In today's globalised information era when unpredictable changes are definite certainties, what sets an individual, a city or a country apart is their ability to come up with original ideas and creative solutions. These highly cherished qualities, arguably of nature, can, we believe, also be nurtured. This explains why governments worldwide seek to nurture their citizens through high-quality education.

In recent years, Hong Kong has been gaining increasing international recognition for the standard of education it offers, particularly in relation to higher education. However, high-quality university education alone is not sufficient if our city is to promote originality, and advance creativity in education. It has to be education for all, and education must commence at the inception stage, when young minds are most receptive to creativity education. Among all universities in Hong Kong, I am confident that we at the Institute, with our established strengths in education research and teacher education, are best equipped to play a leading role in promoting new thinking in education.

Keenly aware of our specialist and monumental mission, the Institute embarked on a transformation path four years ago, guided by the thinking detailed in our Strategic Plan 2009-12 and Beyond. And today, the Institute has made significant progress in becoming an Education-focused, multidisciplinary institution with a strong research capacity.

Building on the milestones accomplished up to now, the Institute is extending the road maps for our future in this Strategic Plan 2013-16, taking into full consideration the recent evolution in the local, regional and international education landscapes.

Underpinned by the Strategic Plan 2013-16, a document embodying the collective wisdom of the entire Institute community, I am certain that The Hong Kong Institute of Education will continue to grow, thrive, and to excel, as we enter our 20th anniversary.