TNAG-0054-FCO40-90-Proposal-for-a-Polytechnic-in-Hong-Kong-1968 — Page 89

G.F. 326

CONFIDENTIAL

-3-

9.

(2) The recurrent costs are lower than for a Hong Kong

University. The University of Hong Kong budget for about 2300 students in 1967-68 is approximately $34.0m and The Chinese University of Hong Kong budget

for about 2000 students about $27.0m.

The

University of Hong Kong has both Engineering and

Medical Faculties (which produce vocational oriented

problems) and their budget may be a better guide.

(3) No allowance has been made for land nor for the

possibility that existing buildings might conceivably be used for the first few years.

It is unlikely that a suitable Principal could be in post in much less than a year after project approval. During this period some preparatory work such as choice of

site, initial surveys on details for courses, sketch plans

for building etc. could be undertaken. The Principal, when appointed, would then need to finalise building plans, begin engaging senior staff and with their help complete initial tailoring of the institution to the detailed needs

of industry and commerce. Bquipment could also be ordered

and building work might begin say nine to twelve months after his appointment. It should be completed sufficiently for courses to start in about a further twelve months, approximately two-and-a-half to three years after project

approval.

10.

Preparatory costs before courses began might therefore be relatively high because the Principal and his senior staff would have to be engaged early and would be fully occupied in organising and planning: and there might be incidental expenses for small surveys.

11.

one of

The UGC has suggested the Government should appoint a body to implement the proposal, which might be called the

Polytechnic Planning Board, This could have a local Chairman

and Secretary and Members consisting of a local industrialist, the Director of Education and three overseas Members, whom might eventually become Principal of the Polytechnic. The UGC has strongly recommended that Dr. Malcolm Gavin, one of its Members and Principal of the Chelsea College of Science and Technology, should be one of the overseas Members. It

has tentatively suggested for the other two a short list

/ consisting....

CONFIDENTIAL