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UGC supports the Government's approval of awarding university title to HKIEd

The following is issued on behalf of the University Grants Committee:

The University Grants Committee (UGC) congratulates the Hong Kong Institute of Education (HKIEd) on being awarded the university title as approved by the Chief Executive in Council today (January 26).

"I am very pleased that the Chief Executive in Council has accepted the UGC's review report today to approve that the HKIEd be granted university title," Chairman of the UGC, Mr Carlson Tong, said. "On the HKIEd's application for university title, the UGC has followed a rigorous and interactive review process, and submitted the review report to the Government in September last year. The Review Group has adopted an evidence-based approach, considered all essential issues from multiple perspectives, and conducted the review with an open mind. It has actively engaged the HKIEd management in the process and has solicited views from the students, staff, alumni representatives, employers and external examiners."

Mr Tong stressed, "When evaluating the application from the HKIEd, we have considered all relevant factors, including its Vision, Mission and Strategic Direction; Academic Breadth and Subject Complementarity; Governance; Academic Standards and Quality Assurance; Research Accomplishments and Capacity; Academic and Academic Supporting Staff; and Resources and Support Structures".

UGC's review report points out that the HKIEd has made commendable progress since 2009 in developing into a multi-disciplinary institution. Its traditional strength in teacher education has broadened to reflect the wider development of education as an important professional field. That strength has been enhanced through the successful development of complementary disciplines. In addition, the HKIEd has rapidly developed its research capabilities, fully utilising government funding and other support to build a solid foundation for further growth in its research activity. The UGC agrees that the HKIEd already possesses the qualities and attributes commonly expected of a university. It is fully worthy of joining the ranks of the other UGC-funded universities and being awarded the university title at this juncture.

"I would like to thank the HKIEd for facilitating the work of the UGC and the Review Group in considering the application," Mr Tong added. He also thanked the Convenor of the Review Group, Sir Ivor Crewe, as well as all other Review Group members for considering the application so thoroughly and compiling such a clear and comprehensive review report.

The UGC, as invited by the Government and with the Terms of Reference provided, set up a review group in October 2014 to examine the application for university title submitted by the HKIEd to the Government in July 2014.

The review report in English and Chinese is available at the UGC website: www.ugc.edu.hk

26 January 2016 (Tuesday)