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The Government today (December 24) announced that the Chief Executive had appointed Mr Carlson Tong as Chairman of the University Grants Committee (UGC) for a term of three years with effect from January 1, 2016.
The Secretary for Education, Mr Eddie Ng Hak-kim, welcomed Mr Tong's appointment as the UGC Chairman.
"Mr Tong is a distinguished community leader and is devoted to serving the public. With a track record of public service, Mr Tong is currently the Chairman of the Securities and Futures Commission as well as a member of the Exchange Fund Advisory Committee. Mr Tong has served as a member of the UGC and a member of the Quality Assurance Council under the aegis of the UGC, during which he offered invaluable advice on the development and quality assurance issues of the higher education sector. Mr Tong is enthusiastic about higher education and I am confident that he will lead the UGC and the higher education sector to scale new heights," Mr Ng said.
Mr Ng also paid tribute to Mr Edward Cheng for his exemplary contribution since his appointment as the Chairman of the UGC in 2011.
"Under Mr Cheng's sterling leadership, the UGC has completed many tasks which have far reaching impact on the higher education sector in Hong Kong. The UGC has played a pivotal role in the development of higher education, and the sector has continued to capitalise on its strengths while overcoming different challenges. With Mr Cheng's remarkable leadership and coordination, the higher education sector has successfully implemented the New Academic Structure in 2012, which enables students to benefit from more balanced and comprehensive learning and development. Besides, under his stewardship, the UGC has completed a review on the financial affairs of institutions, the outcome of which helps institutions provide further assurance to the public on the appropriate use of public funds. The UGC also successfully carried out the Research Assessment Exercise 2014, the findings of which help the Government and different sectors of the community understand the strengths of Hong Kong's academic researches and identify areas with potential for further development in the short, medium and long terms. Furthermore, Mr Cheng played an instrumental role in promoting the pursuit of excellence in teaching and learning and internationalisation through putting in place relevant funding schemes to incentivise institutions, yielding exemplary results," Mr Ng said.
He added, "Mr Cheng has devoted himself selflessly to the work of the UGC despite his heavy commitments in other capacities. I sincerely wish him all the best in his future endeavours."
The main function of the UGC is to provide impartial and expert advice to the Government on the development and funding of higher education in Hong Kong, as well as provide assurance to the Government and the community on the standards and cost-effectiveness of the operations and activities of the UGC-funded institutions.
Ends/Thursday, December 24, 2015
Issued at HKT 09:44
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