Civil Service Newsletter April 2025 Issue No.119
Thematic Study Programme on Modern Chinese History Exploring the history of our country’s endeavours over the past century

Civil Service College
Civil Service Bureau

The Civil Service College has launched the Thematic Study Programme on Modern Chinese History. Making use of important historical events, the Progamme guides participants in exploring the history of the country’s endeavours over the past century and reflecting on Hong Kong’s role and mission in national rejuvenation.
How was the new China forged? Why has the People’s Republic of China risen to strength through trials and tribulations?

As colleagues are generally less familiar with modern Chinese history, the Programme adopts a different and non-traditional learning approach. Through questions as well as exploratory and interactive discussions, the Programme encourages participants to ponder on the country’s development at different stages from a fresh perspective. The Programme underlines the College's training emphasis on mindset-inculcation. With the use of songs, short videos, and stories of historical figures, the Programme brings participants through the country’s difficult journey from the decline of the late Qing Dynasty to its rise after the founding of the People's Republic of China. The Programme also enables participants to appreciate the dedicated efforts made by generations of people in the building of the new China.

The Programme has received an enthusiastic response. Participants were deeply inspired and touched by the inseparable bond between the motherland and Hong Kong, feeling a sense of pride in their Chinese identity. The Programme fostered a sense of mission among colleagues, encouraging them to reflect on ways to continue our predecessors’ spirit of self-enhancement and contribute to the prosperity and development of our country and Hong Kong. It has also inspired civil servants to further explore the relationship between modern Chinese history and national development.

The next round of the Programme will be held in the second half of 2025. Stay tuned for more details!

key topics
The Programme consists of five sessions. Participants will be awarded a certificate upon full completion.

The Programme is delivered by Dr Yau Yat, the Executive Director of the Academy of Chinese Studies, which is a member organisation of Our Hong Kong Foundation.
The Programme is delivered by Dr Yau Yat, the Executive Director of the Academy of Chinese Studies, which is a member organisation of Our Hong Kong Foundation.
Participants exchanged views with the speaker at the seminar.
Participants exchanged views with the speaker at the seminar.