THE GAUNTLET has been thrown down to Hong Kong's eight universities by Lord Sutherland's report on higher education: a 'small number' should enter the ranks of the world class and be funded accordingly.
Considering the implications, the SAR's academic leadership is putting a brave face on the challenge. None want to complain that they could lose this race.
Yet below the ranks of vice-chancellors, presidents and directors, many academics feel the writing could be on the wall for some departments and, by implication, their job security.
After the University Grants Committee (UGC) released Lord Sutherland's blueprint, Higher Education in Hong Kong, on Tuesday, he warned the SAR lacked the resources to make all eight tertiary institutions world class. It must strategically define a small number as the focus of public and private sector support.
Despite the demand to compete for such lofty status, and the fact that there will be losers, the report has generally been well received by university leaders.
Those who have been most vocal in support include the University of Hong Kong, Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) and the University of Science and Technology (HKUST). They have been quick to claim that they are well prepared to lead the field. HKU says it has already primed itself with its own reforms.
