Useful exchange: Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa speaks with the heads of the eight tertiary institutions.

Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa has vowed to seriously consider views raised by universities over the Budget allocation for the 2005-08 triennium.

At a meeting today, both parties agreed to maintain close dialogue on the issue.

Mr Tung had a very useful exchange with the institution heads and the University Grants Committee, listening to their views on the development of higher education.

Heads agreed to work closely in meeting the 2004-05 budget allocation. Mr Tung thanked the committee for its work in making this possible.

Mr Tung reassured them the Government will continue to invest in education which is of utmost importance in the knowledge age.

He thanked them for their good work and reiterated the Government's commitment to supporting the eight institutions.

Attending the meeting was:

* Hong Kong University Vice-Chancellor Professor Tsui Lap-chee;

* Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the Chinese University Professor Liu Pak-wai;

* President of the University of Science & Technology Professor Paul Chu;

* President of the Baptist University Professor Ng Ching-fai;

* Deputy President of the Polytechnic University Alexander Tzang;

* Acting President of City University Professor David Tong;

* President of the Institute of Education Professor Paul Morris;

* President of the Lingnan University Professor Edward Chen; and,

* Chairman of the University Grants Committee Dr Alice Lam.