TNAG-0054-FCO40-90-Proposal-for-a-Polytechnic-in-Hong-Kong-1968 — Page 10

practical and occupational needs. This would mean a scrutiny of the primary and secondary school systems with a view to determining what should be done to build in practical subjects and courses both for their own value and as preparation for subsequent technical education. It would also mean a careful examination of and an agreed division of labour between the Hong Kong Technical College, the proposed Hong Kong Technical Institute (and any others which were created), the University of Hong Kong, and the proposed new institution, to ensure that each made its full and proper contribution to Hong Kong's needs in this field. (In this connection Mr. J. W. Gailer's report of March, 1967, had indicated ways in which the Technical College could make a greater contribution to the production of technicians).

•

5. It was further agreed that it was vital to avoid losing the momentum already generated by the Hong Kong University Grants Committee's considerations (particularly in view of the growing lobby in favour of a third university in Hong Kong). It therefore seemed that the best way ahead might be the establishment of a body (the University Grants Committee has referred to a Polytechnic Planning Board), which would be designed to take forward the planning of a further institution in the technical field. If it had a strong and practical membership, including people from overseas, such as has been proposed by the University Grants Committee, this body could hardly fail to take into account in its deliberations the various factors mentioned in the previous paragraphs of this memorandum. It would be highly desirable for the terms of reference of this body to be framed in such a way as not at the very least to exclude the possibility of their considering these wider but related and equally vital questions. In this way it would be possible for them to make proposals for new institutional development which fitted in very closely with the existing educational provision in Hong Kong, and also proposals for the reform and improvement of the existing provision where this is necessary to make the maximum impact upon the demand for further education in Hong Kong. In a situation where it is almost inevitable that the full demand for further education cannot be met it is clearly highly desirable that it should be readily demonstrable that the existing provision is being fully used and is fully relevant to the real needs of the territory.

-

6. It was the agreed view of the O.D.M. representatives at the discussions that the above proposals represented the most fruitful way ahead. It was, however, emphasised by the O.D.M. representatives that there was at present no prospect of any British aid (whether capital aid or technical assistance) being available to assist with whatever developments finally emerged. The O.D.M. and its associated advisory bodies would, of course, continue to be ready to provide advice and guidance where appropriate, and the services of the Council for Technical Education and Training for Overseas Countries (T.E.T.0.C.) and of the Inter-University Council (I.U.C.) would be available to Hong Kong, as in the past, in connection with the recruitment of staff for technical or university institutions. The representatives of the Hong Kong University Grants Committee took note of these points.

Ministry of Overseas Development,

Eland House,

Stag Place,

London, S.W.1.

3rd September, 1968