The following is issued on behalf of the Education Committee:

The EC met for the first time since its new terms of office came into effect on July 1, 1998.

Speaking after the EC meeting today (Monday), the Chairman, Mr Antony Leung said, "I would like to extend the warmest welcome to the new members, Professor Chung Yue-ping, Professor Ruth Hayhoe, Mr Tso Kai-lok and Ms Harlanna Yeung; and express my deepest thanks to the outgoing members, Ms Sansan Ching, Mr Peter Lee, Professor Felice Lieh Mak, Mr Mak Kwai-po, Sister Margaret Wong, Mr Benjamin Wong and Professor Kenneth Young, for their devotion and valuable contributions to the work of EC throughout the years."

"We are honoured to have the Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa with us today to give an opening address," Mr Leung said.

"We welcome the enhanced role of EC in co-ordinating advice on the planning and development of education at all levels. We will work closely with the Government, the education sector and other advisory bodies in the development of quality education in Hong Kong," he said.

EC discussed the progress of work of its two working groups which were tasked to review the academic structure.

"Given the complexity of the review and the issues involved, the review will be conducted in phases. The views of the public and the education community will be sought in the course of the review," Mr Leung said.

EC also discussed the consultation document on the 5-year strategy on Information Technology (IT) for Quality Education published by the Government, and the document compiled by the Hong Kong Policy Research Institute and the University of Hong Kong on IT.

"On the whole, the meeting considered it important to achieve 'connectivity' as soon as possible, to provide adequate technical support to schools, allow diversity and experiments in schools, and set up a sub-committee under EC to follow up issues concerning IT in school education. We will submit our written views to the Government for consideration soon." Mr Leung said.

EC also noted the progress of the Quality Education Fund Steering Committee.

Ends/Monday, July 27, 1998