The success of an economy hinges on solid investment and extensive collaboration in the pursuit of quality education, Secretary for Education & Manpower Professor Arthur Li says.

On his return to Hong Kong with a delegation of senior Government officials and heads of local universities, Professor Li described as fruitful and stimulating the visits to Ireland and Switzerland from April 5 to 14.

Professor Li said there are a lot of similarities between Switzerland and Hong Kong, with both supported by a strong financial services sector, and relying very much on technology and tourism.

Closer ties

Switzerland is aligning its higher education system with other European countries to facilitate credit transfer. Beyond Europe, it has identified initially five target countries for educational collaboration and student exchanges, including China.

To tie in with this development, Swiss universities are offering more programmes taught in English, and charge foreign students the same highly subsidised tuition fee as locals.

"The Swiss universities also appreciate that at the international level, Hong Kong ranks first in chemistry and among the top 10 in biology in citations per capita, so they are eager to establish closer ties."

The Hong Kong delegation has explored the possibility of having further collaboration with Switzerland in terms of student exchange and joint research projects.

Regarding the latter in particular, both sides will consider earmarking funds to support collaborative projects, and the arrangement can be formalised by the signing of agreements between the governments, if necessary.

Meanwhile, Professor Li said the education authorities in Ireland and Hong Kong share a common vision in promoting whole-person development of students.

Similar to Hong Kong, Irish authorities have been constructing their qualifications framework for both academic and vocational qualifications.

Professor Li said having a qualifications framework is now a global trend.

"It is an essential tool for promoting lifelong learning and it is only in the interests of Hong Kong to have it in place as soon as possible."

Professor Li said he hopes deliberations of the Accreditation of Academic & Vocational Qualifications Bill at the Legislative Council's Bills Committee can be concluded within this legislative year.