Policy Address 2026: New museum in HK to focus on national security and patriotism

The Hong Kong government will enrich Hong Kong’s patriotic education resources to build a museum in Kwu Tung North to showcase national development and achievements.

The Leisure and Cultural Services Department will collaborate with museums from mainland China to support preparatory work in the Northern Metropolis, said Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu in the Policy Address 2026.

The museum highlights will include technology, sports, and culture, as well as Hong Kong’s role in the country.

Gu Minkang, the Director of the National Security and Legal Education Research Centre at the Education University of Hong Kong, said the Museum of National Development and Achievement can help local youth better understand the significance of safeguarding national security.

Gu said that by highlighting Hong Kong’s role in national development, the museum allows local visitors to develop a stronger sense of national identity and responsibility.

Data from the Hong Kong LegCo Secretariat in 2023 shows that national identity among young people remains weak. Only 44% identify as "Chinese" or "Hong Konger and Chinese," significantly lower than the 69% among those aged 35 and older.

Zhou Qingmeng, from the mainland and working in a Hong Kong school known for its patriotic education, said patriotic education in local schools is ineffective, including student visits to mainland patriotic centres.

“We only need to take photos of the students visiting to complete the task, without having to consider the effectiveness,” Zhou said.

“My students always said those activities are meaningless,” she added.

Most students at Hong Kong Polytechnic University take a lecture called Tomorrow’s Leader, which includes national security, in their first year.

Wong Yat-fei, 21, said she and her classmates did not find value in the lecture. Many students don't often attend classes, she said.

“The museums should not only tell the truth, but should also use real stories, videos and interactive displays to show how national development influences the fields of technology, public security and teenagers' opportunities,” Gu said.

Samuel Cheung, 29, a local visitor to the Museum of Coastal Defence in Shau Kei Wan, said that the history of the War of Resistance, part of WWII,  is an important part of patriotic education and popular science. 

“If the new museum can incorporate more history related to Hong Kong, I would be more interested in participating,” he added. 

Gu said, patriotic exhibitions and immersive experiences have unique advantages and can effectively enhance the learning enthusiasm of local students in Hong Kong.

“But the key is that teachers need to plan meaningful patriotic education activities and guide students to reflect, rather than just visiting museums,” he added.