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Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, at the Chinese University of Hong Kong 40th Anniversary Banquet at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre this (December 6) evening:
Edgar, Raymond, Ambrose, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
It is my pleasure to join you this evening to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, and to share with you fond memories of the University's birth and growth, and the joy of its phenomenal progress.
Forty years could easily have passed unnoticed for institutions that are established to last and flourish through times, but the forty years of the Chinese University have been an exceptionally magnificent story to tell.
The story had its roots in a much earlier era, when the University's constituent colleges, the Chung Chi College, New Asia College and United College were founded. Even in those early days and in their modest settings, the Colleges were guided by the fervour and vision of their founders, and students inspired by the unique cultural tradition that enriched their education. Over the decades, the Chinese University has firmly established itself as centre for educational excellence. With the fourth constituent - Shaw College - joining the family in 1986, the University is now heading confidently towards its goal of becoming a first-class university in the region and in the world.
Education in the 21st century
Higher education has never been merely a transfer of skills for tackling day-to-day problems. It seeks to impart knowledge, inspire hearts and minds, and help individuals establish core values which will guide them for life. It enhances the individual's intellectual quality and ability, so that he or she may adapt to changes and look for innovative solutions to drive social and economic developments.
In this fast-changing world, it is important that universities should promote all-round education. The Chinese University has all along attached equal importance to Chinese and English, to teaching and research, and to professional and general education. It cares for its students' intellectual pursuit and personal development, and teaches them to embrace cultural heritage and develop global perspectives. This is precisely the kind of education we need to help our future generations position themselves and compete in the 21st century.
Achievements of the Chinese University of Hong Kong
And this is also where the strength of the Chinese University lies. Many of the University's academic achievements receive great acclaim internationally. In the field of virtual human research where, I understand, advanced imaging technology is used to reconstruct a 3D human structure in the computer or a virtual human, to support medical education and life science research and medical discoveries, for instance, the Chinese University is now at the forefront. It is among the first in the world to develop a new device in the surgical management of emphysema, and has made remarkable breakthroughs in the 3D reconstruction and real-time visualisation of the virtual human. Researchers from the University were recently awarded a US National Institute of Health grant of US$2 million to study osteoporosis in Asian men. This is the largest grant the Institute has ever awarded to a project in Asia.
At the same time, the University's active collaboration with institutions on the Mainland and overseas also help promote cultural exchange and establish Hong Kong as the regional centre of excellence in higher education. Back in 1985, the Chinese University was the first university in Hong Kong to sign an exchange agreement with Tsing Hua University. The two prestigious universities entered into a new agreement just this summer, to further their academic exchanges.
At home, the Chinese University has made invaluable contribution to the development of human resources. The 70,000 graduates who have benefited from the education at the Chinese University, including many of you here who are top businessmen, government officials and professionals, can bear witness to that.
Current Issues Facing the Higher Education Sector
Distinguished friends, I know many of you want to know the answers to some of the current issues facing the higher education sector. These are the issues high on my agenda and they also occupy the minds of the Secretary of Education and Manpower Professor Arthur Li and Chairperson of University Grants Committee (UGC) Mrs Alice Lam. Tonight, I wish to share with you some of my thoughts.
Let me begin by re-iterating my firm belief that Hong Kong's future depends on the quality of education and training that our young people receive. Without a pool of highly trained professionals, we will lose our competitive edge. Our universities have risen to the task by providing high quality graduates. Let me say, we are proud of your work and thank you for your contributions to the community over the years.
The UGC's Report on Higher Education in Hong Kong published last year, has profound impact on the further development of the higher education sector. Let me say from the outset that it is a compass setting out the direction. It is not intended to dictate exactly what institutions should do. But the institutions need to rise to the occasion - within their roles - to meet the needs of Hong Kong. I do not believe that eight institutions are too many for Hong Kong. What is important is that they fulfill their different roles. We believe in competition - for example in medicine, law, sciences and business studies - but not excessive duplication, which may not be cost-effective, particularly in expensive subject areas.
In a rapidly changing world, the institutions need to be sure that they are serving the changing needs of the community. What we wish to see is an interlocking university sector where all eight institutions play their part in making Hong Kong "the education hub in the region". This means that they sometimes compete, other times complement, but certainly we must deploy limited resources in a way which would maximise the benefits to Hong Kong.
It is important that while there is less money to spend, every university should build on its strengths and be more focused. University heads should also be given greater flexibility in the way they spend the funds that are allocated to them. You, after all, are the best judges of how best to spend the money your institution has. There should be more trust and less control; more collaboration and less duplication as the institutions, the UGC and Education and Manpower Bureau work together to pursue the common goal of excellence.
On the question of institutional integration, let me say that integration can only happen if integration is to the benefit of the community as a whole and let me emphasize, only if both parties are willing. There is no intention on the part of Government to force institutions to integrate. Indeed, among the eight institutions there can be far more collaboration to maximize institutional strengths and the use of resources.
Now, let me talk about the cut in education expenditure. The process of globalization and the bursting of the asset bubble as a result of the Asian financial turmoil have necessitated the painful process of economic restructuring. Persistent deflation over the past five years has also created enormous pressure on our budget. The Government has been faced with many difficult decisions in cutting expenditure and raising revenue.
It is my strong conviction that education is an investment that is of the utmost importance to us in this knowledge age. I want to assure you that the Administration will work with you to ensure that whatever cut in educational spending will not affect the core activities and the quality of education of the universities.
I am glad to know that the heads of our institutions have accepted, though reluctantly, the 10% cut in expenditure for academic year 2004-2005 and this is on top of the net 5% cut implemented in the earlier triennia. You can see that the institutions have been doing their part and are still doing their part in helping the Government and the community to find solutions to this challenge. Let me emphasize that no decision has been made with regards to the 2005-2008 triennium. Decisions will only be made after consultation with institutions and taking into account carefully your views. What is important is that we as the Government, you as the institutions and the whole community must work together to find the best way forward. We need to come to an agreement soon so that all the institutions can move forward and focus on their objective of continuing to provide quality education to the Hong Kong community. I know I can count on your support in this effort.
Ladies and gentlemen, the past forty years of the Chinese University have been most impressive. Yet, for a university that is determined to advance and excel, forty years is but a milestone. As the 40th Anniversary logo so aptly depicts, the Chinese University of Hong Kong will, like a soaring phoenix, continue to scale new heights in the years to come. On this happy occasion, I would like to join you all in wishing the University every success in its future endeavours.
Thank you.
End/Saturday, December 6,2003
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