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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