Professor Arthur Li, Secretary for Education and Manpower, was also among the delegates to Beijing. Mei-po seized this opportunity to put forward her views on the long-term development of the HKIEd. "Professor Li was friendly and responsive when I talked to him about formalising the name of the Institute to that of a university, and the need among many teachers to focus their efforts on teaching. Professor Li responded that HKIEd had already obtained self-accrediting status. As for the question on teachers, Professor Li explained that the government is working on subject specialisation, which is expected to allow teachers to re-channel their time on teaching."

The Quality Teacher Development Award Scheme aims at promoting the holistic development of students. Mei-po has found her greatest satisfaction from the programmes, the learning environment and the caring attitude of the academic staff at the Institute. "I just feel great everyday when I travel from the Hong Kong Island to the Tai Po campus. The tranquillity in the campus helps me tremendously both in thinking and learning," said Mei-po.

Now that Mei-po has achieved the target she sets for herself in joining the Scheme, she wants to concentrate on her studies and subject research. Again, Mei-po's target is very clear - to correct the general misconception about the standard of HKIEd students. Tam Mei-po is a student with aspirations, who sets goals for herself at different stages and strives to achieve them. Teaching in a tertiary institution and promoting academic excellence are her ultimate dreams. Embracing lofty aspirations with boundless enthusiasm is the characteristic of many young teachers, and we are glad to have found just such a person in Mei-po.