Northcote College of Education Past Students’ Association Celebrates 80th Anniversary with Milestone Ceremony
The Northcote College of Education Past Students’ Association (NCEPSA) celebrated its 80th Anniversary today (4 July) with a commemorative ceremony at the historic campus of Bonham Road Government Primary School, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong. The occasion brought together generations of educators and alumni spanning the 1950s to the 1990s, alongside distinguished former lecturers who have contributed significantly to Hong Kong’s education sector. Notable attendees included Dr Chan Tat-man, Emeritus President and Senior Adviser of the UNESCO Hong Kong Association and a Northcote alumnus; Dr Lau Wai-kin, former Principal of Northcote College of Education; Dr Dennis Koo Hok-chun, President of the Northcote College of Education Past Students’ Association; Dr David Lan Hong-tsung, a Northcote alumnus and former Secretary for Home Affairs; Mr Tsui Hin-ching, a Northcote alumnus and former Principal of Shun Tak Fraternal Association Tam Pak Yu College; Mr Tam Siu-ping, a Northcote alumnus and former Principal of Wah Yan College, Hong Kong; and Mr Chow Ping-yan, former Principal of W F Joseph Lee Primary School.
The history of Northcote College of Education dates back to 1939, when the Government established the Teachers Training College. In 1941, the College relocated to 9A Bonham Road and was renamed Northcote Training College, and the College relocated to 9A Bonham Road in 1941. Over subsequent decades, the institution advanced in step with the development of teacher education in Hong Kong. In 1994, Northcote College of Education was amalgamated with Grantham College of Education, Sir Robert Black College of Education, the Hong Kong Technical Teachers’ College, and the Institute of Language in Education to form the Hong Kong Institute of Education (HKIEd). In 2016, the Institute was officially retitled The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK).
The ceremony was graced by Professor John Lee Chi-Kin, President of EdUHK, who attended as the Guest of Honour. In his address, Professor Lee underscored the enduring legacy of Northcote College of Education. “The achievements of our University today stand firmly on the rich heritage and professional dedication passed down by institutions like Northcote College of Education. Witnessing graduates across five decades reunite today highlights the profound and lasting impact of Northcote alumni in nurturing generations of talent for Hong Kong.”
Following the ceremony, guests joined a guided tour of the Bonham Road Government Primary School premises. Formerly the site of Northcote College of Education, the premises holds deep historical significance for alumni and have been designated a declared monument in Hong Kong. The tour offered participants the opportunity to revisit their formative memories while appreciating the city’s architectural and educational heritage.
-Ends-
