CityU is helping Hong Kong secondary school principals expand their horizons through a series of training programmes called "New Challenges for the New Century".  

The programmes, commissioned by the Hong Kong Government's Education Department, were planned and co-ordinated by Professor Anthony Cheung and Dr Joshua Mok of the Department of Public and Social Administration. A total of seven forums, each focusing on a specific topic, began in December 2001 and will end with an international forum on education reforms on 29 June.

"We are providing an opportunity for school principals, who are taking up the mission to nurture the young generation for the benefit of Hong Kong society, to gather together and explore the new challenges of education in the 21st century," said Dr Mok. "A number of participants tell us that they like our approach and find our topics useful and enriching."

The forums urge participants to think about a variety of issues ranging from globalization and civilization to culture and the media. Experienced speakers, including Chief Executive Officer of Civic Exchange and CityU alumni Ms Christine Loh, Chairman of Hong Kong Policy Research Institute Limted Mr Yip Kwok-wah delivered the talks.

Chairman of the Cultural and Heritage Commission and CityU President Professor H K Chang was also among the speakers. On 23 May, Professor Chang delivered a talk to some 360 school principals on Hong Kong culture, sharing his views on cultural festivals and Chinese civilization.