LegCo Panel on Education concludes duty visit in Finland (with photos)

The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:

     The delegation of the Legislative Council (LegCo) Panel on Education concluded its duty visit in Finland yesterday (September 13, Oulu time) and returned to Hong Kong today (September 14, Hong Kong time).

     On the last day of visit, the delegation visited the Oulu Vocational College, one of the biggest vocational upper secondary education and training institutes in Finland. Members of the delegation learnt about the implementation of vocational education and training in Finland.

     The delegation then attended a lunch meeting hosted by officials of the City of Oulu, including the Chairman of the City Board, Professor Kyösti Oikarinen, and the Director of Education and Culture, Mr Mika Penttilä. Both sides exchanged views on issues of mutual concern.

     In addition, the delegation visited the Hiukkavaara School and Community Centre to observe a wide range of education, day care, recreational and cultural facilities.

     In summing up the five-day duty visit, the delegation leader Mr Ip Kin-yuen described the visit as very fruitful. "Through discussions with government officials and representatives of education institutions, members have obtained a better understanding of the renowned education system in Finland. It facilitates our discussion with the Government on the formulation of better policies and initiatives to facilitate happy learning and multiple articulation pathways for students in Hong Kong," Mr Ip said.

     "The delegation would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the Ministry of Education and Culture in Finland, the City of Oulu, and the Consulate-General of Finland in Hong Kong for their tremendous efforts in making the visit a huge success. We are thankful for the warmest hospitality the delegation received during our stay in Finland," Mr Ip added.

     The delegation which visited Finland from September 9 to 13 is led by the Chairman of the LegCo Panel on Education cum leader Mr Ip Kin-yuen, and the Deputy Chairman of the Panel cum deputy leader Mr ‍Vincent Cheng. Other participating members include Panel members Mr Michael Tien, Dr Fernando Cheung and Ms ‍Chan Hoi-yan; as well as non-Panel members Ms ‍Elizabeth Quat and Mr Tony Tse.