However, he recognises that teaching in the 21st Century poses new and different demands. His vision is conveyed in terms of the quality of graduates he hopes the Institute will produce - dedicated and competent, but also knowledgeable with a love for knowledge and for learning and a realisation that knowledge is not acquired easily, that learning brings pain as well as joy. His vision is of graduates who care for their pupils in affective ways but also understand their pupils; recognise them as unique individuals, social beings and members of a free and pluralistic society. He expects HKIEd graduates to be teachers with a caring commitment to the environment of Hong Kong and of the world.

The importance of learning from life
Professor Luk endorses the current emphasis on lifelong learning. He advocates a "good, solid and joy-filled" initial teacher education programme, balancing theoretical and practical knowledge, broadening the intellectual and social horizons of students. Luk emphasises that young teachers will need to build on their initial grounding in the discipline and continually develop and expand this throughout their professional careers. This development on and expansion of initial knowledge would come about partly, but not only, through formal continuing professional development. Luk firmly believes that reflection on life and experience is equally important. "Young teachers," he emphasises, "will be most effective if they have received initial teacher education that has inspired them to think about issues within themselves and within society." But teacher education should not be viewed merely as a vocational preparation. Lifelong learning must acknowledge not only attendance at courses, workshops and seminars, but the importance of enjoying and reflecting on a healthy and fruitful lifestyle. Only in this way will lifelong learners become effective teachers.