The following is issued on behalf of the Education Commission:
 
          The Chairman of the Education Commission, Mr Tim Lui, welcomed the education initiatives announced in "The Chief Executive's 2022 Policy Address" delivered today (October 19).

     Mr Lui said, "As the Chairman of the Education Commission, I support the Government's commitment to enhancing the quality of education, creating opportunities for our children to flourish, and cultivating a new generation with knowledge and experience, a global perspective, positive values and attitude, as well as love for the country and the city. I also fully agree with the Government's development on the three fronts of unleashing the potential of students, improving the effectiveness of learning and teaching, and contributing to the strong impetus for growth.

     "I am pleased to note that the Education Bureau will proactively step up the promotion of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) education 'for all', 'for fun' and 'for diversity' to shape students' scientific and creative thinking, and enhance the support and professional development for STEAM teachers with a view to identifying and nurturing students with potential. In tandem, the multi-pronged and co-ordinated approach to comprehensively promote national education has been working effectively to further enhance teachers' and students' understanding of Chinese culture and national development, nurture their sense of belonging towards the country, national identity and national pride, and heighten their awareness and sense of responsibility to jointly safeguard national security."

     He added, "Teachers' behaviour and conduct have an enduring impact on students. I therefore support the Government in enhancing different areas of teacher management - their entry to the profession, conduct and training - to increase the professionalism of teachers."

     Mr Lui also welcomed the Government's utmost efforts in promoting vocational and professional education and training (VPET) through adopting the strategies of fostering industry-institution collaboration and diversified development as well as providing pluralistic and quality learning, and job opportunities for the young generation to demonstrate their capabilities. The Government will also increase the respective numbers of subsidised places for self-financing higher diploma and undergraduate programmes, provide more flexibility for institutions to admit students with VPET qualifications, as well as launch the Pilot Project on the Development of Applied Degree Programmes with a view to nurturing a pool of multifaceted talents for the sustainable development of society.

     "Education is the cornerstone of social advancement. The Education Commission will continue to render advice and work hand in hand with the Government to further enhance the quality of education and facilitate the healthy and sustainable development of education in Hong Kong so that our teenagers will fully understand Hong Kong's role as an international metropolis and the unique advantages under the 'one country, two systems' principle. They can integrate into the national development and seize the opportunities, building a glamourous future for our country, our city and themselves," Mr Lui said.

Ends/Wednesday, October 19, 2022
Issued at HKT 17:17

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