Cheng Kai-ming, senior adviser to the vice-chancellor of the University of Hong Kong, has been appointed chairman of the Standing Committee on Language Education and Research (Scolar).
Professor Cheng's appointment took effect this week as Michael Tien Puk-sun retired from the chairmanship after serving for eight years.
In announcing the appointment, Secretary for Education Michael Suen Ming-yeung commended Professor Cheng for his contribution to teacher education. 'Professor Cheng is a reputable educationalist who is well versed in education matters,' he said. 'He is not only committed to building a professional teaching force but is also renowned in the area of educational research and has undertaken research and consultancies commissioned by international organisations. The appointment of Professor Cheng will help lead Scolar to continue its promotion of biliteracy and trilingualism.'
Professor Cheng, who served as the chairman of the Advisory Committee on Teacher Education and Qualifications from 2002 to 2008, was appointed along with seven other new members to the committee. Five serving members were reappointed.
In a sharing session with the media before he stepped down as head of Scolar this week, Mr Tien said he was satisfied with what he had attained during his tenure.
However, Mr Tien expressed regret over things that were beyond his control. 'There are still 40 per cent of teachers who have yet to attain professional qualifications. I have talked to them before. Some said they refused to study because they were soon to retire or were overburdened with too much work.'