Timothy Ha

Education

He was then admitted to The University of Hong Kong, where he studied history.

Career

Ha, who is in his late 60s, is still a prominent figure in the education sector of Hong Kong and has recently been very outspoken, in particular concerning the government’s proposed education reforms. Timothy Ha received his early education in Munsang College and Diocesan Boys" School (DBS). Under Ha’s leadership, Saint Paul’s College underwent several major projects, including renovations and restructuring of the school premises as well as changes to the school management and funding structure, by participation in the Direct Subsidy Scheme in 2002.

Outside Saint Paul’s College, Ha has also been very active in education-related policy making.

In 1994, Ha was involved in an incident concerning his expenses claim of public funds to buy electronic Bibles. Ha managed to withstand media criticism, but had not gone for a second term in the LegCo as all appointed seats in LegCo were turned to elected seats in 1995.

Timothy Ha was also involved in tertiary education. He took part in the establishment committee of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.

Indeed, he was the one to give the university its current name.

Recently, the government has suggested major education reforms including the restructuring of school governing boards and the taking over of school management controls. Timothy Ha was originally expected to retire as Supervisor and Principal of Saint Paul’s College in August 2005, after 37 years of service. However, the Principal-elect abruptly turned down the offer in June 2005 and Ha was expected to continue to serve for at least one more academic year, even after the hosting of a farewell dinner in his honour on July 9, 2005.

On December 19, 2005, Ha announced that he shall be retiring on March 1, 2006, and Doctor John Richard Kennard will succeed his principalship.

Ha was appointed a Justice of the Peace in 1986 and was honoured with an Administration Member of the Order of the British Empire in 1989.

Achievements

• Upon attaining his Bachelor degree, he started his career as a teacher in DBS, in 1960.

Membership

He has served as either chairman or member of many education-related committees. In 1991, he was appointed a member of the Legislative Council (ie legislature of Hong Kong) by the then Governor to serve a four-year term. He has been a member of the Court of The University of Hong Kong.