲ A formation composed of students from kindergarten to high school

This flag-raising ceremony is one of the key events organised by the Government of the HKSAR to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. It is hosted by the Association of Hong Kong Flag-guards and received support from various organisations, including the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau of the Government of the HKSAR, the Education Bureau of the Government of the HKSAR, the Youth Work Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in Hong Kong, the Department of Educational, Scientific and Technological Affairs of the Liaison Office, Shenzhen Longhua District Education Bureau, and PKXYS.

▲ Distinguished guests in attendance

Mr. Jeff Sze (JP) served as the guest of honour. Other notable attendees included:

• Mr. YI Fei, Senior Inspector of the Department of Educational, Scientific and Technological Affairs of the Central Government's Liaison Office in Hong Kong;

• Dr. LEE Yin Yee (SBS), Member of the 10th, 11th, 12th, and 13th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, Chairman of Xinyi Group, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of PKXYS;

• Ms. LIU Jiachen, Party Secretary and Chairwoman of Shenzhen Women's Federation;

• Ms. WU Huan, Deputy Director General of the United Front Department of Shenzhen Municipal Committee of the CPC;

• Mr. ZHONG Yiying, Deputy Director-general of the Education Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality;

• Mr. WEN Liangfang, Director-general of Shenzhen Longhua District Education Bureau;

• Mr. LEE Shing Put (BBS), Member of the National People's Congress and Director of PKXYS;

• Ms. LEE Pui Ah, Director of PKXYS;

• Mr. HUANG Siliang, Deputy Director-general of Shenzhen Longhua District Education Bureau;

• Mr. CHAN Sui Wai (JP), Commissioner for Youth at the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau of the HKSAR;

• Mr. WU Yuk Chi, Head Principal of PKXYS and Pui Kiu College;Mr. Tommy WONG Tang Tat, Principal of PKXYS.

In addition, nearly 300 parents, teachers from Hong Kong and Shenzhen schools, and other guests were present to witness the event, bringing the total participants to over 2000.

Walking Together: Shenzhen and Hong Kong in Unity

▲ PKXYS student formation

A Grade 10 student from PKXYS shared his experience of participating in the school's flag-raising team and the distinctive "patriotism education" programme. He highlighted how various activities, both inside and outside the classroom, allowed students to combine theory with practice, deepening their sense of patriotism through personal experience. Another Grade 11 student remarked that participating in today's event was a valuable experience. It not only provided an opportunity to connect with fellow students from Hong Kong and Shenzhen but also allowed for engaging interactions with distinguished guests, significantly broadening her horizons. She expressed gratitude to the nation for providing a stable and healthy environment for her growth and hopes to contribute even more to the country's prosperity in the future.

▲ Book donation ceremony

On the day of the event, the admissions team from The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen presented admission  information about the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) to PKXYS, Pui Kiu Middle School, and Pui Kiu College. They also donated a new collection of essays, signed by President XU Yangsheng, to the libraries of the three schools. This aims to strengthen academic exchanges between Hong Kong and Shenzhen, providing students and teachers with richer resources for their career and life planning.

▲ Student exchange activity

After the event, PKXYS was honoured to invite Mr. Jeff Sze (JP) for a close exchange with student representatives on the campus TV station. They discussed topics such as learning experiences, school curriculum, holistic development, and career and life planning. Mr. WU Yuk Chi and Mr. Tommy WONG Tang Tat were also present.

In the future, PKXYS will continue to uphold its educational philosophy of "nurturing brilliant generations by embracing both Chinese and Western cultures and bridging Shenzhen and Hong Kong". The school aims to cultivate students with a strong sense of patriotism and deep love for their country, continuing to set the standard for educational integration between Hong Kong and Shenzhen. As the first international boarding school in China offering a combination of mainland, Hong Kong, and international curricula, as well as the first through-train school providing a continuous education from kindergarten through high school for Hong Kong students, the school strives to nurture generations who can contribute to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and China's integration into the world.

Author：Communications Department