National anthem singing the louder the prouder, says education chief

Hong Kong’s education chief said on Monday that people who sing the national anthem louder mean they are prouder of who they are.

The Education Bureau previously criticized pupils and teachers for singing the national anthem too softly, with its “Inspection Annual Report 22-23” noting that “teachers and students sang the national anthem together, but the singing was a little soft.” The bureau also suggested that “schools must boost students’ confidence and habit in singing the national anthem.”

Speaking in an interview on her two-year anniversary in office, Secretary for Education Christine Choi Yuk-lin said it is important for the Chinese to understand Chinese culture, also noting that Westerners lack the values of “filial piety.”

The official said although a recent review of schools’ national education did not focus merely on students’ singing of the national anthem, she noted that the volume people sing reflects their emotions and their level of engagement.

A case in point is that teachers encourage students to sing louder in music lessons, which is normal, said Choi.

She believes it is appropriate for authorities to remind students to be engaged during ceremonies and to sing louder regardless of the song, adding that schools would not feel pressured by such a suggestion.