Opening of Mainland Higher Education Expo 2011 (with photos)
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     The pilot scheme whereby some Mainland higher education institutions will exempt Hong Kong students from taking the Joint Entrance Examination for Universities in the Mainland will provide an alternative study pathway for Hong Kong students, the Permanent Secretary for Education, Mrs Cherry Tse, said today (December 10).

     Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Mainland Higher Education Expo 2011, Mrs Tse said the scheme will also be conducive to the career development of Hong Kong students in both the Mainland and Hong Kong and help nurture talent for our country.

     The pilot scheme is one of the supporting measures announced by the Vice-Premier of the State Council, Mr Li Keqiang, during his visit to Hong Kong in August this year.

     The Ministry of Education announced on November 28 detailed arrangements for the pilot scheme whereby 63 Mainland higher education institutions will consider the admission of Hong Kong students based on their results in the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination and the Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination, and exempt them from taking the Joint Entrance Examination for Universities in the Mainland.

     Mrs Tse said, "In view of Hong Kong's closer social and economic integration with the Mainland following the Reunification, Hong Kong students pursuing further study in the Mainland are able to broaden their horizons, enhance their understanding of the Mainland's situation, and develop a network there.

     "The experience in learning and living in the Mainland will be conducive to those students' career development in Hong Kong or the Mainland, and build up mutual understanding and friendship between those students and the younger generation in the Mainland."

     Mrs Tse also thanked the Ministry of Education for their great support in working out the detailed arrangements for the pilot scheme, and the 63 Mainland higher education institutions for their participation in the Expo.

     After the opening ceremony, Mrs Tse toured exhibition booths to understand more on the information available for the expo visitors.

     The Mainland Higher Education Expo 2011 is open to the public today and on Sunday (December 11) from 10.30am to 5.30pm at Queen Elizabeth School, 152 Sai Yee Street, Mong Kok.

     Jointly organised by the Ministry of Education and the Education Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, the event aims at helping students and parents further understand details of the application procedures under the pilot scheme and general information about pursuing further study in the Mainland.

     A total of 63 Mainland higher education institutions participating in the scheme have set up exhibition booths and are organising talks to provide information for visitors in areas such as the admission criteria, faculties and subjects and tuition fees.

     Sharing sessions will also be held, during which some Hong Kong students who have graduated from Mainland institutions will talk about their study life in the Mainland. In addition, representatives from executive search agencies and corporations will give talks on the career prospects of students after graduation from Mainland higher education institutions.

Ends/Saturday, December 10, 2011
Issued at HKT 11:50

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