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Following is a speech by the Secretary for Education and Manpower, Mr Joseph W P Wong, at the Hong Kong Council for Academic Accreditation (HKCAA) 10th Anniversary Dinner today (June 8): (English version only)
Professor Leong, Dr Chuang, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
It gives me great pleasure to join you on this special occasion to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the HKCAA.
The Past Ten Years
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An organisation which is ten years old is still young by any standard. However, the past decade is momentous - for HKCAA and for the higher education sector of Hong Kong. The birth of the HKCAA coincided with the unprecedented growth of the tertiary education sector in Hong Kong. Whereas, only about 10 per cent of the 17-20 age group had the privilege of receiving degree-level education in 1990, the figure has almost doubled to 18 per cent. If we also count the self-financing, local and non-local programmes and sub-degree courses, the actual number will far exceed this figure. In money terms, total public spending on tertiary education has increased five-fold, from $3 billion ten years ago to $18 billion.
The last decade saw the establishment of three new tertiary institutions namely, the Open University of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and the Hong Kong Institute of Education. We also witnessed the transformation of five tertiary institutions into universities, including the Baptist University, the City University of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, the Open University of Hong Kong and Lingnan University. We also saw the emergence of over 550 non-local programmes in Hong Kong, offering more than 60 000 places.
But mere quantity is no true measure of progress. It is quality that counts. The HKCAA, as the only independent statutory accreditation authority in Hong Kong, has played a pivotal role over the past ten years. The HKCAA has nurtured many institutions from infancy to maturity. It provides guidance to many institutions through validations and institutional reviews. Through HKCAA's network, the valuable inputs of local and international experts are channelled to the institutions in order to ensure that degree programmes offered in Hong Kong will achieve international recognised benchmarks.
As with human beings, it is not always easy to get through the first ten years of life. Much depends on how the parents and peers support the growth process. By the same token, HKCAA's survival and success in the past decade is by no means a historical accident. My appreciation goes to all those who have contributed to the Council's success. I would like to take this opportunity to express my deepest appreciation for Dr Andrew Chuang who led the Council between 1992 and 1997. Despite his busy schedules, including frequent business trips outside Hong Kong, he has dedicated his time and expertise selflessly to HKCAA's work, on top of his other public service commitments. I am glad to see that Professor Leong is keeping up the good work with the support of renowned and dedicated Council members, as well as a group of committed staff.
The Next Ten Years
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Looking ahead, the next decade is going to be even more exciting and challenging, particularly for the education sector. The Education Commission has just promulgated its third consultation document, outlining a comprehensive package of reform measures ranging from pre-school to tertiary levels. Indeed, major changes are taking place. In the coming ten years, I expect to see, for example, the emergence of community colleges, private universities, more flexible programmes with multiple entry and multiple exit, wider implementation of a credit-unit system and more web-based programmes.
We are encouraged by the enthusiasm of the whole community in the education reform. We welcome the lively discussions, and sometimes, heated debates. All these demonstrate vividly that everybody, including the educators, parents and employers, cares about the education reform. We have reached a consensus -- that education is the key to the future of our next generations and Hong Kong as a whole. Our very survival hinges on education. In the coming months, we hope to identify our shared vision for a better education system in Hong Kong through fruitful exchanges.
HKCAA, as the guardian of quality, certainly has an important role to play. Local and international accreditation experts on the HKCAA can share with us their vast knowledge and experiences, including the strengths and weaknesses of various systems, and the best practices in quality assurance amidst the emerging trends. You can instil a quality culture in the higher education sector, and serve as the community's authoritative adviser on the benchmarks and standards of qualifications. You can help our higher education sector to excel and grow.
The international arena is likely to be equally, if not more, exciting in the coming decade. The whole world is stepping into the uncharted waters of new technologies and globalisation. Technologies bring with them unprecedented opportunities and challenges for the education sector. The proliferation of transnational, web-based and distance learning programmes calls for close international collaboration on quality assurance. The HKCAA has the foresight to initiate the founding of the International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education in 1991. We look to the HKCAA's continuing guidance and assistance in this front.
Concluding Remarks
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In less than a month's time, I will be leaving the Education and Manpower Bureau. But I will not lose touch with the HKCAA, as I will have continuing dialogues with the Council in my new capacity as the Secretary for the Civil Service. The Government, as the major employer in Hong Kong, will need your advice on the standards of local and non-local qualifications for recruitment purposes. I look to your continuing support in the years to come.
Once again, may I extend my warmest congratulations to HKCAA on its impressive achievements over the past ten years, and wish you all a very enjoyable evening. Thank you.
End/Thursday, June 8, 2000
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