30/08/2006
HKUST Launches Putonghua Proficiency Testing Service
The Language Centre at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) is set to become an authorized testing centre for the Putonghua Proficiency Test (Putonghua Shuiping Ceshi) for the State Language Commission.
Prof Paul Chu (left) and Prof Yao Xishuang
Prof Paul Chu, President of HKUST and Prof Yao Xishuang, Manager of the Putonghua Training and Testing Centre under the State Language Commission, signed a cooperation agreement today (30 August, 2006), by which the State Language Commission will assist and support HKUST in operating its Putonghua
Proficiency testing service. The agreement is to run for three years.
Beginning in early 2007, the HKUST's Language Centre will administer Putonghua Proficiency Tests and provide preparation courses for the students, staff and alumni of HKUST.
"As Chinese nationals," President Chu says, "we regard it a must to
learn and speak Putonghua well. As an educational institution, we are happy to shoulder the responsibility of promoting its use. We hope to encourage our students to take advantage of this testing service, and by doing so, help raise their Putonghua proficiency levels."
The Putonghua Proficiency Test is a language examination system established jointly by the State Language
Commission, the State Education Commission and the Broadcast, Movie and Television Department in 1994. A criteria-referenced test, it assesses the accuracy and fluency levels of test-takers. Test types include the reading aloud of phrases and short texts and conversation. Candidates who have achieved a benchmark level will be issued certificates specifying their levels of proficiency.
Vicki Wong Tel: 2358-6317 email: wongpy@ust.hk
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