Speech at the Annual Hotung Lecture 2011

7 January 2011 (Friday) at 3 pm

The Annual Hotung Lecture 2011

Welcoming Speech by Mrs Cherry Tse, JP

Permanent Secretary for Education

Professor Renzulli, Professor Reis, Mr Koo, Dr Tommis, distinguished guests, principals, teachers, ladies and gentlemen,

Good afternoon!  It is very encouraging to see so many committed school principals, teachers and educators gathered here today for a valuable professional exchange.  For all those working in the field of gifted education, Professor Renzulli and Professor Reis would be no strangers.  Their work on the Three Ring Conception of Giftedness and the Enrichment Triad Model are must-know classics in the field. 

Since the setting up of the HK Academy for Gifted Education, the Education Bureau has been working closely with this strategic partner to provide services to our gifted students as well as their teachers and parents.  Enhancing gifted education-related professional development programmes is an integral part of our efforts, not least because of the importance of school-based approach in permeating gifted education in various Key Learning Areas.  I feel encouraged by the impressive number of school principals and teachers in the audience.

This Annual Hotung Lecture, organised by the Academy, provides a very good opportunity for educators to engage in quality exchange with world renowned scholars in gifted education.  In the lecture, Professor Renzulli will share with us his insights on the unique aspects and benefits of gifted education and redefine its role in the 21^st century.  Professor Reis will present evidence-based research about ways that gifted education programmes can profoundly influence the lives of gifted students.  

As Alexander Graham Bell, the great inventor of telephony, says, “Great discoveries and improvements invariably involve the cooperation of many minds.” I am sure that the takeaway today will transcend far beyond the time and the physical confines of this lecture.  The reflections, professional dialogue and collaboration that today’s lecture will trigger will, I am sure, help us take a critical look of what we have been doing and how it may be refined for greater effectiveness.

Before closing, I would like to thank the Board and the Executive of the Academy which, under the committed and capable leadership of Mr. Irving Koo, has much enhanced the awareness and knowledge of gifted education in Hong Kong.  Our gratitude must also go to the stars of today – Professor Renzulli and Professor Reis – for their professional sharing and of course to you, my fellow members of the audience for your commitment to, and support for, gifted education.

Last but not least, a Happy and Wonderful New Year to you all! 

Thank you.