The government honoured outstanding educators on Friday during its annual teaching awards presentation ceremony, commending exemplary teaching practices that foster a culture of excellence within the profession.

This year, the awards committee evaluated more than 200 nominations across five distinct categories, namely key learning area in Chinese language and mathematics education along with values education, and two new ones in awards for budding teachers and education innovation.

Chief Executive John Lee presented the Chief Executive's Award for Teaching Excellence to 17 educators, while Secretary for Education Christine Choi awarded certificates of merit to 12 teachers.

Among the recipients was Lam Fong-sang from King's College Old Boys' Association Primary School, who received the Award for Budding Teachers.

Lam said he was deeply honoured to have received the award and spoke of his approach to innovative teaching.

"In the classroom, I teach maths and use AI and blended in learning to create pre-lesson videos," he said.

"This allows students to make the most of their time learning both before and after class.

"This recognition affirms our efforts to promote the holistic development of students both inside and outside the classroom.

"I believe that all students have their unique potential and talents, and as teachers, we should help them cultivate their strengths."

Another award winner, Lo Sau-ling from Holy Cross Lutheran School, received the values education award for her role in a team that designed an integrated curriculum.

The curriculum weaves together moral and national education and other value aspects across various subjects.

"For instance, in a primary four Chinese language class... the teacher may want to explain the term 'lying flat,' " she said.

"During the discussion, the teacher posed an important question: if Chinese farmers adopted a 'lying flat' attitude and did nothing – didn't plant rice or grow other things – what do you think would happen to the country?" she said.

"This leads to discussions about food security.

"Students can discuss what would happen if farmers or workers adopted a 'lying flat' attitude and did nothing. This could also extend to issues of social security."

Cheung Ping-kit from Hong Kong Taoist Association The Yuen Yuen Institute No 3 Secondary School won the Chinese language education key learning area award for his contributions to a team that developed a specialised Chinese language programme tailored to support non-Chinese speaking students.

Addressing the ceremony, the chief executive said he hopes the awards would continue to unite more outstanding teachers, enhance their professional image and strengthen respect for teachers.

Lee outlined three key expectations for award-winning educators: cultivate a strong sense of national identity and love for Hong Kong in students; serve as well-rounded role models; and embrace innovation and technology in developing new educational models.