As a teaching professional, Sir William has maintained a deep interest in and has contributed immensely to improvements in teacher education. Sir William's academic and professional achievements have won him great respect in the education community not only in the UK, but also in Hong Kong. He was the Panel Chairman of the Institute's first Institutional Review in 1996 commissioned by the Hong Kong Council for Academic Accreditation. The professional advice given in the Institutional Review Report not only framed the development of the Institute's first degree programmes and the infrastructure that supported the Institute's teaching and learning activities, but also played a crucial role in bringing the Institute under the auspices of the University Grants Committee in 1996.

Sir William was a Council member and the Chairman of the Council's Professorial Appointments Committee of the Institute until April 2004. He was always supportive and often gave valuable, far-sighted and pragmatic advice on different affairs to the Institute.

At the age of 74, Sir William remains energetic and passionate, and continues to serve the education community, extending his selfless devotion, genuine commitment and professionalism to the education sector.