TNAG-0177-FCO40-213-Proposed-Polytechnic-1969 — Page 63

TET(69)17

Copy of a letter dated 6th June, 1969 from the Chairman of the Polytechnic Planning Committee, 39, Queen's Road Central, Room 703, Hong Kong to the Chairman of T.E.T.0.C.

Dear Mr. Pedler,

Proposed Hong Kong Polytechnic

The Government of Hong Kong has recently decided to set up a Polytechnic and I have been appointed Chairman of the Polytechnic Planning Committee. I enclose some background notes on the scheme which describe the project in broad terms. The scheme was discussed briefly with Lord Shepherd, Minister of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, during his recent visit to Hong Kong.

2.

I am writing now to ask for the help of Technical Education and Training for Overseas Countries, both in general advice and for the search for staff.

3.

You will see from the papers that the proposal is to set up a Polytechnic on the base of two Colleges, one of which is already in existence but needs some modification in the courses offered and the accommodation and equipment at present available. A prospectus for this College is also enclosed this relates to its present state, of course, and not to what we would hope it will be when part of the Polytechnic. Some of its courses will be passed to the new Morrison Hill Technical Institute, some informa- tion on which is also enclosed. A second Polytechnic College has to be built ready for an intake of students in 1973/74.

40

Our immediate problem is the need for a man to take charge of the project. We are working to a deadline of Easter 1970 for the Polytechnic to be legally in existence on the base of the present Technical College. At that point the reorganised College will probably have somewhat less than 2,000 full-time students and perhaps up to 10,000 part-time and evening students. By that time also we should be starting planning for the new College: and we may be in serious difficulties over staffing requirements.

5.

I will try to be in London as arranged with Lord Shepherd on or about the second week of September together with Mr. Bailey. An itinerary will be prepared and sent ahead as early as possible.

(Signed)

(P.Y. Tang)

Chairman