The Chief Executive in Council has approved Shue Yan College's application to change its title to Shue Yan University.

Secretary for Education & Manpower Prof Arthur Li today said the college's upgrade to Hong Kong's first private university is a recognition of its efforts, dedication and contributions to the higher education sector over the past 35 years.

He said this was an important milestone for Hong Kong as this was the city's first completely private university. A report from the Education Commission in 2000 had recommended that Hong Kong should have a private university.

Noting universities should not merely rely on Government funding, Prof Li said they should also involve the community.

The Government attaches great importance to Shue Yan's education standard and has proposed that the Council for Academic Accreditation review its situation every five years.

The Government will also consider whether there is a need to give the school a lump-sum subsidy.

Established in 1971, Shue Yan College has contributed to the increase in post-secondary education opportunities in the past 35 years. Since 2001, it has been operating 10 self-financing degree programmes, all accredited by the Council for Academic Accreditation.