Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa promised in his policy address for 2004 delivered Wednesday that the government will continue investing in education to keep up with the times.

He said that to invest substantially in education and to strategically raise the competitiveness of Hong Kong's labor force is "the main tool for promoting local economic restructuring and establishing a knowledge-based economy."

Tung noted that the government continues to support the development of tertiary education. "We should encourage tertiary institutions to take the initiative to specialize in order to achieve excellence," he added.

Up to now, the proportion of secondary school graduates who could pursue further studies has increased from 30 percent a few years ago to 48 percent. Tung suggested that this proportion need to be increased further.

Regarding education reforms, Tung said that it must be insisted and that he is "aware that it has increased the workload of teachers and confused some parents."

He said the government will strengthen communication with school principals, teachers, parents, students and the communities at large to clearly explain the concepts behind the policy of education reforms.

The Education Commission proposed last to change the academic structure to three-year junior secondary, three-year senior secondary and four-year university. Tung said while delivering the address that the government has "accepted the direction in principle."

He also suggested that the Secretary for Education and Manpower should consult with the public this year on the issue, including the design blueprint, timetable for implementation and financial arrangements.

"We will only implement these changes after adequate preparation and with public support," he added.

Currently, education accounts for about 25 percent of government expenditure. Tung said he does not change his concepts on education development.

"Every cent spent on education is an investment, not an expense," he noted.
 
(Xinhua News Agency January 8, 2004)