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The Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, today (Monday) sent his first e-mail message to all school heads and teachers in Hong Kong.

In his message, Mr Tung emphasised that education was the key to sustainable economic development.

"Education provides all citizens with an equal opportunity to improve their quality of life and that of their families," he said.

No one else would shoulder heavier responsibilities in providing quality education for the youth than teachers, he added.

The Chief Executive also urged teachers to send their views and comments on the review of education system undertaken by the Education Commission.

"As frontline educators, your participation and support is essential and indeed vital," Mr Tung said.

The Education Commission can take their views into account when finalising its recommendations, he added.

Knowing that all teachers at all levels are on e-mail, Mr Tung hoped that they would grasp this opportunity to network among themselves, to communicate and to share their experience in teaching.

"If Hong Kong is truly to become a cyberhub, all our citizens must be at ease with technology, including the use of e-mail, the most efficient means of communication," he said.

This message was also the Chief Executive's first letter in the millennium.

End/Monday, January 3, 2000

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