Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee member, Pui Ching Middle School principal-cum-lawmaker Kou Kam Fai told The Macau Post Daily on Wednesday in an exclusive online interview about his key proposals that will be outlined at the third session of the ongoing 14th CPPCC National Committee session at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
Kou is currently is Beijing for the nation’s annual “two sessions” – the session of the CPPCC National Committee (the nation’s top political advisory body) and the session of the National People’s Congress (NPC – the national legislature).
Kou emphasised leveraging Macau’s role in hosting the 2025 National Games to boost the local sports industry. He suggested relaxing entry permit, residency, and professional certification requirements to attract mainland sports talent, creating a more dynamic and competitive environment.
Kou also addressed the growing mental health challenges among Macau’s youth, proposing increased resources and support systems to reduce academic pressure and strengthen family-student relationships. “We must create a nurturing environment for our young people to thrive,” he said.
Kou also highlighted his school’s success in integrating STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education into its curriculum. Since 2012, his school has implemented project-based learning and interdisciplinary approaches, achieving a 100 percent university admission rate and winning national awards. Kou said he believes that Macau’s educational innovations, particularly in technology and creativity, can serve as a blueprint for the nation’s broader education goals.
Tech-driven education: challenges & opportunities
As a local pioneer in STEAM education, Kou highlighted the transformative potential of AI tools in schools, as at Pui Ching Middle School, AI systems have significantly improved learning outcomes, particularly for students who fall behind, and fostered cross-disciplinary innovation.
However, Kou acknowledged the challenges, including resistance from teachers accustomed to traditional methods and concerns from parents about AI’s impact on foundational knowledge.
To address these issues, Kou called for the localisation of STEAM education models, aligning them with international trends and national policies, adding that since 2022, Pui Ching Middle School has successfully integrated Weixin Mini Programs into its curriculum, enabling students to develop practical applications like a school sports event mini-programme.
Kou said he believes this low-threshold approach can serve as a model for other schools, encouraging innovation and real-world problem-solving.
Building skilled workforce for tech education
Kou particularly stressed the importance of cultivating “seed teachers”* to drive tech education forward, pointing out that teachers in his school are encouraged to innovate in curriculum design, project development, and teaching methods. The school has also partnered with tech companies and universities to provide training and resources, ensuring educators are equipped to navigate the fast-evolving tech landscape.
“We need to foster interdisciplinary talent and create a supportive ecosystem for tech education,” Kou said, emphasising the need for better facilities, standardised curricula, and stronger school-enterprise cooperation to bridge the gap between education and industry.
*A seed teacher is an experienced and highly skilled educator who plays a pivotal role in the development and implementation of new educational programmes, methodologies, or schools. – DeepSeek
This undated handout file photo downloaded from the Government Information Bureau (GCS) website last night shows Pui Ching Middle School principal-cum-lawmaker Kou Kam Fai posing at his school’s Chinese Cultural Centre.
