Beijing to sponsor education exchange
August 18, 2011
The Central Government will launch funds next year that will allow 1,000 University of Hong Kong students and teachers to study, visit and conduct scientific research on the Mainland each year.
Vice-Premier Li Keqiang announced the initiative at the institute's centenary ceremony today. Chief Executive Donald Tsang accompanied Mr Li to the university.
The university's Pro-Chancellor Dr David Li, Council Chairman Dr Leong Che-hung and Vice-Chancellor Professor Tsui Lap-chee greeted Mr Li.
Addressing the congregation, Mr Li said: “It is my great pleasure to celebrate HKU’s centenary with all of you in this dynamic campus today. This university has achieved today’s glorious success through nurturing talents and accumulating knowledge over the past 100 years.”
He said the university has nurtured more than 130,000 outstanding graduates with ambition to excel, great academic results and exemplary conduct, as well as a dedication to science and serving society. They have not only made great contributions to Hong Kong and national prosperity, but have also had a positive impact on the development of human civilisation, he said.
“Today, HKU is among the top universities in the world. This is not only Hong Kong’s glory but also China’s pride.”
Education exchange
Mr Li said thousands of talents, who are proficient in modern knowledge and skills, as well as national studies and international regulations, are needed to maintain Hong Kong’s prosperity and the Mainland’s development. It is therefore essential to enhance education exchange between the Mainland and Hong Kong.
“Effective co-operation mechanisms between Hong Kong and the Mainland have been established and many measures have been adopted. From next year, the ministries concerned in the Central Government will set up targeted funds that will support 1,000 students and teachers at HKU each year to study, visit and conduct scientific research in the Mainland.
“We will also support extensive co-operation between higher education institutes in Hong Kong and the Mainland, so as to help teachers and students better understand the situation in the Mainland, and facilitate the mutual development of the education sectors in both places.”
He said he is confident Hong Kong's youth are ambitious, promising and capable, and hold great hope. He also believes Hong Kong's teachers will continue on their path to achieve marvellous results in the education career.
Other events
During the ceremony, Mr Li and Mr Tsang officiated at the unveiling of plaques for the Hong Kong-Guangdong Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine Research Centre and the State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases (Partner Laboratory at HKU-Shenzhen Branch).
Mr Li also presented a set of rare Chinese book reprints as a gift to the university, which was received by Professor Tsui.
After the ceremony, Mr Li toured an exhibition showcasing the university’s development over the years. Accompanied by Professor Tsui, Mr Li was briefed by students on various exhibits.
After the tour, he spoke with students and responded to their questions. He encouraged them to continue their hard work in their studies. Mr Li also met heads and outstanding academics of local and overseas universities attending the ceremony and took a group photo with them.
