Hong Kong Launches Alliance of Universities for Enhanced Vocational Education and Training Development

Alliance of Universities of Applied Sciences officially launched

The Government announced today (November 11) that, with support from the Education Bureau (EDB), the Alliance of Universities of Applied Sciences was officially launched, signifying a new journey for the development of vocational and professional education and training (VPET). The Alliance comprises four post-secondary institutions as founding members, with the Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU) and Saint Francis University (SFU) as full members, and Tung Wah College (TWC) and the Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong (THEi) as associate members.

Speaking at the launch ceremony, the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing, said that he was pleased that the Government's direction of developing universities of applied sciences (UAS) has received strong support from various sectors. He said he was also glad to see that UAS and other aspiring post-secondary institutions responded to the Government's policies proactively to establish the Alliance, promoting VPET development with concerted efforts and supporting Hong Kong's development into an international post-secondary education hub.

He said that he looked forward to all sectors of society and the Alliance to continue strengthening collaboration, achieving co-operation between industries and education, as well as integration of science and education, and, through sharing of experience and resources, enhance the quality and recognition of VPET, thereby jointly nurturing applied talent for contribution to the development of Hong Kong and the country.

Guests attending the ceremony included the Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin; the Permanent Secretary for Education and Chairman of the Steering Committee on the Alliance, Ms Michelle Li; the Chairman of the Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications, Mr Rock Chen; representatives of member institutions of the Alliance, namely, the President of the HKMU, Professor Paul Lam; the Acting President of SFU, Professor Lo Tit-wing; the President of TWC, Professor Sally Chan; and the President of THEi, Professor Alan Lau; and representatives from over 80 supporting organisations which included enterprises, chambers of commerce, industry organisations, think tanks, quasi-government organisations, and educational and charitable organisations.

The Alliance also invited representatives from the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, Hong Kong; the Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong; the Federation of Hong Kong Industries; and the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce, to a panel discussion. They exchanged and shared insights on how the industries could collaborate with UAS and other post-secondary institutions under the Government's strategy of fostering industry-institution collaboration and diversified development for promoting VPET development and nurturing quality talent with applied knowledge and skills.

As announced in "The Chief Executive's 2024 Policy Address", the Government will continue to press ahead with the development of UAS in Hong Kong. It has allocated a start-up fund of $100 million to support the establishment of the Alliance, which will embark on joint promotions with industries and stakeholders, including organising international conferences, strengthening exchanges and collaboration with applied sciences institutions from other places, and initiating collaboration and research on applied education at the post-secondary level.

All UAS may apply to become full members of the Alliance, whereas institutions aspiring to become UAS may apply to become associate members. The HKMU serves as the secretariat of the Alliance. The EDB has established the Steering Committee on the Alliance to advise on the development and strategy of the Alliance, as well as approving and supervising the use of the start-up fund.

Alliance of Universities of Applied Sciences officially launched Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Alliance of Universities of Applied Sciences officially launched Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Alliance of Universities of Applied Sciences officially launched Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Nominations open for Anti-rodent Partner Awards 2026

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) announced today (January 12) the launch of the Anti-rodent Partner Awards 2026, with nominations open from now until February 11.

To raise public awareness of environmental hygiene and encourage people to work together to cultivate good habits for a rodent-free environment, the FEHD launched the Anti-rodent Charter (the Charter) in December 2024. Property management companies, owners' corporations and residents' organisations of private residential premises were invited to participate and jointly create a rodent-free environment. To date, over 680 organisations and groups have signed the Charter, becoming Anti-rodent Partners of the FEHD.

The Anti-rodent Partner Awards 2026 aims to encourage residential premises to establish long-term anti-rodent mechanisms; enhance residents' attention to and engagement in environmental hygiene; and promote experience sharing and interaction among communities. The FEHD hopes that by commending proactive organisations and groups, more stakeholders will be motivated to engage in rodent prevention and control work; cultivate good habits of maintaining environmental hygiene; achieve the ultimate goal of "rodent eradication for all, building a rodent-free community"; and create a healthier, safer and more liveable environment for the public.

All Anti-rodent Partners who have signed the Charter are eligible for nomination. Details of the activity and application methods have been uploaded to the Charter's website (www.fehd.gov.hk/english/pestcontrol/anti_rodent_charter.html).

An online briefing session will be held on January 16 (Friday) to introduce the details of the activity to Anti-rodent Partners. Interested organisations or groups may register by emailing anti_rodentcharter@fehd.gov.hk.

An FEHD spokesman emphasised that effective rodent prevention and control hinges on the co-operation of government departments, relevant sectors, stakeholders, as well as members of the public to bolster anti-rodent efforts in their respective areas. Members of the public should maintain good environmental hygiene and eliminate the three fundamental survival conditions of rodents, namely food, harbourage and passages, i.e. the elimination of the food sources and hiding places of rodents as well as blockage of their dispersal routes.

The FEHD appeals to residential estates, property management companies and residents' organisations that have not yet signed the Charter to sign it and become Anti-rodent Partners, taking concrete actions to contribute to rodent prevention and control efforts, and jointly create a more liveable environment.

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