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Following is a question by Dr the Hon Yeung Sum and a reply by the Secretary for Education and Manpower, Professor Arthur K C Li, in the Legislative Council today (February 7):
Question:
The Hong Kong Institute of Education ("HKIEd") is one of the tertiary institutions funded by the University Grants Committee and has been granted self-accreditation status since 2004. It is learnt that HKIEd has long been campaigning for being granted the title of a university but so far there is no result. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(a) as it has indicated that various factors are considered in processing applications from tertiary institutions for being granted the title of a university, of the scores that HKIEd has currently obtained with regard to each of these factors and the difference between such scores and those of the other institutions when they were granted such a title;
(b) whether HKIEd may lodge a complaint about the delay in the processing of its title application; if it may, of the relevant procedure; if not, the measures to ensure that HKIEd's application will be dealt with fairly; and
(c) whether the Government has assessed the implications of HKIEd being granted the title of a university in respect of its public image as a teacher training institution, its ability to compete with the education faculties of other tertiary institutions for intake of students with good academic results, as well as its financial situation; if it has, of the assessment results; if not, the reasons for that?
Reply:
Madam President,
There is a lot of discussion on the Hong Kong Institute of Education (HKIEd) lately. Some people simply disregard the facts, and mislead the public by saying that the institution's internal affairs, such as the appointment of individual members of staff and labour disputes, are related to issues such as whether the institution is to adopt a university title. This has caused great damages to all parties, and is most regrettable. In fact, the Government has always had an open mind as to whether HKIEd should use a university title. I thank the Hon Yeung Sum for raising this question, because I can take the opportunity to explain clearly the Government's position.
Under the existing policy, the Government will, in processing an application for university title, consider the merits of each case and take into account various relevant factors including the objectives of establishing the university, the quality and standard of the institution's academic and research programmes; the effectiveness of its teaching and learning; the institution's internal governance structure; the quality of leadership of its management; the financial position of the institution; its sustainability; and the public interest, etc.
Consideration is also given to the prevailing international trend for the development of comprehensive universities which offer a range of degree programmes in various disciplines. If monotechnic institutions can acquire a university title, will the schools within other universities, such as the law schools or medical schools, be encouraged to become independent universities? Is such a development suitable for Hong Kong? You may wish to think about this, or you may wish to hear what others say. According to the Encyclopaedia Britannica, a university is an "institution of higher education, usually comprising a liberal arts and sciences college and graduate and professional schools that confer degrees in various fields", which means that universities, by nature and design, should not be monotechnic.
The HKIEd obtained self-accrediting status in respect of its teacher education programmes in 2004. At that time, the institution understood clearly that self-accrediting status and university title are two different things. The Government has so far not received HKIEd's application for university title. There is therefore no question of a delay in processing the Institute's application.
The HKIEd was established in 1994 as a post-secondary institution for providing professional training to teachers. Its role has been well understood and appreciated by the community. There is no evidence to support that the development of the Institute has been adversely affected by the lack of a university title. Indeed, the granting of a university title does not necessarily help to improve the quality of student intake. On the other hand, quite a number of outstanding higher education institutions overseas do not carry a university title. Examples include the MIT and Caltech in the United States.
In fact, what I said just now is not new. In 2005, the Hon Cheung Man-kwong asked a similar question. I do not mind responding to it again, because our policy is very clear and it has not changed. We have always had an open mind as to whether the HKIEd should acquire a university title, and we have no preconceived view.
HKIEd has been doing very well as a higher education institution. It has made significant contributions to our teachers' professional development. As the Secretary for Education and Manpower, I truly appreciate the hard work of the teaching staff and students at HKIEd. I hope no one will misunderstand my position or that of the Government. I will be very disappointed if anyone attempts to use the re-titling issue to confuse the public, and in serving one's own interest do things which are detrimental to the institution's governance and development.
Thank you, Madam President.
Ends/Wednesday, February 7, 2007
Issued at HKT 15:11
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