EDUCATION
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The Technical Aids and Resource Centre designs and makes technical aids for disabled trainees, students and workers, to enhance their training, employment prospects and productivity. Information and resource materials on vocational rehabilitation are produced and made available to disabled persons and professionals in this field.
The inspectorate unit advises skills centres on administration, curriculum, training methods and standards. It also provides guidance and counselling to disabled students in technical institutes and industrial training centres. The unit works closely with the Labour Department's selective placement service to ensure that training matches the demand for skills in the local employment market. The annual employment survey of disabled students and trainees completing full-time courses in technical institutes and skills centres showed that about 90 per cent either found open employment or were enrolled in mainstream technical education courses.
Tertiary Education
Ten years ago less than five per cent of the 17-20 age group could receive tertiary education locally. By 1992 this figure had increased to 20 per cent, and expansion plans announced by the government in 1989 will take it to 25 per cent by 1994–5. A first year first degree place will be available for about five out of every six matriculants, helping to supply the graduates needed to sustain Hong Kong's economic growth.
Degrees up to PhD level awarded by local institutions are widely recognised around the world. Academic standards are assured by appointing external examiners from prominent overseas institutions. Degrees awarded by non-university institutions are also validated by the HKCAA on behalf of the UPGC.
The Tertiary Institutions
The oldest tertiary institution is the University of Hong Kong, founded in 1911. Its 9 162 full time and 2 254 part time students are enrolled in nine faculties: arts, architecture, dentistry, education, engineering, law, medicine, science and social sciences.
The Chinese University of Hong Kong was established in 1963 by bringing together three colleges: New Asia College, founded in 1949; Chung Chi College (1951) and United College (1956). A fourth college, Shaw College, was founded in 1986. There are 8 363 full time and 2 524 part time students in seven faculties: arts, business administration, education, engineering, medicine, science and social science.
The Hong Kong Polytechnic, founded in 1972, offers postgraduate, first degree and sub-degree courses in six faculties: applied science and textiles; business and information systems; communication; construction and land use; engineering; and health and social studies. The polytechnic's part time and sandwich courses encourage concurrent work and study, and close links are maintained with industry, commerce and the community. Enrolment in October was 10 209 on full time and sandwich courses and 14 989 on part time courses.
The Hong Kong Baptist College was founded in 1956 by the Baptist Convention of Hong Kong. Since 1983 it has been incorporated under its own ordinance and fully funded by the government. In 1986 it became a degree-granting institution. It has 3 634 full time and 64 part time students in five faculties and schools: arts, business, communication, science and social sciences.