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

AMS open day promotes National Security Education Day

To promote the National Security Education Day, the Auxiliary Medical Service (AMS) held an open day at its headquarters in Ho Man Tin today (April 19). The event aimed to enable members of the public to learn about the work of the AMS in safeguarding national security, to enhance public awareness of national security, and to further deepen their understanding of the daily operations and services provided by the AMS.

Addressing the opening ceremony, the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, said that safeguarding national security is the common responsibility of all. National security is not confined to single area; it is closely linked to finance, public health, and everyday community life. Among the 20 major fields of national security, biosecurity is closely related to the work of the AMS. The AMS provides various services to the public, including non-emergency ambulance transfer services, first aid coverage during large-scale public events, as well as duty at country parks and cycling tracks. The AMS spares no effort in safeguarding the safety and health of the general public. He would like to express his heartfelt gratitude to the members of the AMS for their unwavering dedication and commitment to protecting the public.

The Commissioner of the AMS, Dr Ronald Lam, said that this year marks the beginning of the country's 15th Five-Year Plan, and the theme of this year's National Security Education Day is "Proactively Align with the 15th Five-Year PlanFollow a Holistic Approach to Development and Security". The AMS has been strengthening members' and cadet corps' understanding of national security through various channels. In the past year, the AMS organised the "Together, We Set a New Record" event, setting a Guinness World Record for "Most pairs of people applying arm slings simultaneously", to promote the importance of first aid knowledge to the public. He expressed gratitude to all sectors for their support to the AMS, and added that the AMS will spare no effort in safeguarding national security and contribute to building a healthy and safe Hong Kong.

The open day featured a variety of engaging activities, including national security-themed game booths, first aid demonstrations, band foot drills, medical and health seminars, health screenings, as well as displays of ambulances and first aid bicycles. Through these activities, members of the public could gain a deeper understanding of the daily work of the AMS, access more health information, learn about developments in the healthcare sector, and at the same time enhance their awareness of national security.

AMS open day promotes National Security Education Day Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

AMS open day promotes National Security Education Day Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

AMS open day promotes National Security Education Day Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

AMS open day promotes National Security Education Day Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

AMS open day promotes National Security Education Day Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

AMS open day promotes National Security Education Day Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases