Newsletter No. 69

INVESTMENT IN SCHOOLING MAY YIELD HIGH RETURNS High returns from schooling investments have been registered in both industrialized and newly developed countries, and such a phenomenon was the subject of a lecture given by Prof. Ma rk Rosenzweig, professor of economics at the University of Pennsylvania and a fellow of the Econometric Society, on 12th April, in the capacity of a Wei Lun Visiting Professor at the University. In his lecture 'Why Are Returns to Schooling High ?' Prof. Rosenzweig examined the circumstances under which schooling improves productivity in both the labour market and in the household, the relationship between schooling and learning, and the association between schooling investments and economic growth. He quoted empirical findings of relevant studies in the United States, India, the Philippines and the Latin American countries to illustrate when and where schooling is productive and warrants increased resource allocations. A ReviewofPrimaryEducation in Hong Kong About 700 educators gathered on Chung Chi campus on 14th April to participate in a conference on primary education jointly organized by the University's Faculty of Education and the Hong Kong Primary Education Research Association. The theme this year was innovative developments in primary education and their effectiveness. Dr. Tam Man-kwan, chairman of the Board of Education, was guest of honour and delivered a keynote speech. He reviewed the development of compulsory education in Hong Kong and suggested areas for improvement. In the 20 discussion sessions that followed, participants of the conference exchanged their views on different topics such as quality of primary education, student suicide, the target-oriented curriculum, and language teaching. New Council Members * Dr. Chou Wen-hsien has been elected by the Board of Trustees of New Asia College, in accordance with Statute 11.1(e) and 11.4 of the University Ordinance, as a member of the University Council for a period of three years from 16th April 1995, succeeding Mr. H. C. Tang. Dr. Chou, managing director of Winsor Industrial Corporation and chairman of Ocean-Land, is well-known for his involvement in community services. He has held executive and advisory posts in various charitable organizations in Hong Kong. He also chairs the Chou's Foundation and the Winsor Education Foundation which have been set up to promote education, learning, and culture, and have enabled many local students in financial hardship to further their studies. Dr. Chou's business interests are wide-ranging, covering textiles, real estate, construction, shipping, food, insurance, and retailing. Dr. Chou has been awarded numerous honours over the years, including an OBE in 1986 and the title of Commander of the Order of the Finnish L i on in 1991. He was the honorary consul for Finland in Hong Kong from 1983 to 1993. He is currently vice-chairman of the Board of Trustees of New Asia College, and chairman of the Board of Directors of the Hong Kong Music Institute. * P r o f. Kao Ma y - c h i ng has been elected by the Assembly of Fellows of New Asia College, in accordance with Statute 11.4 and 16.6(a) of the Ordinance, as a member of the University Council under Statute 11.1(h) for a term of three years from 27th April 1995, succeeding Dr. Serena Jin. Prof. Kao is professor of fine arts and curator of the University's Art Gallery. US Executives Learn Business the Asian Way Thirty-three Executive MBA students of the University of Pittsburgh in the United States were in Hong Kong from 17th to 20th April to participate in an Asia Advanced Management Programme entitled 'Asia-Pacific Challenge: Hong Kong and China'. During their visit, the students participated in lectures and panel discussions at the University's MBA Town Centre in Tsimshatsui East. To enhance their understanding of developments in China, arrangements were also made for them to visit a production facility in Dongguan. These activities were conducted by members from the Faculty of Business Administration and five key executives from the business community. Jointly organized by the University's Asia-Pacific Institute of Business and the University of Pittsburgh, the programme is now in its seventh year. Its objective is to expose participants to the various aspects of business and management practices in Hong Kong and southeast Asia. H-12 and W-3 to Mi nd Your 501's An invention by Dr. Mark Kai-keung of the Biology Department to combat pollution brought about by the dyeing industry was displayed at the Hannover Fair in Germany, Europe's most prestigious industrial and technological fair. Dr. Mark's bio-removal approach is targeted at two dyes — indigo and sulphur black. Manufacturers of denim in particular traditionally use environmentally- toxic agents to reduce the two dyes in a process known as 'stone-washing' to create the 'faded' look. The toxic residues of the dyes after the treatment pose threats to the environment. To provide an alternative, environmentally-friendly bleaching method, Dr. Mark has identified two strains of bacteria, H-12 and W-3. H-12 offers a benign substitute for bleaching indigo and W-3 removes sulphur black through bio-absorption. Both can be used to treat waste water. This year's exhibition, held from 3rd to 8th April, focussed on energy and environmental technology, electric automation technology, and power transmission and control.