World scholars and educators at a conference in Manchester were briefed on Hong Kong's commitment to quality education. Addressing the 11th International Congress for School Effectiveness and Improvement, Director of Education Helen Yu Lai Ching-ping said the Government, the education sector, parents and the community were joining forces in a push for a greater commitment to quality education. Mrs Yu noted it had been business as usual since the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on July 1 last year, and that education remained a top priority. 'Our education system has served us well,' Mrs Yu said. 'However, we must respond to changing needs and rising aspirations.' As in many other parts of the world, the education system in Hong Kong was facing major challenges, Mrs Yu said. 'Our Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa has set out an extensive agenda for initiatives in education reform,' she said. 'These include information technology in education; whole-day primary schooling; support and development for teachers; and a $5 billion Quality Education Fund to encourage innovative improvement projects.'
