Vice-president-elect of the Hong Kong Institute of Education has vowed to continue the fight for university status - but using a different approach.
Lee Wing-on, international director of humanities and social sciences at the University of Sydney and a former HKIEd department head, yesterday spelled out his vision to students and staff. Professor Lee said the decision to upgrade the institute lay with the government and it made sense to draw support from council members appointed by it.
'I have the background to open up a negotiation platform with the government,' he said.
Professor Lee was recommended by the committee in search of a new vice-president for academic affairs on Thursday. The committee, made up of council members as well as staff and student representatives, will collect views from students and staff before making a final recommendation to the council, which will in turn make a decision on the appointment.
Professor Lee said he wanted to raise the profile of the institute in the mainland and internationally.
Staff should be more aggressive in seeking publication in international journals. 'We have underestimated ourselves for many years,' he said.
Professor Lee suggested creating opportunities for staff at HKIEd by tapping into the mainland market and the local business sector.
