SED continues visit to Australia (with photos)
9.3.2024

The Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, continued her visit to Australia from March 7 to 9. She visited local universities in Perth to learn about the developments of tertiary institutions in Australia, and met representatives of the business community in Melbourne. On the morning of March 7 (Perth time), Dr Choi met the Minister for Training and Workforce Development; Water; Industrial Relations of Western Australia, Ms Simone McGurk, in Perth to learn about Australia's experience in developing vocational and professional education and training, and explore ways to promote institution-industry collaboration to address the manpower needs of the market. She also met the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Education; Aboriginal Affairs; Citizenship and Multicultural Interests of Western Australia, Mr Yaz Mubarakai, to exchange views on facilitation measures for attracting and supporting overseas students to study locally. Later, Dr Choi visited the University of Western Australia. She listened to an introduction by its representatives on its international students admission and the higher education exchanges and collaboration between Hong Kong and Australia. She also paid a courtesy call on the Chinese Consul General in Perth, Mr Long Dingbin, to brief him on the latest education developments in Hong Kong. Dr Choi also attended a luncheon reception hosted by the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority and introduced the advantages of the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) Examination to representatives of universities from different countries. Speaking at the event, Dr Choi said that the HKDSE Examination has all along been moving with the times. It has created Hong Kong's brand of quality education and gained wide recognition in Hong Kong and abroad. Candidates can directly apply for admission to universities abroad with their HKDSE Examination results. The HKDSE Examination, therefore, attracts not only students enrolled in the local curriculum in Hong Kong, but also those pursuing non-local curricula in Hong Kong, as well as students from Mainland China and other regions. On March 8 (Perth time), Dr Choi departed for Melbourne from Perth. She met Laureate Professor of the Melbourne Graduate School of Education of the University of Melbourne Professor John Hattie, and the Dean of the Melbourne Graduate School of Education of the University of Melbourne, Professor Field Rickards, to discuss measures and directions for enhancing teacher education. On March 9 (Melbourne time), Dr Choi met representatives of the business community in Melbourne to promote the advantages of Hong Kong as an international hub for post-secondary education. She said, "The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government attaches great importance to education. With sustained government investment, we are proud to be the sole city with five universities among the world's top 100, showcasing our commitment to academic excellence and global success. In his 2023 Policy Address, the Chief Executive of the HKSAR outlined a comprehensive blueprint to develop Hong Kong into an international education hub for post-secondary education. Apart from academic excellence, our cosmopolitan culture, which blends the Eastern and Western cultures, makes the city unique and incredibly appealing to international students. Moreover, our strategic location in the heart of Asia positions us as a unique learning environment, preparing overseas students to meet fast-changing global challenges, especially for those interested in tapping the enormous opportunities available in the Greater China region, and offers considerable opportunities for realising personal aspirations." She pointed out that various initiatives demonstrate the HKSAR Government's commitment to attracting talent, promoting diversity and internationalisation in the higher education sector, and providing opportunities for students worldwide to excel in their academic pursuits. She looked forward to more overseas talent pursuing studies in Hong Kong. Dr Choi will conclude her visit to Australia and return to Hong Kong on the afternoon of March 9 (Melbourne time).