The following is issued on behalf of the Education Commission:

The Chairman of the Education Commission (EC), Dr Rosanna Wong Yick-ming, today (November 27) said that she welcomed the Government's decision on the Higher Education Review.

"I note that following a comprehensive public consultation exercise and taking into account the community's concerns and comments, the University Grants Committee (UGC) has submitted its final recommendations on the Higher Education Review to the Government. I am pleased that the Government has accepted almost completely the UGC's final recommendations," Dr Wong said.

"The Review has far-reaching impact on the future development of higher education in Hong Kong. The Recommendations made are in line with the direction of the Education Reform, which aim to encourage a diversified and interlinked system of higher education. Their implementation would surely help to enhance the quality of our younger generations, so as to establish a solid base of talent and skills enabling Hong Kong to rise to future challenges," she said.

Ends/Wednesday, November 27, 2002