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The following is issued on behalf of the University Grants Committee:
The University Grants Committee (UGC) has set up a Task Force to examine a revised proposal (Note) for a publicly funded School of Veterinary Medicine (vet school) in Hong Kong, as put forward by the City University of Hong Kong (CityU) in December 2012.
The Task Force will study CityU's vet school proposal with due regard to the general case for establishment of such provision in Hong Kong, and in accordance with its terms of reference. Its membership comprises overseas and local experts in veterinary medicine and life sciences, as well as those who are familiar with the higher education sector in Hong Kong. The Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost of the University of Hong Kong and the former Chairman of the Research Grants Council, Professor Roland Chin Tai-hong, will serve as Convenor of the Task Force. Other members include Professor John Edwards, Professor Willard Fee, Mr Irving Koo Yee-yin, Professor Mark Markel and Professor Yeoh Eng-kiong. The terms of reference and a brief profile of each of the Members are at the Annex. While details of the work schedule will be formulated by the Task Force, the initial tentative target is to submit a report to the UGC and subsequently the Administration by the end of this year.
"In view of the proposed publicly funded vet school for Hong Kong and its implications such as societal needs, the job market and considerable investment from the Government, the Task Force will consider all the essential issues from multiple perspectives. We shall look into options concerning veterinary education and research in higher education in Hong Kong and assess the implications of such options for the consideration of the UGC and the Administration. The CityU proposal will be considered in that context. We shall keep an open mind and maintain a close dialogue with all stakeholders throughout the process," Professor Chin said.
Note: For background information, please refer to:
www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201004/26/P201004260184.htm. CityU submitted a proposal to the UGC for the establishment of a publicly funded vet school in 2009. Having examined the academic, clinical, and accreditation prospects as well as the financial aspects of that proposal, and having regard to the Administration's views at the time on the demand for veterinarians, the UGC did not then support the proposal.
Ends/Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Issued at HKT 19:56
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