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Hong Kong, September 23, 2026 — Judy Chen, Chairman of the Hong Kong Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF HK), was invited to speak at the Greater Bay Area Masterclass on Saturday and delivered an inspiring keynote address entitled "What’s Education For? Beyond the Classroom, Bridging Knowledge and Character". Drawing upon her extensive, decades-long experience in international development and child welfare, Ms Chen explored the true essence of education, calling on young minds and industry leaders to look beyond traditional classrooms and dedicate themselves to safeguarding the futures of children worldwide.

During the event, Ms Chen also presented "CHINESE STORIES", the world’s pioneer AIGC (AI-Generated Content) animation series on Chinese civilisation inspired by her book, highlighting the innovative intersection of modern technology, education, and child well-being.

Education as the Foundation of Humanity, Not Just a Commodity

Drawing on her global journey from Beijing to the United Nations, Ms Chen challenged the view of education as a mere consumer product or exam race. Citing official data from UNICEF and UNESCO regarding the millions of children out of school due to conflict, poverty, and climate disasters, she critiqued the modern tendency to view education merely as a consumer product or a zero-sum game of grades and credentials.

"The true purpose of education is not just to make us 'smarter', but to help us become better human beings—how we treat ourselves, our families, and society," Ms Chen noted. "True success is rooted in character and conscience."

Advocating for Child-Friendly Communities and Sustainable Impact

As UNICEF HK Chairman, Ms Chen has long championed initiatives that place child welfare at the heart of community and urban design, such as the "Child-Friendly City" framework, reminding business and investment leaders to blend capital with ESG principles, SDG goals and moral responsibility.

Ms Chen concluded her speech by paying tribute to educators for igniting hope in young minds, and encouraged students to embrace resilience, reject apathy, and carry forward both knowledge and empathy. "Education is a lifelong journey without a finish line. May every young person carry the warmth and conscience of their education into every choice they make."

Judy Chen, Chairman of the Hong Kong Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF HK), delivers an inspiring keynote address at the Greater Bay Area Masterclass, exploring the true essence of education and child welfare.

Judy Chen, Chairman of UNICEF HK, attended the Greater Bay Area Masterclass.

Ms Chen combined global child development issues with UNICEF's frontline humanitarian work, sharing UNICEF's core mission of safeguarding children worldwide.