The impact of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) on Hong Kong in the spring of 2003 was unprecedented. It was such a tremendous assault on society that virtually nobody was unaffected. Not only was people's health put at risk and economic activity almost halted, the progress of learning was also deeply affected. Over a million secondary and primary school students had to stay away from class for nearly two months. During this time numerous creative modes of learning and means of communication between teachers and students were tried out. Even when the students finally went back to school, they were still subject to cautious preventive measures on a day-to-day basis. It must have been a personally upsetting experience for all of them.

Nevertheless, SARS has left us with a deeper understanding of the vicissitudes of life and its meaning, as well as the noble spirit of mutual help and support. The entire society benefited from a subtle, but profound, change of attitudes. Quietly, the people of Hong Kong have left their mark on history. They have surely also turned over a new leaf. Prof Chan Wing-ming explains the philosophy of the learning project.