ENG-2004 — Page 214

176 Education

Performing Arts, and the self-financing Open University of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Shue Yan College and the Chu Hai College of Higher Education.

The UGC is appointed by the Chief Executive to advise on the development and funding of higher education and administer public grants to eight publicly funded higher education institutions. It also plays a major role in quality assurance and promotion of international competitiveness.

Each of the eight higher education institutions funded through the UGC is an autonomous statutory body with its own ordinance and governing body. Following a comprehensive review of the higher education sector, the UGC is taking a more strategic approach to the higher education system, by developing an interlocking yet differentiated system whereby the whole higher education sector is viewed as one force in the regional and international arenas of higher education, with each. institution fulfilling a unique role based on its strengths.

At present, 14 500 first-year first-degree places are available in institutions funded by the UGC, covering about 18 per cent of the 17-20 age group. On top of this, a further 39 per cent of people in the same age group have access to other local higher education opportunities (for example, sub-degree programmes and vocational training) or go to universities overseas. The overall post-secondary participation rate for the 17-20 age group has increased from about 30 per cent in 2000-01 to 57 per cent in 2004-05.

Adult Education

The Government commissioned school operators to run evening courses at primary to senior secondary levels for 3 066 adult learners in the 2004-05 school year. It also subvented a variety of other adult education programmes operated by non-governmental organisations, offering some 17 486 places.

Qualifications Framework

In February 2004, the Executive Council approved the establishment of QF and its associated quality assurance mechanism. The introduction of the QF will help provide more diversified progression pathways, enhance the relevance and quality of education and training programmes, bring wider recognition to the skills, knowledge and experience of workers, and promote lifelong learning. All these will contribute to the upgrading of the quality of our manpower and help maintain Hong Kong's overall competitiveness in the global economy.

Regulatory Framework and Governance Structure

Government's Role and Organisation

The Secretary for Education and Manpower (SEM), who heads the Education and Manpower Bureau of the Government Secretariat, formulates and reviews education policy, secures funds in the government budget, and oversees the effective implementation of educational programmes. The Permanent Secretary for Education and Manpower (PSEM) assists in formulating, coordinating and implementing education policies with the support of the bureau.

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