I. Investing in Education

33. In the course of our economic restructuring, one of the Government's most fundamental tasks is to make significant investments in education to prepare each one of us for the advent of the knowledge-based economy. We understand that people care deeply about the development of the younger generation, and hope that their children can receive an education of the best quality.

34. Over the past few years, despite tight government finances caused by the financial crisis, we have continuously increased our investment in education. Funding has surged from $37.9 billion in 1996-1997 to $55.3 billion in 2001-2002, a 46% increase over five years.

35. Education issues are complex and inter-related. In brief, we want to achieve three targets in the education sector: (1) raise the general standards of primary and secondary students through current education reforms to enable every student to enjoy learning, be good communicaters, be courageous in accepting responsibilities, and be creative and innovative; (2) increase the number of post-secondary places, so that 60% of our senior secondary school leavers can attain post-secondary education. We also need to improve the transition from secondary school to post-secondary education and to push ahead with reforms to our university system to nurture more outstanding post-secondary graduates; (3) continue promoting life-long learning, develop it into a trend for others to follow, and encourage Hong Kong people to actively enhance their own knowledge and skills, and participate in the development of the knowledge-based economy. We must meet these three targets if our education system is to truly and effectively lend support to successful economic restructuring.

36. I will ask the Secretary for Education and Manpower to present the details of our work on education to the public. Today, I will concentrate on only a few areas.