In developing the Plan, the SPC considered the Government’s Education Reform proposals and development trends of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), the Southeast Asian region and the world at large. These include the emergence of a knowledge-based global economy which has spurred the demand for continuing and higher education, professional upgrading and life-long learning opportunities; the rapid growth of communication technologies which provide new means of delivering continuing education outside our campus; the increasing need for multi-lingual capability on the part of graduates to adapt easily to diverse cultures and working environments brought about by globalization and internationalization; increasing competition from local and overseas education institutions and possible major reduction of government funding for tertiary education. The SPC recognised that internally, our shared goals and values, unique strength in a number of disciplines and quality staff, when facilitated by a supportive Council, collegiality and team spirit, will drive the furtherance of our business as a higher education provider.

The SPC is confident that the Plan will propel PolyU in the right direction and facilitate the achievement of our mission with the support of the entire University community. Recognising the fluidity of the ever-changing and dynamic operating environment, the SPC will keep the strategic objectives of the Plan under periodic review and modify the strategies accordingly.