The Committee on Elder Academy Development Foundation has been established to examine funding applications, and formulate long-term strategies and measures on the curriculum development, academic structure and extra-curricular activities of elder academies and the establishment of more institutes.

Launching the foundation today, Financial Secretary John Tsang said the committee is chaired by Dr Leong Che-hung and consists of 20 members from the welfare, healthcare, education and academic sectors as well as Government officials.

Mr Tsang thanked the Law's Charitable Foundation for donating $5 million to the body.

"I am sure the committee will make the best use of the fund to help more elders pursue continuous learning and realise our vision of education for all ages," he said.

Jointly launched by the Government and the Elderly Commission in 2007, the Elder Academy Scheme encourages seniors to continue learning at academies run by school sponsoring bodies and welfare organisations.

This year the total number of elder academies has grown to more than 100. Of which, 98 are established in primary and secondary schools and the rest in tertiary education institutions.