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(......Continued)
Attracting private
donations
 For
the first time in Hong Kong, the Government introduced
a $1-billion matching grant scheme in March 2003 to
encourage tertiary institutions to seek private donations
which will be awarded a matching grant on a dollar-for-dollar
basis. In parallel, we were advised that there would
be a substantial cut in government funding.
As the youngest UGC-funded institution
and with a focus on teacher education, which is a "modest"
profession generating graduates of moderate income,
we are aware of the extraordinary challenges we face
in securing private funding. Nevertheless, strenuous
efforts have been made by the Council, staff, students
and graduates to promote our mission and seek the support
of potential benefactors. A special institutional advancement
team was established to build our capacity and expertise
in this area.
Staying focused,
rising to the challenges
As the President at a time of remarkable progress and
yet unprecedented external challenges, I am mindful
of the paramount importance of ensuring that the HKIEd
community stays focused and undeterred in implementing
our core mission.
Looking into the future, it is evident
that we will have to employ strategic, vigorous and
determined efforts to cope with declining resources
and a foreseeable decrease in student numbers. It is
our responsibility to ensure the most effective and
efficient use of resources, explore new sources of funding
and broaden income-generating activities. We have put
in place a range of measures to cope with a reduced
funding level.
Amidst adversity and ever-changing policy
and social environments, it is all the more important
for us to reaffirm our distinctive role as the largest
and most focused teacher education provider in the tertiary
sector. We firmly believe that the ability of the Institute
to meet the legitimate aspirations of the public and
to adapt flexibly can be best realised by a devoted
community with concerted efforts from the Council, staff,
students and graduates.
Paul Morris
President
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