Standing Committee on Language Education & Research Chairman Michael Tien and eight members have been reappointed to the body, while four new members have joined. The appointments are for two years from July 1.

Secretary for Education & Manpower Professor Arthur Li applauded Mr Tien's chairmanship.

"Mr Tien has been leading SCOLAR untiringly to implement the recommendations in the Action Plan to Raise Language Standards in Hong Kong to support the policy of biliteracy and trilingualism.

"With a strong leadership and expert advice of distinguished members of different sectors, I believe SCOLAR will continue to play a pivotal role in enhancing on-going initiatives to raise the language standards in Hong Kong."

He said the Government will continue to work closely with SCOLAR to maintain quality language education.

Professor Li thanked outgoing members Dr Betty Chan, Tony Choi, Dr Lau Siu-ling and Virginia Ng for their contribution to the committee.