The following is issued on behalf of the Education Commission:

The Chairman of the Education Commission (EC), the Hon Antony Leung, announced today (Friday) the launch of a public consultation exercise on the aims of education which will last until March 6, 1999.

A consultation document, entitled "Education Blueprint for the 21st Century - Review of Academic System: Aims of Education", and a pamphlet outlining the aims of education were issued.

Explaining the background of the review at the press conference, Mr Leung said the EC was asked by the Chief Executive in his first Policy Address to undertake a thorough review of the education system in Hong Kong to see how it should develop into the 21st century.

Mr Leung said: "Hong Kong is facing an unprecedented challenge. All those who care about their children and Hong Kong's future will agree that there is a pressing need for reform in education.

"Given the wide scope of the review and its far-reaching implications, we consider that the first and foremost task is to establish the aims of education that are appropriate for the times and are widely accepted by the community. Once the aims are established, we will examine how the realisation of these aims would impact on various education issues and policies.

"The public consultation is being conducted with a view to identifying a consensual orientation for education development. Discussions will underpin a new vision for education in the Hong Kong Special Administration Region that will form the basis for reforms in the structure, curriculum and assessment process.

"This is the first stage of the overall review which will be conducted in three stages.

"In stage 2, we will examine the divisions between learning stages, the curriculum, the assessment process, the age at which students should begin each stage of education, the duration of study and the interface between stages.

"In stage 3, we will make overall recommendations, taking into account public views collected during the first and second stages of the consultation. The review will be completed in about a year's time."

Mr Leung also said that during the consultation period, he and members of the EC will meet with different organisations representing a wide cross-section of the community to listen to their views. They will also participate in various media programmes to discuss the issue and answer any enquiries. To kick off the consultation exercise, the Chief Executive will officiate at a public forum which will be held on January 25, 1999.

"Education is a matter for the whole community. Everyone has a role to play in promoting quality education. We want the widest possible participation from the community in this collective effort to map out the education blueprint for the next millennium," he said.

Copies of the consultation document and pamphlet are available in district offices, district education offices, public libraries and the website of the Education Commission (http://www.e-c.edu.hk). You are welcome to give us your views in writings, pictures, or audio/video tapes, etc through the following channels:

1. Voice-mail : 1833122 (English)(from January 26)

2. Email : educom@netvigator.com

3. Post : Education Commission Secretariat

   	Room 714, Central Government Offices (Main Wing)
   	Lower Albert Road, Central
   	Hong Kong

4. Fax : 2537 4591

5. Forums, Seminars, Media Programmes of Radio/TV

Views expressed through electronic media, newspapers, journals/magazines during the consultation period will also be taken into account.

Ends/Friday, January 22, 1999