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Addressing concern over the continuity of Hong Kong's education system after the handover, Mrs Yu told congress participants and the US media that it would be business as usual and that Hong Kong would continue to improve.
"The Basic Law provides that the Government of the Special Administrative Region shall, on its own, formulate policies on the development and improvement of education, and that educational institutions of all kinds may retain their autonomy and enjoy academic freedom," she said.
During the five-day congress, the Hong Kong delegation had the opportunity to take reference from views and ideas of educators worldwide. In turn, the Education Commission delegation shared Hong Kong's experience with them.
There were also visits to schools in the Memphis area for first-hand insights into some of the educational initiatives in the US.
"We appreciate the warm interest in Hong Kong shown by overseas delegates," Mrs Yu said. "Many have told us that they admire the value placed on education by our community, underlined by the low rates of non-attendance and drop-out. All in all, they wish to learn from us, in particular in this respect."
"However, it is a two-way exchange. We, too, by attending a conference such as this, have our hands full of reference materials and our heads filled with ideas," Mrs Yu added.
End
Advisory Council on AIDS holds 20th meeting
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At a meeting of the Hong Kong Advisory Council on AIDS (ACA) today. (Friday), it was decided that the Second Hong Kong AIDS Conference should be held in two to three years' time focusing on the wider perspective of the Pearl River Delta region instead of Hong Kong alone.
At today's meeting, members examined the report of the Organising Committee of the First Hong Kong AIDS Conference held in November 1996.
Encouraged by the active participation in that event, it was resolved that the conference should be convened every two to three years.