Hong Kong Students Celebrate National Day Through Calligraphy at 75th Anniversary Event

EDB hosts first large-scale primary and secondary school calligraphy event Calligraphy 1 000+ to celebrate National Day

The Education Bureau (EDB) today (September 14) held Calligraphy 1 000+ for primary and secondary school students across Hong Kong to come together to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and to send well wishes for the country's prosperity through the art of calligraphy, which is rooted in the rich and vibrant traditions of Chinese culture.

The Acting Secretary for Education, Mr Sze Chun-fai, and the Permanent Secretary for Education, Ms Michelle Li, officiated at the event. In support of the event, the Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, who is currently on an overseas duty visit, had created a large calligraphic representation of the event's title on a long scroll to cheer on the participating students.

Speaking at the event, Mr Sze said, "Chinese culture has a long history, and our esteemed traditional culture is the solid foundation of our country's development. As we make strides forward, it is crucial that we inherit and promote excellent Chinese culture. The art of calligraphy is one of the greatest treasures of Chinese culture. It is not only a form of art but also a way to cultivate character. In the process of calligraphy, students can feel the nuances of brush strokes, contemplate the layout and composition of characters, and appreciate the art of writing. This process also helps cultivate mindfulness, refine temperament, and gradually enhance one's aesthetic and cultural literacy."

More than 1 800 students from 81 primary schools and 61 secondary schools participated in the event, alongside 300 principals, teachers, and guests. Apart from students participating on-site, some schools made school-based arrangements to take part simultaneously. In addition, more than 100 volunteers from the Education Bureau, the Chief Secretary for Administration's Office and the Legal Aid Department assisted with the event, exemplifying the spirit of cross-bureau collaboration.

Guests, principals, teachers and students gathered at the venue to brandish their brushes together. With ink flowing freely and brushes dancing in unison, they created a spectacular scene and weaved a majestic masterpiece to celebrate National Day. This event not only showcased a passion for the art of calligraphy but also expressed heartfelt blessings from the Hong Kong school sector for the great motherland. They were willing to make concerted efforts to work together with one heart and one mind, do their utmost to contribute to the prosperity and advancement of the country.

The Hong Kong Island School Heads Association, the Kowloon Region School Heads Association, and the New Territories School Heads Association were supporting organisations of the event. All participating students will receive a certificate of participation, and 75 outstanding student calligraphy works will be selected for awards and exhibition.

EDB hosts first large-scale primary and secondary school calligraphy event Calligraphy 1 000+ to celebrate National Day Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

EDB hosts first large-scale primary and secondary school calligraphy event Calligraphy 1 000+ to celebrate National Day Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

EDB hosts first large-scale primary and secondary school calligraphy event Calligraphy 1 000+ to celebrate National Day Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

EDB hosts first large-scale primary and secondary school calligraphy event Calligraphy 1 000+ to celebrate National Day Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CHP reminds public on precautions against heat stroke during very hot weather

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (September 18) reminded members of the public, particularly those undertaking outdoor activities, to take heed of necessary measures against heat stroke and sunburn in very hot weather.

"The public should carry and drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration while engaging in outdoor activities," a spokesman for the CHP said.

"Those engaged in strenuous outdoor activities should avoid beverages containing caffeine, such as coffee and tea, as well as alcohol, as they speed up water loss through the urinary system," the spokesman explained.

"Infants and children, the elderly, pregnant women, those with chronic illnesses such as heart disease or high blood pressure, outdoor/manual workers, and individuals who are overweight are more vulnerable to heat stroke. They should pay special attention," the spokesman added.

The public should adopt the following precautions:

Wear loose and light-coloured clothing to reduce heat absorption and facilitate sweat evaporation and heat dissipation;

Avoid vigorous exercise and prolonged activities like hiking or trekking as heat, sweating and exhaustion can place additional demands on the physique;

Perform outdoor activities in the morning or the late afternoon, if possible;

For indoor activities, open all windows, use a fan or use air-conditioning to maintain good ventilation;

Do not stay inside a parked vehicle; and

Reschedule work to cooler times of the day if feasible. If working in a hot environment is inevitable, introduce shade in the workplace where practicable. Start work slowly and pick up the pace gradually. Move to a cool area for rest at regular intervals to allow the body to recuperate.

​The public should also note the latest and the forecast Ultraviolet (UV) Index released by the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO). When the UV Index is high (6 or above):

Minimise direct exposure of the skin and the eyes to sunlight;

Wear long-sleeved and loose-fitting clothes;

Wear a wide-brimmed hat or use an umbrella;

Seek a shaded area or put on UV-blocking sunglasses;

Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen lotion with a minimum sun protection factor (SPF) of 15, preferably higher. Reapply every two hours if you stay out in the sun, and after swimming, sweating or towelling off; and

While using DEET-containing insect repellents for personal protection against mosquito-borne diseases, apply sunscreen first, then insect repellent.

​If symptoms develop, such as dizziness, headache, nausea, shortness of breath or confusion, rest and seek help immediately, and seek medical advice as soon as possible.

​The public may obtain more information from the DH's Health Education Infoline (2833 0111),heat strokepage andUV radiationpage; the HKO's Dial-a-Weather (1878 200),latestweather report and forecast,UV Indexand weather information forhiking and mountaineering; andpress releasesof the Labour Departmenton precautions against heat stroke for outdoor workers and their employers when the Very Hot Weather Warning is in force.