Hong Kong SAR Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa explained the three main issues -- education, poverty and governance -- of his Policy Address 2000, at the Hong Kong Business Community Luncheon held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on Oct. 16.

With regard to education, Mr Tung said he accepted the final recommendations of the Education Commission in full.

"Education reform is a mammoth and arduous long term task. Much is to be done, but in the next two years, our focus will first be on upgrading the standards of our teachers, reforming curricula and teaching methods, improving system of assessment and examination, as well as increasing learning opportunities at and above the senior secondary level," he said.

Explaining his stance on providing more assistance to the poor, Mr Tung said the government will help the poor to help themselves, create more job opportunities and design programmes to address special and acute needs.

To achieve this, training and retraining programmes will be expanded and improved, and new job opportunities will arise by speeding up social investments in hospital, elderly and environmental services, including the greening and cleaning of Hong Kong.

"Yet do let me assure you that we are not going down the slippery slope towards a welfare state. We do sometimes give unconditional benefits, but primarily to the needy, the elderly and the infirm," he said.

In his Policy Address, Mr Tung discussed in depth a number of governance issues which have come under fire from the public.

"Contrary to some, I think our governance structure, product of benign evolution and ordained by the Basic Law, is working well," he said. "Our experience in the three years since reunification fully demonstrates that the executive authorities, legislature and judiciary of the SAR are able to function effectively under the Basic Law."

Mr Tung also touched upon the importance of innovation and technology, and the role of knowledge, as well as the importance of sustainable development as the key to long-term welfare.

"We are working hard to improve our environment, and will do a lot to improve our education system. We have put into place a number of other crucial reforms, most of which are beginning to bear fruit. We are on a good start for the new Millennium. Moreover, we are blessed with opportunities. Mainland China will soon join the WTO. Our China advantage will bring us enormous opportunities," he said.