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A higher education delegation to UK led by the Permanent Secretary for Education, Mr Raymond H C Wong, begins the official programmes in Oxford today (June 21, UK time).
Members of the delegation include the Deputy Secretary for Education, Dr Catherine K K Chan, the Chairman of the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority (HKEAA), Mr Eddie Ng, and the Secretary General of HKEAA, Dr Francis Cheung.
The purpose of the visit is to promote Hong Kong's New Academic Structure (NAS) which facilitates smoother articulation with overseas education systems including the UK system as well as to secure wider international recognition of the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE).
Mr Wong's first stop is Oxford where he will meet the Vice-Chancellor Professor Andrew Hamilton and Head of Student Recruitment Mr Paul Teulon of the renowned University of Oxford. He will also have meetings with key university admissions officials, Oxford college admissions tutors and representatives from Universities of Bristol and Warwick to update them on the key features of the newly implemented NAS and the international recognition of the HKDSE, as well as to explore and expand ties with the faculty members.
The second stop of the delegation is Cambridge where Mr Wong and members of the delegation will call on the Vice-Chancellor Office of the University of Cambridge on June 22. They will also exchange views on a range of substantive education issues with senior admissions personnel of the University to strengthen Hong Kong's ties with UK leaders in education.
Mr Wong and delegates will then continue their final leg of a two-day visit in London on Wednesday (June 23).
Mr Wong will call on the British Permanent Secretary for Education, Mr David Bell, to update him on the latest initiatives of the HKSAR Government in enhancing education services.
To strengthen ties with tertiary institutions in UK, Mr Wong will call on Sir Graeme Davies, Vice Chancellor of the University of London, and the University College London. He will also have exchanges with admissions tutors from King's College, London School of Economics and Imperial College.
Mr Wong and delegates will also meet with the Chief Executive of the British Council to strengthen mutual ties.
The delegation will return to Hong Kong on Thursday (June 24) night.
Ends/Monday, June 21, 2010
Issued at HKT 16:13
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