The University of Hong Kong -- Faculty of Education in Collaboration with the Singapore Centre for Chinese Language Offering Joint Master's Programme in Education Specialising in Teaching and Learning of Chinese Language. Programme Introduction and Inauguration Ceremony

The Faculty of Education of the University of Hong Kong (HKU) and the Singapore Centre for Chinese Language (SCCL) have jointly launched a master's programme in education specialising in Chinese Language Teaching and Learning. This programme aims to support Singapore's Chinese Language education and create vibrancies. It taps on the niche areas of the two institutions to form a team of qualified international academics. The MEd degree will be granted by the internationally renowned HKU.

The programme focuses on the teaching and learning of Chinese, curriculum design, assessment and educational research. Its objectives are to equip students with the knowledge in important theories of education, to enhance their ability to teach Chinese language effectively, and to train them to be future leaders in Chinese language education. It equips students with the knowledge in the most current trends in educational theories and educational technologies so that they will become visionary educationists. By the end of the course, students will be able to develop a global vision and put Singapore and regional Chinese language education in a global perspective.

This collaboration programme between Hong Kong and Singapore started off with the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on 7 November 2009. The first cohort commenced class on 10 March 2012 at SCCL. Prof. Stephen.J Andrews, Dean of Faculty of Education, Hong Kong University, officiated at the simple yet solemn inauguration ceremony. Dr Pang Ming Fai (Associate Dean of Faculty of Education), Prof Tse Shek Kam (Curriculum planner) and Mdm Queenie Wong (Development and Communications Manager) of HKU were also present to witness the opening ceremony. The first course of the programme was co-taught by Prof Tse Shek Kam and Dr Chin Chee Kuen, SCCL Executive Director. The participants were very enthusiastic and actively consulted the two experts, embarking on their learning journey with a great sense of satisfaction and achievement.

In the afternoon on the same day, the HKU Education Faculty also conducted an information session on its higher degrees programmes. Participants, many of whom school teachers, were all enthusiastic and there was good interaction between the participants and the academic team from Hong Kong.

Twenty-two students in the joint MEd programme went to Hong Kong on 4 June 2012 to attend a two-week course at the University. They stayed at the Robert Black College, a unique and historical hostel at HKU. The HKU Education Faculty had also arranged for the students to visit various primary and secondary schools in Hong Kong and interact with some outstanding local teachers. Despite a tight schedule, the students managed to visit the HKU library and were exposed to a wide range of books. The interactions with the HKU professors also benefitted them immensely. Students have attested that this MEd course enables them to apply in their work what they have learnt while pursuing a postgraduate degree.