Two government-run primary schools in Hong Kong have recently permitted students to use Simplified Chinese characters in school tests and examinations, stirring widespread debate. The controversy began when online media outlet Education Needle reported on November 5 that a Sha Tin government primary school had issued a notice to parents stating that students from Primary 2 to Primary 6 could answer questions using “Simplified Chinese characters in accordance with national language standards.” Shortly after, Li Sing Primary School in Sai Ying Pun was revealed to have implemented a similar policy last year.
The notices explained that the new measures aim to accommodate students from diverse backgrounds, particularly the growing number of mainland Chinese students attending school in Hong Kong. However, some parents expressed dissatisfaction, launching a petition on Change.org criticizing the schools for implementing the policy without consultation and for rolling it out hastily, while also raising concerns about grading fairness. As of November 13, around 380 people had signed the petition.
The controversy intensified after former Hong Kong Chief Executive and current vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, Leung Chun-ying, publicly criticized the policy. On Facebook, Leung questioned why mainland students coming to Hong Kong for schooling were not making an effort to learn Traditional Chinese characters, adding, “If teaching is not strict, it reflects the laziness of the teachers.” His remarks drew mixed reactions—some supported him, arguing that Hong Kong must preserve its Traditional Chinese culture, while some pro-establishment scholars suggested that Hong Kong should “face reality” and that societal resistance to Simplified Chinese is unnecessary.
A key concern for parents is “fairness.” Because Simplified Chinese characters typically have fewer strokes, some parents worry that students using them could complete exams faster, potentially affecting school rankings and secondary school placement results. According to some parents, the policy was prompted by more than ten newly enrolled mainland students performing poorly on a pre-test due to frequent character errors; under the current rules, these mistakes would have significantly lowered their scores. However, the schools have not officially confirmed this explanation.