Shui Kau Chiu
Hong Kong Studies. 2024, 4(2): 3.
The Hong Kong government has administered new public management in the public sector to address the impact of the 1997 Asian financial crisis. Guided by the principles of efficiency, effectiveness, and economy, the Government re-examined its expenditures across different sectors. Higher education encountered financial strain after the Government adjusted its funding for education. Meanwhile, many young people were unemployed or failed to pursue further studies. The Government thus launched Project Yi Jin in 2000, authorizing qualified higher education providers to offer an unprecedented and self-financed study path for young people to meet their educational needs. Despite the project’s implementation spanning over two decades, studies focusing on it were outdated and inadequate. Therefore, we proposed a study to revisit the project in the aforementioned context, aiming to bridge the academic gaps. This article argued that by offering young people hope for their futures, the project has enhanced society, especially young people, to respect law and order. The project has also helped higher education to survive and exercise its function by alleviating the financial stress attributed to new public management in the public sector. This article will become one of the significant references for higher education and education policymakers, particularly regarding sustainability and governance.
