In 1983, I visited Hong Kong for the first time. Situated at the southeastern tip of China, Hong Kong is ideally positioned at the center of East Asia, the fastest growing region in the world. The region covers Hong Kong Island, the Kowloon peninsula, and the New Territories, including 235 outlying islands. I discovered an area of great beauty and splendor, and a culture that is a source of fascination to people worldwide.
Described by some as a "barren rock" 150 years ago, Hong Kong has grown into a world-class financial, trading, and business center. After a century and a half of British administration, Hong Kong will become a Special Administrative Region of China on July 1, 1997, under the 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration. The existing economic, legal, and social systems will be maintained for at least 50 years after 1997. Under the "one country, two systems" principle, China's socialist system and policies will not be practiced in Hong Kong.
Last January, 14 years later, I led the ASCD pre-affiliation team on a five-day visit to Hong Kong. We visited schools, special centers, and universities to talk with our Chinese counterparts about ASCD and common professional issues. All affiliation application materials for ASCD (Hong Kong) were reviewed and found to be in order. On March 21, 1997, the ASCD Board of Directors approved the affiliate application from Hong Kong, which became the Association's 69th affiliate.
A Successful Region
Hong Kong is a highly developed and commercially successful region. It comprises many groups and educators, and it has a well-developed communications system linking it with Chinese-speaking places around the world, irrespective of political inclinations. Hong Kong's flexible and well-educated work force, coupled with an entrepreneurial flair, is the bedrock of its productivity and creativity. It has had free and compulsory education since the 1970s, based on the British model. There are more than 1,000 schools in Hong Kong, with more than 40,000 primary and secondary teachers. Great strides have been made to improve the quality of education in Hong Kong.
The aim of ASCD (Hong Kong) is to "facilitate innovations and renewal in schools." ASCD's newest affiliate is ready to play an important part in education by providing bottom-up curriculum support and professional development; bringing fresh ideas from ASCD, the United States, and around the world to Hong Kong educators; and serving as the gateway to Chinese-speaking communities around the world.
As we approach the 21st century with its challenges and opportunities, ASCD (Hong Kong) can provide a vital perspective on education in China.