University of Oxford & The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Presidents Forum
Professor Hamilton gave students tips on learning good English
Oxford University Press presented the Presidents Forum, co-hosted by Professor Andrew Hamilton, new Vice Chancellor of University of Oxford and Professor Tony Chan, President of The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, at Royal Plaza Hotel on 6 May 2010. The Forum was attended by Ms Michelle Li, Deputy Secretary for Education of the HKSAR Government, leading academics and over 100 school principals.
Professor Hamilton said, ‘There are four absolutely critical factors that make a university world-class. The first is people. You need a concentration of brilliant minds. Second is a commitment to research excellence. Third is a complete dedication to high quality education, and lastly, the financial resources to allow you to be competitive.’
President Tony Chan said, ‘A world-class university is definitely not about providing a narrow vocational training for the graduates' first or second jobs. It is about training students to think critically, creatively, independently and to see the big picture.’
Professor Hamilton said he was confident in the new curriculum in Hong Kong. He was also impressed that many Hong Kong students can speak 3 to 4 languages. Having studied in France for two years, Professor Hamilton also shared his tips on learning a foreign language, which was ‘talk, talk, talk, listen, listen, listen, travel, travel, travel’. He also found it useful to learn a second language through watching TV and movies.
Professor Andrew Hamilton
Vice Chancellor of University of Oxford
Professor Tony Chan
President of The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Mr Ben Mak
Deputy Regional Director, OUP
The two presidents exchanged views on the tertiary education development in Hong Kong and the UK.
The Forum was attended by over 100 school principals and leading academics.
Professor Hamilton, and Professor Chan, took photographs with Mr. Ben Mak (left), Ms. Michelle Li, Deputy Secretary for Education (second from the right) and Mr. Simon Li, Regional Director, OUP (right).
