Mr Li Yuet-ting, CBE, JP

MR LI YUET-TING has been serving the education sector, dedicated to shaping and building the education system of Hong Kong since the 1960's. He was the first Director of Education to be promoted from the local rank and file of the Education Department, after serving the education sector for close to three decades. Mr Li was pivotal in the implementation of nine-year compulsory education in Hong Kong. During his tenure, he masterminded plans in meeting the demand for senior secondary education and for trained teachers. Most of the pioneer information systems used today, from primary to tertiary levels were directly or indirectly of his making. He also initiated the establishment of graduate posts in primary schools, which has resulted in the significant increase in the proportion of degree-holding teachers in primary schools. There are now some 70% of primary teachers holding degrees.

In the early 1990's, Mr Li played a key role in drawing up the Education Commission Report No. 5. This eventually led to the establishment of the autonomous Hong Kong Institute of Education, amalgamating the five Colleges of Education which had been under the jurisdiction of the Education Department.

Since his retirement in 1992, Mr Li has actively contributed to community service. With a heart devoted to the betterment of the education system in Hong Kong, he continues to offer his expert advice to the Education and Manpower Bureau on matters relating to Education Reform.