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The Secretary for Education, Mr Michael Suen, today (May 18) continued his visit to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where he shared Hong Kong's experience in education reforms.
He started the day by delivering a keynote speech at the education seminar "Education Reforms in Hong Kong in the 21st Century for a Globalised World" organised by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Singapore.
Speaking to local education leaders, Mr Suen said: "For our youngsters to survive in this increasingly complex world, we must equip them with a broad knowledge base, an aptitude for life-long learning and the readiness to venture into new frontiers of knowledge."
He briefed his Malaysian audience on the latest developments in Hong Kong on the education front, including the newly implemented New Academic Structure (NAS), the international recognition of the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) Examination and its smooth articulation with overseas education systems.
He also took the opportunity to promote the education services of Hong Kong. Welcoming students from Malaysia to come to Hong Kong for further studies and exchange programmes, Mr Suen said: "I believe Hong Kong is well placed to further internationalise its higher education sector and develop itself as a regional education hub. Hong Kong is a place where East meets West. The English-speaking environment, the cosmopolitan nature of campus life, and the rich cultural environment are all conducive to nurturing students with an international outlook."
Mr Suen also addressed a business luncheon, "Nurturing Talents for Asia", hosted by the Asian Strategy & Leadership Institute where he called for stronger collaboration between Malaysia and Hong Kong on the education front.
In the afternoon, Mr Suen met the Malaysian Minister of Education, Tan Sri Muhyiddin bin Haji Mohd Yassin, and the Minister of Higher Education, Dato' Seri Mohamed Khaled bin Nordin, and had useful exchanges with them on education development in the two places.
Yesterday (May 17), Mr Suen visited Tsun Jin High School, a Chinese independent high school which has maintained its good academic achievements for years and performed well in sports and extra-curricular activities.
He also met the Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia, Mr Liu Jian, earlier in the day.
Tomorrow (May 19), Mr Suen will visit Bukit Jalil Sports School, the first sports school in Malaysia committed to producing outstanding sportsmen and sportswomen. He will lead the delegation to Jakarta, Indonesia, in the afternoon.
Ends/Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Issued at HKT 18:25
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