Tung Chee Hwa, chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), pledged here Friday that more efforts are needed to push forward with education reforms, to cater for the needs of a knowledge society, sharpen Hong Kong's competitiveness and add new momentum to the economy.

Addressing the opening ceremony of the "Education Exposition 2002," Tung outlined the goal of the Hong Kong SAR government for education development.

"Out goal is to develop an education system that encourages all-round development and lifelong learning, enhances students'interest and effectiveness in learning, and nurtures a generation of young people who enjoy learning and have creative thinking, good communication skills and a strong sense of commitment," he said.

"Our education reforms focus on increasing the diversity of the school sector, improving school facilities, initiating curriculum reform and providing teachers with more space for professional development," he added.

He said that over the past five years, the SAR government has implemented a series of measures to increase the diversity of the school sector and improve school facilities and that the reform are in sound progress.

Tung pointed out that education is the cornerstone of civilization and prosperity, the foundation for future success and a ladder to social mobility.

The exposition showcases to people evidence of success and progress in Hong Kong SAR government's education reforms through a total commitment of the community and frontline workers, since the establishment of the SAR, he added.

(Xinhua News Agency March 9, 2002)