A 20-strong committee has been set up to conduct a comprehensive study on how to implement free kindergarten education.
Education Commission chairman Moses Cheng Mo-chi will head the Committee on Free Kindergarten Education.
However, his appointment was quickly mired in controversy, with educators accusing Cheng of being biased against setting a pay scale for kindergarten teachers.
Secretary for Education Eddie Ng Hak-kim defended Cheng, saying he is experienced in education.
Besides Cheng, the other 19 members are from school-sponsoring bodies and a teacher education institution, and comprise a teacher, principals, parents, commission members and professionals, with seven from the sector.
Cheng’s committee will have two years to prepare a report on the way forward.
Ng said several subcommittees will be formed to discuss various issues such as whole day and half-day kindergarten modes, subventions, teacher-to-student ratios, teacher qualification and salaries.
“Under Cheng’s leadership, I expect the committee to provide, at the earliest possible date, practicable proposals to the Education Bureau on how to implement free kindergarten education.”
The kindergarten sector has been demanding a set pay scale for kindergarten teachers though Cheng is said to be against this.
Council of Non-Profit-Making Organizations for Pre-Primary Education vice chairman Lau Yin-king said the two-year discussion period is too long.
A spokeswoman for the Professional Teachers’ Union on early childhood education, Yung Hau-heung, accused Cheng of insincerity.
He is expressing his stance even before the committee meets, she said.