Event Overview
Organized by Smart Education, the 5th TOEFL® and TOEIC® Best of the Best Awards Presentation Ceremony was successfully held on 17th July, 2026 in Jockey Club Convention Hall at The Hong Kong Red Cross Headquarters. The event brought together over 300 participants—including award-winning students, school principals, teachers, and parents—to celebrate the outstanding achievements of Hong Kong students and schools in the internationally recognized TOEFL and TOEIC English-language assessments.
The event aimed to promote global vision, educational innovation, and excellence in English learning, while reaffirming Hong Kong’s vital role as a hub for international education and as part of the nation’s broader talent development strategy.
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Distinguished Guests Share Insights on Education
The ceremony was honored by the presence of distinguished guests from the political and academic sectors who shared their valuable insights on the future of education in Hong Kong. Officiating guests included: (listed in no particular order)
- Principal LAI Ping-wah Jonathan - Deputy Director, Education Services, Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui
- Dr. Hon. NGAN Man-yu - Adjunct Professor, Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, City University of Hong Kong
- Dr. TANG Ko-wai William - Assistant Professor, School of Education and Languages, Hong Kong Metropolitan University
- Mr. CHAN Kai-wing Kevin - President, Smart Education Co. Ltd.; Official Representative of ETS TOEFL & TOEIC in Hong Kong and Macao
- Ms. TSANG Wai-man Elsa - President, Smart Education Charitable Foundation; Chairperson, Hong Kong E-textbook Association
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Guests emphasized the importance of global English proficiency in empowering Hong Kong’s youth to thrive internationally, and commended teachers and schools for their dedication to cultivating bilingual and globally minded learners.
The ceremony’s atmosphere was further enlivened by the professional and charismatic hosting of Ms. Maggie Chang, a renowned emcee, singer, and host of ViuTV’s “Acamedia: Create, Like and Share”, who engaged the audience with her vibrant energy.
Recognizing Outstanding Achievements
The ceremony celebrated exceptional students who demonstrated remarkable English proficiency in international TOEFL and TOEIC examinations.
In 2025, over 30,000 students from over 300 schools in Hong Kong took TOEFL and TOEIC tests, with only the top 0.5% selected to receive the TOEFL Best of the Best Awards and TOEIC Best of the Best Awards in Hong Kong.
These distinguished students have achieved internationally benchmarked English standards, showcasing Hong Kong’s strong foundation in global communication and academic excellence.
School Awards Driving Educational Innovation
The TOEFL Best of the Best School Awards and TOEIC Best of the Best School Awards recognized schools that demonstrate long-term commitment, innovative pedagogy, and outstanding outcomes in English language education.
By leveraging data from TOEFL and TOEIC assessments, these schools have refined curriculum planning, improved teaching effectiveness, and empowered students to achieve international benchmarks of proficiency. They serve as exemplary models for integrating language learning with real-world applications.
Memorable Moments
The joyful atmosphere reached its peak as winners took the stage to receive their trophies and certificates. Teachers, parents, and principals shared in the pride and inspiration of seeing students recognized for their hard work and talent.
This year, Smart Education introduced a special “Heartfelt Giveaway” segment — sponsoring lucky students to sit for the IC3 Digital Literacy Certification Exam, a globally recognized qualification in digital competency and literacy.
This initiative highlights Smart Education’s dedication not only to language education but also to equipping students with essential 21st-century digital skills that complement their academic and professional growth.
Smart Education: Expanding Its Role in Global Assessments
As the official representative of ETS TOEFL and TOEIC in Hong Kong and Macao, Smart Education continues to champion internationally standardized language assessments and quality education resources.
In 2026, Smart Education proudly became the official representative of Certiport exams, introducing a wider range of globally recognized qualifications — including IC3 Digital Literacy, IC3 Spark, ESB (Entrepreneurship and Small Business), and CCS Generative AI Foundations certifications.
This expansion directly supports the Education Bureau’s “Blueprint on Digital Education for Primary and Secondary Schools”, fostering students’ digital literacy, innovation capability, and readiness for future learning. It also marks a major step forward in integrating Hong Kong’s English and digital education standards with international benchmarks, empowering students to thrive in the digital transformation era.
Smart Education’s dual commitment to language proficiency and digital empowerment reflects Hong Kong’s overarching goal of nurturing high-end talent for global and national advancement — in alignment with the 15th Five Year Plan strategic direction of innovation and education excellence.
List of Awardees