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Following is a question by the Hon Ma Lik and a written reply by the Secretary for Education and Manpower, Professor Arthur K C Li, at the Legislative Council today (November 10):

Question:

According to the requirements of the Continuing Education Fund ("CEF") for reimbursing fees of recognized courses, applicants must be aged from 18 to 60 at the time of application and on seeking reimbursement of their fees. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(a) of the number of persons who have attended recognized courses and are over 60 years of age, and its percentage in the total intake since the establishment of CEF;

(b) whether it has assessed the possible financial impact on CEF if the above upper age limit requirement is removed; if it has, of the assessment results; and

(c) whether it plans to remove the upper age limit requirement so as to encourage people to pursue lifelong learning and study; if not, the reasons for that?

Reply:

Madam President,

(a) As the eligibility for the Fund is restricted to persons aged 18 to 60, those who have attended recognised courses and made applications to the Fund are below 60 years of age. Therefore, we do not have the record of the number of persons who have attended recognised courses and are over 60 years of age, and its percentage in the total intake since the establishment of CEF.

(b) We have not assessed the possible financial impact on CEF if the above upper age limit is removed.

(c) CEF is introduced to assist our workforce to be better prepared for the change in manpower requirements during our transition to a knowledge-based economy. To achieve this goal and to effectively enhance the overall competitiveness of Hong Kong with limited resources, we have to set appropriate parameters on the eligibility criteria, including the age limit. The existing age limit for CEF applicants was laid down upon consultation with various stakeholders (including academics, the business community and legislators). In view of the objective of CEF, we have no plan to change the age limit.

We recognise the need for continuing education and training of all age groups. People aged over 60 who have the aspiration to pursue continuing education can also benefit from other programmes of continuing education and training provided with public resources. For instance, the adult education programmes offered by non-government organisations and funded under the Government's Adult Education Subvention Scheme include tailor-made courses for people aged 55 or above.

Ends/Wednesday, November 10, 2004

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