3 easy wins to modernise Hong Kong’s education system

Hong Kong’s education system faces pressure to adapt to AI. The current focus on the DSE is seen as insufficient for preparing students for a future workplace demanding relational intelligence and technological literacy. A key proposal is to shift away from traditional exams towards assessments that include oral examinations (viva voce) and test higher-order evaluative skills. This reflects a broader regional challenge for Asian economies that rely on established academic frameworks to integrate AI readiness without disrupting existing structures. Our view is that while the intent to modernize is clear, the implementation of such radical changes in Hong Kong will be complex. Introducing mandatory in-person viva voce examinations, for example, would require significant workload support for examiners and a cultural shift in assessment. The risk is that without careful planning and resource allocation, these reforms could strain the system rather than enhance it, potentially creating new disparities in access to quality education.