EDB responds to report on academic freedom in Hong Kong by foreign organisation
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     A spokesman for the Education Bureau made the following response today (January 23) in regard to a report issued by a foreign organisation:

     Academic freedom is an important social value treasured by Hong Kong and protected by the Basic Law. It is also a cornerstone of our higher education. The HKSAR Government attaches great importance to upholding academic freedom and institutional autonomy. 

     All eight University Grants Committee-funded universities are independent and autonomous statutory bodies. They have their own governing ordinances and statutes which set out their objectives, functions and governance structures. The legislation provides the universities with the power and freedom to carry out their objectives and functions. By law, the Chief Executive is the Chancellor of the universities. The purpose is to maintain the linkage between the Government and the universities, and to demonstrate the Government's support for the higher education sector. The powers and duties of the Chancellor are clearly defined by law and they aim at meeting the needs of the universities. This statutory system has been in place and operating effectively over the years.
 
     We express regret over the comments made by the report against the higher education of Hong Kong which are unfounded and unfair.
 

Ends/Tuesday, January 23, 2018
Issued at HKT 19:22

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