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The Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, met with Members of the Education Commission (EC) today (September 21) to listen to their views on the progress of the education reform as part of his consultation on the Policy Address.

Mr Tung stressed that the Government would continue to implement education reforms in order to cultivate the talents needed by Hong Kong for the future. "Education reforms are essential to Hong Kong's transformation into a knowledge-based economy," he said.

"The Government is fully committed to working together with teachers, principals and the school management as partners, so that jointly we can make education reform a success," he said.

The Chief Executive shared EC Members' concern about the importance of language training so that our next generation would be proficient in writing and speaking the English and Chinese languages.

"The English and Chinese languages are both very widely used in the world. Proficiency in the two languages is vital to Hong Kong in maintaining our status as an international city. It will help us realise the potential opportunities flowing from China's accession to the World Trade Organisation," Mr Tung said.

Mr Tung noted that Members had found the present NET (Native-speaking English Teachers) scheme for secondary schools useful and effective in fostering an authentic environment in schools for the learning of the English language. Members of the EC suggested that the NET scheme should be extended to primary schools.

Mr Tung said the Government would consider measures that would enhance language teaching to meet the expectations of parents and employers.

Photo 1:The Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, met with Members of the Education Commission to listen to their views on the progress of the education reform as part of his consultation on the Policy Address.

End/Friday, September 21, 2001

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