There is no better way to capture a glimpse of an institution than by chronicling its people – staff, students, alumni and friends.

Thanks to everyone concerned, such a book to commemorate the 15th Anniversary of the Hong Kong Institute of Education, providing an account of the Institute from a personal and human perspective, has now been published. The publication looks back over a time tunnel, which started in 1994. Various staff, who joined the Institute in our early days, recall their excitement when they first set foot on the new campus at Lo Ping Road in Tai Po in 1997. They talk about the new offices with the smell of fresh paint, yet-to-be-fixed curtains and a beautiful campus unexplored. Since then, much has happened – some staff have switched career paths within the Institute, others married and given birth to children, while yet others have left and returned.

When you dip into this book, you will find their many fascinating stories: a staff member with a daughter in her late teens, who has chosen to study teacher education at the Institute; others who send their children to study at the HKIEd Jockey Club Primary School and HKIEd HSBC Early Childhood Learning Centre; an older brother, now a Year 4 student, advising his younger brother to study with us; an alumnus reminiscing with great pride on his life during his College days in the 1960s; as well as the strong feelings that many of our friends have for the Institute... Their individual stories, when pieced together, paint the bigger picture – of the HKIEd and our development, a young institution maturing and growing in stature. This enhanced quality is increasingly being recognised, not only by the community, but also internationally.

I have recently attended many functions, with an often quoted set of figures: 15-70-128 up my sleeves. “15” stands for the 15th Anniversary of the HKIEd in 2009; “70” for the 70th Anniversary of the Northcote Teacher Training College (the oldest of our predecessor colleges), which was founded in 1939; and “128” represents the 128 years of history in teacher education in Hong Kong, beginning with the establishment of the first Government Normal School in 1881 by the then Governor, John Pope Hennessy. Our young and vibrant institution has inherited a long and precious legacy.

As we enter 2009, I hope that we will continue to work together for the best development of the Institute and the future of education in Hong Kong – a future which has never been brighter.

Lastly, may I wish you all the very best for the year 2009.

Anthony B. L. Cheung
President