In May 2009, the Council approved the Institute’s way forward under a new Strategic Plan 2009-12 and Beyond, with Planning for the Future, Making a Different its overriding theme. It outlined the Institute’s vision for the transformation into a University of Education, to make an impact not only in Hong Kong but also in the Asia Pacific region:
Phase I - establishment of the office of Vice President (Research and Development) in January 2008 to provide leadership in promoting a strong research culture and infrastructure within the Institute.
Phase II - academic restructuring began in August 2008, with the existing two faculties reconstituted into three: (1) Faculty of Languages, (2) Faculty of Arts and Sciences and (3) Faculty of Education Studies.
Phase III - in 2009/2010, academic restructuring targeted constituent departments, with the aim of enhancing their capacities through sharpened subject strengths within more focused disciplinary boundaries.