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resources including scarce and expert manpower and costly equipment. The work of the Hong Kong Training Council will prove most valuable in helping
to identify needs and establish priorities.
Our
Recent years have seen significant improvements in the quality and
range of our products and I feel confident that the Hong Kong Training
Council will also give a lead to the community by strongly encouraging employers to make full use of the fine facilities for training young people in the new technology that Hong Kong needs to maintain our competitive edge. Technological advance will create the best opportunities for those countries
who have the capacity and determination to take full advantage of them. manufacturers have a well deserved reputation for resourcefulness and flexi- bility but need new techniques demanding a high degree of expertise in design, management and production. Our commerce also needs reinforcing by well trained
young people able to exploit the modern techniques of management.
technical institutes are being established so that commerce and industry is
assured of an adequate supply of skilled and adaptable craftsmen, technicians,
office staff and supervisors.
I have referred to the needs of industry and commerce but we must
also remember that the student is more than a small cog in the industrial
machinery. He is an individual. Any form of education must always do some-
thing to make life more enjoyable and rewarding in addition to being a preparation
If technical education whether in school or institute is to be
accepted as an alternative to the traditional stream it must be broad enough
to allow students flexibility, and to enable them to develop their own
capabilities, and be proud of themselves and of their place in society.
for a career.
I congratulate all those concerned with the planning, construction
and equipping of this fine building. The Education Department, the Public
Works Department, the Contractors and many others have had to work closely
together in order to meet a tight schedule,
This is