Hong Kong Student Union to Dissolve After 68 Years | Yahoo News
After 68 years, the Hong Kong Federation of Students (HKFS) has voted to begin the process of dissolution. The decision, announced today, February 5, 2026, comes as the organization cites an increasingly challenging environment and mounting pressures faced by its members and colleagues. Despite the difficult decision, the HKFS expressed no regrets for its decades of advocacy and commitment to Hong Kong.
A Legacy of Student Activism
For nearly seven decades, the HKFS has been a prominent voice in Hong Kong’s political and social landscape. The organization states it has consistently participated in significant events, witnessing societal shifts and actively advocating for student and citizen concerns, always with the future of Hong Kong as its guiding principle. Members expressed pride in their collective efforts and dedication.
Facing Mounting Pressures
The HKFS’s decision to dissolve stems from a changing environment that has created increasing pressure on its members. After considering various factors, the organization concluded that dissolution was the necessary course of action. A statement released by the HKFS expressed hope that its past contributions “will forever be etched in history.”
A History of Mobilization
The HKFS has a long history of mobilizing students and citizens around key issues. Since 2003, the organization has been a key participant in the annual July 1st marches. In 2012, the HKFS led a widespread student boycott to oppose the government’s proposed introduction of Moral and National Education, ultimately leading to the indefinite suspension of the policy.
In 2014, the HKFS initiated a student strike concerning electoral reform, which contributed to the emergence of the Occupy Central movement. During this period, then-Secretary General Chow Wing-kan, Vice Secretary General岑敖暉, and Standing Committee member Lo Kwan-chung engaged in dialogue with then-Chief Secretary for Administration Carrie Lam.
The organization experienced a wave of affiliate departures in 2015, with student unions from the University of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, the City University of Hong Kong, and Lingnan University all withdrawing from the federation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the HKFS to begin dissolution proceedings?
The HKFS stated that the decision was prompted by a changing environment and increasingly severe pressures faced by its members and colleagues.
How long has the HKFS been active?
The HKFS has been active for 68 years, having been founded after the Tiananmen Square protests of 1989.
What were some of the HKFS’s key achievements?
The HKFS played a significant role in opposing the introduction of Moral and National Education in 2012, and initiated a student strike in 2014 that contributed to the Occupy Central movement.
As the HKFS concludes its operations, what impact will this have on future student activism and the broader pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong?