HONG KONG – The overall performance of Hong Kong students far exceeded the international average in the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) 2023, according to the city’s Education Bureau.

“Hong Kong students' outstanding performance in mathematics and science affirmed the teaching effectiveness of schools and teachers, as well as learning outcomes of students,” a spokesman for the bureau said referring to the TIMSS 2023 results, which were announced on Wednesday.

The international study, under the auspices of the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement, is conducted every four years, with more than 60 countries or regions participating.

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“Hong Kong students maintained a consistently high level of performance in mathematics. Their overall result was outstanding,” the spokesman said, adding that the city’s Primary 4 students ranked fourth with a score of 594, which significantly surpassed the international average of 503.

Hong Kong’s Secondary 2 students meanwhile maintained fifth place with a score of 575, notably exceeding the international average of 478.

The proportions of Primary 4 and Secondary 2 students reaching the advanced level of the international benchmark in the subject were 38 percent and 32 percent respectively, well above the international median of 7 percent.

Significant progress was also seen among Hong Kong students in science.

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Primary 4 and Secondary 2 students showed a marked rise from 15th and 17th in the previous cycle to ninth and eighth in this cycle, scoring 545 and 528 respectively, significantly surpassing the international average of 494 and 478.

Their proportions achieving the advanced level of the international benchmark in the subject were 17 percent and 14 percent respectively, exceeding the international median of 7 percent and 6 percent.

To align with the national direction of 'invigorating the country through science and education', the EDB has been stepping up efforts to promote STEAM (science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics) education for all, added the spokesman.

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The Education Bureau said it will conduct an in-depth study of the results.

It will also continue to collaborate closely with different stakeholders to jointly and vigorously review the current learning and teaching measures, nurture students' interests, and strengthen learning and teaching effectiveness in order to enhance Hong Kong students' international competitiveness.