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The Secretary for Education, Mr Michael Suen, will begin a visit to Korea and Japan this Sunday (July 4) to continue his mission to further enhance Hong Kong's position as a regional education hub.
Mr Suen will be leading a higher education delegation comprising presidents, vice-presidents and professors from seven local universities. This trip is the second in a series of visits to Asian countries following a trip to Malaysia and Indonesia in May.
The aim of the visit is to showcase Hong Kong as a regional education hub with an internationalised and diversified higher education sector, as well as to promote the New Academic Structure (NAS), including the international recognition of the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) and its smooth articulation with overseas education systems.
To attract more foreign students to study, conduct research and take part in exchange activities in Hong Kong, a "Study in Hong Kong" education exhibition in Seoul and a seminar on "Nurturing Talent for Asia" in Tokyo will be held concurrent with the delegation's visit.
Mr Suen and the delegates will first stop in Seoul where on July 5 they will visit key scientific institutions: the renowned Korea Foundation for the Advancement of Science and Creativity, which is committed to establishing a creative society based on science, and the Korea Institute of Science and Technology, an internationally recognised research and development institute supporting national science and technology aspirations.
Mr Suen will also meet the President of the National Institute of International Education to enhance mutual co-operation in educational exchanges between Hong Kong and Korea.
On July 6, Mr Suen will call on the Korean Minister of Education, Science and Technology, Mr Ahn Byong Man, to update him on Hong Kong's latest initiatives in enhancing education services. He will also officiate and deliver a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the "Study in Hong Kong" exhibition.
Mr Suen will meet Korean students and alumni of Hong Kong universities at a get-together session to find out about their school life in Hong Kong. He will also host a dinner for Korean education professionals.
Before concluding his tour in Seoul, Mr Suen will visit the Ansan campus of the Seoul Institute of the Arts to learn about its successful experience in arts education.
Mr Suen and the delegates will proceed to Tokyo on July 7 for a three-day visit. Mr Suen will deliver a keynote speech at the education seminar on "Nurturing Talent for Asia" to update Japanese academic and community leaders on Hong Kong's efforts to enhance its position as a regional education hub. The seminar aims to facilitate exchanges and collaboration between institutions.
The delegation will visit the Yokohama Science Frontier High School, an innovative public high school emphasising the teaching of advanced science and technology, to learn about its experience in nurturing global scientific talent.
Mr Suen will also attend a networking luncheon with Japanese businessmen who have interests in Hong Kong.
On July 9, Mr Suen and university representatives will brief the local media on Hong Kong's education reforms, including key features of the NAS and the international recognition of the HKDSE as well as the latest developments in the higher education sector. He will also call on the Acting Chinese Ambassador to Japan.
Accompanying Mr Suen will be the Deputy Secretary for Education, Dr Catherine K K Chan, and representatives from seven local universities: City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Baptist University, Lingnan University, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, the Open University of Hong Kong and the University of Hong Kong.
The delegation will return to Hong Kong on July 10.
Ends/Thursday, July 1, 2010
Issued at HKT 14:01
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