Welcoming Remarks by Chairman, UGC at the Presentation Ceremony of the 2024 UGC Teaching Award (7.10.2024)

2024 UGC Teaching Award
Welcoming Remarks by
Chairman, UGC at the Presentation Ceremony of the 2024 UGC Teaching Award (7.10.2024)

Council Chairmen, Presidents, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good afternoon. It is my pleasure to welcome you all to the Presentation Ceremony of the 2024 UGC Teaching Award. We gather here today to celebrate the remarkable achievements and steadfast dedication of our outstanding educators, whose contributions have made a lasting impact on their students and the higher education sector.

2. The selection process for this year's UGC Teaching Award was, as always, a demanding and rigorous endeavour. First of all, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Selection Panel, led by Mr Philip Tsai with Professor Marilee Ludvik, Dr Carrie Willis, Professor Tsui Lik Hang and Professor Tina Overton as members. Their diligence and discerning eyes in identifying the most exceptional candidates from the pool of over 20 nominations are truly commendable.

3. I am also deeply impressed by the nominees' steadfast commitment to purposeful teaching, their passion for supporting the personal growth of our students, and their tireless efforts in sharing their knowledge and wisdom with the next generation. Their willingness to go above and beyond in unlocking their students' potential is inspiring. Please join me in applauding these remarkable educators for their dedication and hard work.

4. The UGC recognises the central importance of teaching and learning as the foundation of our higher education sector. A year ago, the Chief Executive announced the Government's splendid vision of developing Hong Kong into an international hub for post-secondary education. Despite the long list of ingredients for becoming a successful international hub, I firmly believe that quality of teaching always stays at the top of our secret recipe. Indeed, quality is what defines Hong Kong's competitive edge, and a strong commitment to quality is what keeps us going forward amidst changes and challenges. Teaching is a timeless mission, and the UGC cannot emphasize more that this is also the cornerstone for the global reputation of our higher education. Please rest assured that the UGC shall continue to devote priority and additional resources to support pedagogical innovation and teaching excellence as we strive to develop Hong Kong into an international hub for post-secondary education.

5. On promoting teaching excellence, I must also express my heartfelt appreciation to the Hong Kong Teaching Excellence Alliance, or HKTEA for short. At the same occasion five years ago, the UGC supported the establishment of the HKTEA as an inter-institutional body that gathers past awardees for propagating the impact of our teaching award. Since then, the HKTEA has exceeded expectations by becoming our most important partner on teaching and learning. The Association has cultivated a vast network of awardees and passionate teachers who are most committed to championing teaching excellence. As Professor Isabella Poon prepares to pass the leadership baton to Dr Julia Chen, may I suggest another round of applause to both Isabella and Julia, as well as all those who have contributed to HKTEA's spectacular achievements over these five years.

6. Before Mr Philip Tsai announces the results of the 2024 UGC Teaching Award, I would like to invite Isabella to enlighten us on her journey with HKTEA, as well as Julia to share her plans in the upcoming year with us. May I also extend my sincere congratulations to this year's finalists and awardees. Your achievements and dedication will shine not only this evening, but also across the entire higher education sector in Hong Kong in the years to come.

7. I wish you all a wonderful time at the presentation ceremony. Thank you.