For now, the requirement will only apply to those taking up new jobs at publicly funded schools – a measure recently unveiled in Chief Executive Carrie Lam’s policy address.
Yeung said the test, which would be introduced from the next academic year, would be similar to the one given to applicants for civil service jobs.
Speaking at a press conference, he said the test wouldn’t put people off becoming teachers, adding that it would facilitate their teaching.
“The constitutional status of Hong Kong and also the content of Basic Law are part of the daily teaching and also part of the curriculum in many subjects,” he said.
“We think that it’s necessary for our new teachers to have some basic knowledge of the Basic Law. That will only facilitate their teaching duty when they join the teaching force.”
Meanwhile, Yeung dismissed concerns over the disbandment of Chinese University’s student union, saying he believed the university’s management would continue to provide support to other student bodies at the institution.
He added that all student organisations need to abide by the law.
