Being the nexus between East and West, Hong Kong's success has always depended on its command of both the English and Chinese languages, said Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa at the launch of the English Speaking Union (ESU) in the SAR.

"We are now living in a global village. The demand for a common language for all peoples of the world to communicate is unprecedented. Increasingly, English is becoming the language of the world, certainly in the business and diplomatic world," Mr Tung said.

He added that as an international city, Hong Kong was trying to raise the standard of its English. "We need an environment where English is spoken more widely as part of our daily lives."

Mr Tung said teachers and other resources have been added to strengthen the teaching of English in schools. The Native-speaking English Teachers Scheme is one major initiative to create an authentic English language method to instigate changes among local English teachers.

"We have invested heavily in building multi-media learning centres in schools so that students can learn languages through high-technology language learning materials. We continue to invest heavily in upgrading our teachers' language proficiency and teaching methods."

ESU was established in the UK in 1918 by a journalist and has since taken its mission to promote international understanding and global communication through the widening use of the English language to more than 40 countries.

ESU aims to encourage the development of English language skills among students and young professionals through scholarships, awards, debating, overseas exchange programmes and cultural activities.