The Health Literacy Challenge for Secondary School Students in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (19 July 2025)

The Health Literacy Challenge for Secondary School Students in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area is a cross-border competition designed to inspire and empower secondary school students to deepen their understanding of health-related topics. 8 representatives from S1-S4 had the opportunity of travelling to Guangzhou for the inaugural health literacy challenge.

Under the companionship of our headmistress, Mrs. Lau, as well as led by our teachers-in-charge Mrs. J. Hau and Ms. K. Lam, we arrived in Guangzhou late in the morning, where we were warmly welcomed by the organisers. Their enthusiasm and exceptional hospitality were both surprising and greatly appreciated. Shortly thereafter, we participated in a rehearsal for the competition, during which the emcees explained the rules and various components of the event. Our representatives and fellow participants also had the opportunity to conduct a test run of some questions prior to the actual competition.

The competition itself was an exhilarating experience, as each team eagerly competed for the buzzer, striving to be the fastest one. The diverse components of the event posed significant challenges, testing participants’ speed and accuracy in real time. The atmosphere in the audience was charged, with cheers and gasps accompanying each team’s correct and incorrect responses. Toward the end of the competition, participants faced questions regarding prevalent unhealthy situations in schools, requiring them to act out scenarios and propose viable solutions. Throughout the competition, our representatives skillfully leveraged their knowledge, demonstrating impressive performance and poise under pressure. In addition, the competition provided a valuable opportunity for our representatives to connect and bond with participants from other teams. This exchange fostered a spirit of camaraderie, allowing them to share experiences, learn from one another, and build friendships beyond the contest itself.

As this was the first iteration of the health literacy challenge, we were uncertain about what to expect. In the weeks leading up to the competition, we engaged in comprehensive preparation, immersing ourselves in various health-related topics. The questions covered a broad spectrum of topics, including physical health, mental health, and traditional Chinese medicine. While we noted some differences between Hong Kong and the systems across the border, such as the different colours of Guangdong’s extreme weather warning signals and their significance, we gained invaluable knowledge that will serve us well in the future. Additionally, we had the opportunity to experience the unique culture of Guangdong, particularly through health exercises conducted between sections of the competition—an activity commonly practiced by local students during their lessons.

Due to adverse weather conditions, the trip which was originally planned for two days was unfortunately shortened to just a day. However, despite missing out on museum visits and sharings by professionals, we were still able to gain valuable knowledge, enriching experiences, and lasting friendships from the competition. As a conclusion to both the competition and our trip to Guangzhou, the organisation presented us with a thoughtful gift — a box of mugwort steam eye masks, designed and created by local Chinese medical students. This gift not only served as a memorable souvenir from our trip but also deepened our appreciation for traditional Chinese medicine. In all, this trip proved to be a profoundly enriching experience for us, cultivating meaningful learning, personal growth, and cultural connection.

We extend our deepest gratitude to the Guangdong Provincial Department of Education for organising this competition and for their exceptional hospitality. Special thanks must also be given to Mrs. J. Hau and Ms. T.Y. So for coordinating our training schedules and preparation leading up to the event. Again, we are grateful to Mrs. J. Hau and Ms. K. Lam for accompanying us and making the journey enjoyable and memorable. Finally, we would like to thank Mrs. Lau for providing us with this invaluable opportunity to expand our knowledge, as well as for her support and guidance throughout our experience.