Speech at the 20th Anniversary Forum of SCOLAR

Closing Remarks by Mrs Marion LAI CHAN Chi-kuen, J.P.,

Permanent Secretary for Education,

at the 20^th Anniversary Forum of SCOLAR

on 3 June 2016

Mr Lester HUANG (Chairman of SCOLAR), Hon Michael TIEN, Prof. CHENG Kai-ming, Distinguished Guests, and Members of SCOLAR,

　　　Good afternoon.  It is my great honour to take part in the 20^th Anniversary Forum of SCOLAR.  I would like to thank all of you for joining the Forum today, exchanging and sharing your valuable views on language learning and teaching in Hong Kong.  

2.　　Language competencies, which are the asset of quality population and the future of Hong Kong, can generate handsome returns for individuals as well as for society and the economy.  They are crucial for maintaining Hong Kong’s competitive edge as an international city.  Good language ability is not only essential for life-long learning and world-wide communication, it also enables our younger generation to realise their full potential and cope effectively with the challenges brought by a rapidly changing and competitive knowledge-based society.  We are therefore committed to map out the strategic directions of language education for Hong Kong and implement a wide array of initiatives in order to meet the changing language needs of the people of Hong Kong, in particular, our students and the workforce, and to nurture their ability to communicate effectively in English, Cantonese and Putonghua. 

3.　　The 20^th Anniversary Forum of SCOLAR which is themed “Scale New Heights in Language Learning” has brought together eminent language education experts and practitioners from different sectors of our community.  It offered us a golden opportunity to learn and share the vision of promoting biliteracy and trilingualism in Hong Kong from different perspectives.  Our discussions in the Forum have inspired us with critical reflections on further enhancing the effectiveness of the current practice as well as charting the way forward in enhancing language learning and teaching in Hong Kong. 

4.　　May I take this opportunity to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our honorable guest speakers, the distinguished guests from the education sector and all our participants for their generous sharing with us.  My special thanks also go to Mr HUANG, Chairman of SCOLAR as well as SCOLAR Members for their kind assistance which makes this fruitful sharing among language experts possible.

5.　　In closing, may I wish all of you gain deeper insights into achieving quality language learning and teaching in Hong Kong.  Let’s continue to join hands to bring language education in Hong Kong to new heights.  Thank you.