TNAG-0117-FCO40-153-Constitutional-developments-1969 — Page 5

URBAN COUNCIL ANNUAL CONVENTIONAL DEBATE

Speech by Mr. Hilton Cheong-Leen

27th November, 1969

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Mr. Chairman,

Time and again we read in the press, of statements by senior

Government Officials to the effect that Hong Kong has no natural resources

of its own and that it must rely upon the quality of its people to keep

Hong Kong stable, prosperous and viable.

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This is a self-evident truth which is accepted by all Hong Kong

residents, both young and old.

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Yet one sometimes wonders whether such statements are made

merely as expressions of fact, without any commitment on the part of the

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Government to plan for and to give Hong Kong children the best education do that we can afford.

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In Japan, it is recognised that a high standard of education has a vital bearing on the quality of the people. As long ago as 1886,

in the Meiji Restoration, Japan introduced compulsory primary education. Today, compulsory education has been extended in Japan to a minimum of 9 years. In fact, most students do not leave school until they have finished senior high school, which represents a minimum of twelve years

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education for the overriding majority of Japanese young people. This

rising standard of education has been a prime factor in increasing the

economic productivity of the Japanese people.

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Furthermore, there are nearly 700 universities, technical and

junior colleges in Japan. It is estimated that one out of every five Japanese who is 20 years of age is in an institution of higher learning.

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4.12.69.

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