In 2008/09, the Hong Kong Institute of Education (HKIEd) celebrates its 15th Anniversary. Looking back, the Institute has come a long way since its birth. The Institute’s achievements are the results of the dedicated efforts of our colleagues and students, as well as the continued support of the education sector and the community, which we truly appreciate.

Under the recommendation made by the Education Commission Report No 5 (ECR 5) in 1992, HKIEd was established in 1994 by amalgamating the former colleges of education, with a view to upgrading teacher education and professional development. Dr Simon Ip and I took up the positions as the Council’s Chairman and Deputy Chairman when the HKIEd was established. It began as an institute offering only sub-degree level certificate programmes. As Dr Ip said in the HKIEd’s first Annual Report, “the institute is a new-born child and he watched the baby grow with pride and joy, but at times naturally with a little anxiety”.

Fifteen years have passed by and the institute has experienced phenomenal growth. It came under the aegis of the University Grants Committee in 1996; launched its first degree and postgraduate programmes in 1998 and was granted self-accrediting status in 2004. By 2008, the institute has grown to a university-level institute offering mainly undergraduate, postgraduate, master and doctoral programmes, fully supporting the Government’s policy to provide an “all-graduated, all-trained” teaching profession.

Since the Institute submitted its formal application to the Government for University Title in June 2007 together with a 10-year Development Blueprint, all members of the Institute have worked actively towards the strategic directions and aspirations laid down in its plan. The Institute is enhancing its research and development capacity, diversifying the programmes it offers, broadening the scope of its activities and expanding outreach to the Mainland and overseas, making substantial contributions to Hong Kong as an education hub.

As we enter an era of globalization, with resulting rapid social, technological and economic changes, our society will face more challenges than ever. The development of human capital is the bedrock of social progress, contributing to the improvement of the economic prospects of Hong Kong, and betterment of China and mankind as a whole. The essential role of education is indisputable.

HKIEd has grown and has acquired the necessary skills to become the Hong Kong University of Education. All members of HKIEd and I are ready to celebrate the joyous and proud moment when it advances to a new landmark.

The 15th Anniversary is an exciting year for all members of HKIEd. As the institute celebrates its 15th anniversary, it is an opportune time to honour our heritage and look to our future.

HKIEd is the youngest public-funded tertiary institution in Hong Kong, yet arguably also one of the oldest, with a teacher education heritage of 70 years. This heritage can be traced back to 1939, when the Northcote College of Education was established. Northcote was followed by the Rural Training College, Grantham College of Education, Sir Robert Black College of Education, the Hong Kong Technical Teachers' College and the Institute of Languages in Education. All these institutions contributed their share to the history and tradition of the HKIEd when they were amalgamated into it 15 years ago.

Since the amalgamation, HKIEd has carried forward the shared mission of nurturing caring, knowledgeable and responsible educators who serve the needs of the community. Since the Institute submitted its application for a University title, together with a 10-year Development Blueprint, it has added an “Education-Plus” framework, where subject disciplines are being enhanced, preparing the new generation of educators to meet society’s changing demands of the teaching profession.

To foster discussion for continuous improvement in education, the HKIEd is celebrating its 15th anniversary with a year-round “Education Year” programme, comprising a full range of public lectures, international conferences, exhibitions and activities, under its anniversary theme “Leading in Education, Inspiring Learning”.

A special Advisory Committee has also been formed under the “Education Year”, to steer and lead a large-scale “Hong Kong Education Heritage” project. This will include the collection of historic documents and artifacts related to Hong Kong’s education history, the compilation of the oral history of Hong Kong’s education heritage, a conference and an exhibition. This project, we hope, will eventually lead to the establishment of a permanent museum of education in Hong Kong, highlighting the contribution of teachers in education, and to reflect on the different challenges to education at different historic junctures. The museum will help to shape education for our future generations, as well as preserving the history of education in Hong Kong.

The Education Year is a momentous year for all. I must thank gratefully our partners, alumni, friends, and the community, as well as our students and staff for their unfailing support in developing the series of anniversary celebration activities. I sincerely ask all members who care for education to take part in our celebrations and continue to support the Institute as we progress towards becoming a University of Education, with a global perspective and a strong regional focus.