Hong KongJune 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On May 29, 2026, the Yue-Kong Pao Education Foundation held a grand launch ceremony at the Asia Society, officially announcing the upcoming opening of YK Pao School Hong Kong, marking a milestone moment in the development of education in Hong Kong.
As a pioneering bilingual international school, YK Pao School Hong Kong will welcome its inaugural cohort of students in August 2026. The school is committed to meeting the growing societal demand for high-quality international bilingual education, upholding the mission of “Developing holistic education, preserving Chinese culture, and expanding global perspectives,” with the educational philosophy of “Joy in learning today, purpose in action tomorrow.” Building on the successful experience of YK Pao School Shanghai, YK Pao School Hong Kong will offer a highly structured, integrated Chinese-Western educational model, setting a new benchmark for bilingual cultural education in Hong Kong.
YK Pao School Hong Kong held its launch ceremony at the Asia Society on May 29, with distinguished guests including Dr. Choi Yeuk-lin, Secretary for Education of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government; Mr. Ng Hak-kim, Deputy Secretary for Education; as well as the founders of YK Pao School Hong Kong and members of the Board of Trustees of the Yue-Kong Pao Education Foundation.
Carrying Forward a Legacy • Ushering in a New Chapter — Highlights of the YK Pao School Hong Kong Launch Ceremony
The launch ceremony, held at the Asia Society on May 29, was honored to have Dr. Choi Yeuk-lin, Secretary for Education of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, and other distinguished guests as officiants. Over a hundred attendees gathered for the occasion, including members of the Pao family, members of the Board of Trustees of the Yue-Kong Pao Education Foundation, educators, entrepreneurs, industry and association leaders, as well as student representatives from both the Shanghai and Hong Kong campuses.
The ceremony kicked off with a unique musical performance—the student traditional Chinese orchestra from YK Pao School Shanghai skillfully blended Cantonese melodies with Western symphonic pieces, delivering a captivating and enchanting show.
Left: Opening performance by the traditional Chinese orchestra of YK Pao School Shanghai Right: Aina and Andrew, Grade 12 student representatives from YK Pao School Shanghai, share their university destinations
Following this, two Grade 12 student representatives from YK Pao School Shanghai initiated the ceremony proceedings, sharing their university admission results—the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and Northwestern University in the United States—showcasing the bright prospects paved by their twelve-year learning journey at YK Pao School.
The Education Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has provided strong support for the school’s successful establishment, not only allocating a school premises at 4 Rose Street, Kowloon, but also offering valuable support for the school’s curriculum development.
In her speech, Secretary Choi emphasized that the Education Bureau has been committed to enhancing educational quality, promoting students’ holistic development, and nurturing talent to help position Hong Kong as an international education hub. She clearly articulated the vision for international bilingual education and extended her warmest wishes to YK Pao School Hong Kong on its founding journey.
Dr. Choi Yeuk-lin, Secretary for Education of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, emphasizes the vision of building Hong Kong into an international education hub.
A Dream Set Sail Twenty Years Ago, Now Embarking on a New Journey
In her speech, Professor Anna Pao Sohmen, eldest daughter of Sir Yue-Kong Pao and founder of the Yue-Kong Pao Education Foundation as well as YK Pao School Shanghai and Hong Kong, fondly recalled the original intention behind founding the school: “I wanted to establish a school in China that is different—deeply rooted in Chinese values and culture, yet embracing the world with an open attitude. YK Pao School is the best legacy and development of Sir Yue-Kong Pao’s educational vision.”
Professor Anna Pao Sohmen thanks all guests for their continued support in carrying forward Sir Yue-Kong Pao’s philanthropic vision for education.
Mr. Pao Wen-chun, co-founder of the Yue-Kong Pao Education Foundation and YK Pao School Shanghai and Hong Kong, emphasized the significance of opening a new school two decades later: “We are moving forward with a proven, precise educational model—cultivating students with the cultural adaptability to navigate an increasingly complex global landscape. Our vision and mission have never wavered; they have only become more urgent and relevant to our times.”
The ceremony reached its climax with a highly anticipated launch ceremony, marking the official opening of the school in August 2026 and unveiling the design renderings of the future new campus in Kowloon Tong.
Top left and top right: Dr. Choi Yeuk-lin, Secretary for Education of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government; Professor Anna Pao Sohmen; Mr. Pao Wen-chun; and members of the Board of Trustees of the Yue-Kong Pao Education Foundation jointly preside over the launch ceremony of YK Pao School Hong Kong. Bottom left: Sir Yue-Kong Pao’s four daughters present his personal motto as a gift to YK Pao School Hong Kong. Bottom right: Ms. Cathy Braithwaite, Founding Principal of YK Pao School Hong Kong, poses with inaugural student representatives.
Building a Mission-Driven Community, Continuing the Bridge-Building Spirit
At the ceremony, the organizers paid special tribute to Sir Yue-Kong Pao’s outstanding contributions in bringing mainland China and Hong Kong to the world, as well as his profound impact on education—including founding Ningbo University in his hometown, establishing the Sino-British Friendship Scholarship Scheme, and funding generations of young students to cross borders and broaden their horizons. His generous donations benefited libraries, universities, numerous institutions, swimming pools, and other facilities, helping generations of young people pursue their dreams and contributing to public health and well-being.
The Yue-Kong Pao Education Foundation will continue to carry forward his spirit, focusing on primary and secondary education, and bringing together educators, entrepreneurs, and outstanding societal leaders who believe in the transformative power of education. YK Pao School is a living embodiment of Sir Yue-Kong Pao’s vision, and we look forward to a future where every young student can grow continuously through benevolence, integrity, and meaningful, joyful learning experiences.