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The following is issued on behalf of the Head of Universities Committee (HUCOM):

The HUCOM welcomes the Chief Executive's positive remarks on a 4-year undergraduate academic structure. In his Policy Address announced today (October 10), the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region estimated that the 4-year structure could be implemented in 10 years.

"The HUCOM welcomes the Government's recognition of the desirability of 4-year undergraduate programmes. The extension of study duration benefits not only the students, but also the universities and the community. The HUCOM is confident that institutions can make the best out of the additional year to enhance the quality of our tertiary education and, hence, Hong Kong's manpower resources. The initiative deserves the full support of the Government, the community and the academia," the Convenor of HUCOM, Prof Arthur Li, said today.

"I hope that, with the full cooperation of the education sector and contributions from the wider community, in particular the business sector, we can significantly shorten the implementation timeframe.

"The eight University Grants Committee-funded institutions are all supportive of 4-year undergraduate programmes. We shall surely work with the Government, the University Grants Committee and other relevant parties to expedite the implementation process," Prof Li added.

End/ Wednesday, October 10, 2001

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