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Confucius Institute
Background
Along with the growth of China’s comprehensive national strength and its influence on international affairs, the importance of the Chinese language is also growing. In many countries there is a great upsurge in learning Chinese. Apart from general interest in the Chinese language and culture, some people are beginning to see the study of Chinese as a useful career path. Currently, over 3,000 universities, over 100 countries offer courses of Chinese Language, with estimated student populations of 40,000,000. This does not include programmes offered in primary and secondary schools and other institutions.
With the objective of enhancing the understanding of the Chinese language and culture among Chinese learners around the world as well as providing good learning conditions for students, the Chinese Government has commissioned the Office of Chinese Language Council International （Hanban） to cooperate with renowned universities and professional organizations for the setting up the “Confucius Institute” in countries and areas that have the needs. The “Confucius Institute Headquarters” is located in Beijing. It is responsible for supervising the Confucius Institutes in different places by providing necessarily support and services.
By the end of 2005, Hanban has established 40 Confucius Institutes all over the world. In early December 2007, Hanban held the 2nd Confucius Institute Conference in Beijing. The “Confucius Institute” system is gaining its maturity, with more than 200 Confucius Institutes being established in 64 countries by the end of 2007. Hundreds of applications for setting up more were still pending approval. Until October 2009, 523 Confucius Institutes in 87 countries and regions have been established. Each Confucius Institute took advantage of its own uniqueness to develop rich and diverse educational and cultural activities. In this way, it gradually formed its own unique teaching modes and became an important place for people to learn Chinese language and understand Chinese culture. Confucius Institutes are all warmly welcomed wherever they are established.
With a mandate to further promote Chinese language and culture in the territory, the Confucius Institute of Hong Kong (CIHK) was officially inaugurated on 12 May 2006. CIHK is the first Confucius Institute in Chinese territories.
With the objective of enhancing the understanding of the Chinese language and culture among Chinese learners around the world as well as providing good learning conditions for students, the Chinese Government has commissioned the Office of Chinese Language Council International （Hanban） to cooperate with renowned universities and professional organizations for the setting up the “Confucius Institute” in countries and areas that have the needs. The “Confucius Institute Headquarters” is located in Beijing. It is responsible for supervising the Confucius Institutes in different places by providing necessarily support and services.
By the end of 2005, Hanban has established 40 Confucius Institutes all over the world. In early December 2007, Hanban held the 2nd Confucius Institute Conference in Beijing. The “Confucius Institute” system is gaining its maturity, with more than 200 Confucius Institutes being established in 64 countries by the end of 2007. Hundreds of applications for setting up more were still pending approval. Until October 2009, 523 Confucius Institutes in 87 countries and regions have been established. Each Confucius Institute took advantage of its own uniqueness to develop rich and diverse educational and cultural activities. In this way, it gradually formed its own unique teaching modes and became an important place for people to learn Chinese language and understand Chinese culture. Confucius Institutes are all warmly welcomed wherever they are established.
With a mandate to further promote Chinese language and culture in the territory, the Confucius Institute of Hong Kong (CIHK) was officially inaugurated on 12 May 2006. CIHK is the first Confucius Institute in Chinese territories.
Mission
The CIHK supports China’s cultural construction and, apart from promoting local education of Chinese language and culture in Hong Kong, it will make use of Hong Kong’s favorable status as an international city to promote Chinese culture and application of the Chinese language.
Goal
Making use of PolyU’s strengths in scientific research and teaching, the CIHK aims to conduct research projects that will benefit and enhance the exchange and development of the Chinese language and culture in the world and develop teaching materials.
Partners
CIHK is an independent entity under the supervision of the Council of CIHK. CIHK’s activities will be conducted in cooperation with departments or units of PolyU. The Department of CBS and Culture Promotion Committee play the role of the major partner. CIHK will cooperate with other institutions and organizations engaged in teaching Chinese and promoting Chinese culture. In addition, CIHK is preparing to cooperate with other Confucius Institutes around the world in order to achieve mutual complementation.
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