Business Coalition on Education:
A Position Statement

Nature and Purpose

The Business Coalition on Education is a voluntary and informal grouping of chambers of commerce and other business associations who share an interest in and a common desire to contribute towards the development of quality education in Hong Kong.

Objectives

To be the forum where interested members of the business community can meet to share views, ideas and information on education with a particular focus on the education system of Hong Kong.

To be the focal point where the business community's views and suggestions on education can be properly coordinated and effectively conveyed to the Hong Kong SAR Government or the education sector itself. These should include views from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) who constitute the backbone of our economy.

To be the platform on which business sector initiatives on education can be developed, formulated and launched.

Approach

Pragmatic -- As practical business people the Coalition will approach all education related issues from a pragmatic rather than theoretical or academic perspective, focusing more on the output instead of the process.

Constructive -- The Coalition will seek to offer constructive and actionable suggestions which are based on careful and objective analyses to the SARG or the education sector.

Participative -- Where appropriate the Coalition will initiate programmes through which members can contribute to Hong Kong education in a more direct manner.

Areas of Concern

1. Recruiter Requirements -- One of the first tasks of the Coalition is to define in as specific terms as possible what skills and qualities employers require of new recruits at different levels. This will help the authorities in formulating education policies. It will also help members of the Coalition in targeting areas where they can contribute as programme sponsors or even "change agents".

2. English Language -- Coalition members feel that if Hong Kong is to maintain its position as an international business centre, the overall English language skills of our students must be substantially improved. An example of where the business sector may help is a voluntary English Language test which takes into account the needs of various industries and jobs. This helps to provide a minimum qualification recognised by employers as well as a basic target for our schools and students.

Accomplishment: The Business Coalition on Education co-operated with and supported the SAR Government's Workplace English Campaign launched in February 2000.

3. Vocational Education -- This is an essential part of the total educational picture as Hong Kong employers will always need to fill basic operating jobs with young people who possess the relevant practical skills. The Coalition will seek to start a constructive dialogue with the VTC to ensure that there is an appropriate policy for vocational education that meets Hong Kong's business needs and to determine where members may be able to contribute.

4. Business/School Cooperation -- As in other developed economies, the long term trend in Hong Kong is for schools to become self-governed with an increased element of community participation. This is an area where the business sector can add value both in terms of management skills and strategic perspective. In the short to medium term, the business sector should seek to establish direct channels of communication with schools through such activities as school adoption programme, summer internships, career seminars, etc. The Coalition will coordinate with the Education Commission to ensure that these ideas are fully explored and implemented.

Accomplishment: The Business Coalition on Education worked with the SAR Government to establish the "Business Schools Partnership Scheme". Launched in January 2000.

5. Continuing Education -- Many training courses exist in Hong Kong and our young employees are among the most motivated when it comes to the pursuit of additional qualifications. However, there is a need to determine whether these programmes do help to upgrade the employees' job-related skills. The Coalition will explore whether an accreditation system as adopted in other countries could be implemented in Hong Kong.

For further information please contact:

Elaine Pickering, Secretary
Business Coalition on Education
c/o Vision 2047 Foundation
1004-5 Wilson House
19 Wyndham Street
Central, Hong Kong
Tel: (852) 2861 1186
Fax: (852) 2865 6462
E-mail : vision2047@vision2047.org.hk