INVESTMENT, HONG KONG

The Hon. J.M. GAZZOLA (15:08): My question is to the Minister for Mineral Resources Development. Is the minister aware of any recent advances in raising the profile of South Australia in the important investment community in Hong Kong?

The Hon. P. HOLLOWAY (Minister for Police, Minister for Mineral Resources Development, Minister for Urban Development and Planning) (15:09): I thank the honourable member for his question. I am delighted to inform members that I recently travelled to the special administrative region of Hong Kong. It is now more than a decade since the handover of this former British territory to Chinese rule, and the economy, long regarded as a bastion of free trade within Asia, continues to grow.

Hong Kong has long been an important port and key entry point for Australian exports to Asia, and it is also a significant bridge between Australia and mainland China. In addition, we also have a thriving expatriate community in Hong Kong, and many Australians now work there for multinational and home grown companies. Similarly, many Hong Kong Chinese have made their home in Australia and sent their children to study in our schools and universities.

The important links between South Australia and Hong Kong took a significant step forward last month. On my recent visit to Hong Kong I was delighted to attend a signing ceremony that marked the forging of a partnership between Lingnan University and the University of Adelaide. The two universities have agreed that they will provide an MBA program that combines the best of east and west business practices. Lingnan University enjoys a strong reputation in economics and business and has excellent relations with the business community in Hong Kong and China.

Lingnan University is the youngest tertiary institution in Hong Kong, but its history dates back to 1888 when its forerunner, the prestigious Lingnan University, was founded in Guangzhou on mainland China. It is one of eight government-funded universities but the only liberal arts college in Hong Kong offering bachelor programs in arts, business administration, social sciences and postgraduate studies to more than 2,000 students.

The University of Adelaide is confident this reputation will ensure that graduates from the program will be highly regarded in the region. The 18-month MBA program will begin in July 2008 and will be taught through intensive lecture sessions by University of Adelaide academics as well as qualified specialists from around the globe. The university's MBA program carries a five-star rating within Hong Kong and is ranked by Singapore's Edupoll Education Guide as the best value Australian MBA.

The partnership between the University of Adelaide and Lingnan University is an exciting development and yet another example of the importance that this state places on the international education sector. More than 2,300 Hong Kong citizens are currently being educated at South Australian tertiary institutions in both onshore and offshore programs, including 356 students at the University of Adelaide.

The Hong Kong-based Cheung Kong Group, which employs more than 180,000 people worldwide, is also a joint partner with the federal government in offering student exchange scholarships for up to 200 undergraduates and 20 postgraduate students each year in Australia and Asia. South Australia, and the University of Adelaide in particular, has been the leader in winning the Endeavour Australia Cheung Kong Student Exchange awards.

While South Australia is well-known for its exports of mineral resources, wines and seafood, it should also be emphasised that education is now the state's fourth largest export, valued at close to $650 million a year. Adelaide has become an internationally recognised education centre and has rightfully gained a reputation as Australia's learning city. I think this relationship between the University of Adelaide and Lingnan University is another positive step in Adelaide maintaining that reputation.