The Government's Role and Organisation

The Secretary for Education and Manpower, who heads the EMB, formulates, develops and reviews education policies, secures funds in the government budget, and oversees the effective implementation of educational programmes. The Permanent Secretary for Education and Manpower assists him in formulating, coordinating and implementing educational policies with the help of the bureau.

Education Ordinance

School education services are regulated by the Education Ordinance. School operators must comply with the provisions of the ordinance and the subsidiary legislation covering areas such as registration of schools, teachers and managers, health and safety requirements, fees and charges and teacher qualifications.

The Education (Amendment) Ordinance 2004, which provides for the implementation of a school-based management governance framework in aided schools through the establishment of incorporated management committees, came into effect on January 1, 2005.

Vocational Training Council Ordinance

The Vocational Training Council Ordinance provides for the establishment, functions and management of the council, which is the main body responsible for vocational education and technical training. Its membership comprises representatives from industry, commerce, the service sectors, employee representatives and government officials.

Post Secondary Colleges Ordinance

The Post Secondary Colleges Ordinance covers institutions offering post-secondary courses. There are currently three approved post-secondary colleges registered under the ordinance, namely the Hong Kong Shue Yan University, the Caritas Francis Hsu College and the Chu Hai College of Higher Education.

Non-local Higher and Professional Education (Regulation) Ordinance

The Non-local Higher and Professional Education (Regulation) Ordinance came into effect in June 1997 to protect Hong Kong consumers by guarding against the marketing of substandard non-local courses conducted in Hong Kong.