URBAN COUNCIL ANNUAL CONVENTIONAL DEBATE
Speech by Mr. Hilton Cheong-Leen
27th November, 1969
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Mr. Chairman,
Time and again we read in the press, of statements by senior
Government Officials to the effect that Hong Kong has no natural resources
of its own and that it must rely upon the quality of its people to keep
Hong Kong stable, prosperous and viable.
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This is a self-evident truth which is accepted by all Hong Kong
residents, both young and old.
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Yet one sometimes wonders whether such statements are made
merely as expressions of fact, without any commitment on the part of the
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Government to plan for and to give Hong Kong children the best education do that we can afford.
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In Japan, it is recognised that a high standard of education has a vital bearing on the quality of the people. As long ago as 1886,
in the Meiji Restoration, Japan introduced compulsory primary education. Today, compulsory education has been extended in Japan to a minimum of 9 years. In fact, most students do not leave school until they have finished senior high school, which represents a minimum of twelve years
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education for the overriding majority of Japanese young people. This
rising standard of education has been a prime factor in increasing the
economic productivity of the Japanese people.
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Furthermore, there are nearly 700 universities, technical and
junior colleges in Japan. It is estimated that one out of every five Japanese who is 20 years of age is in an institution of higher learning.
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