Applications Open for 2026 Award Scheme for Learning Experiences under Qualifications Framework

2026 Award Scheme for Learning Experiences under Qualifications Framework opens for applications

Applications for the 2026 Award Scheme for Learning Experiences under the Qualifications Framework (QF) are open from today (March 18) until May 31. Practitioners from 23 industries implementing the QF (see Annex) are welcome to apply.

A spokesman for the Education Bureau said that the Award Scheme is committed to supporting industry practitioners' professional development in the workplace, with this year's theme being "Career Awards, Experience Now!". Awardees can participate in a variety of local and non-local learning activities, including competitions, seminars, sharing sessions, exhibitions and study tours. Awardees engaging in local learning activities will receive an award of $10,000, while those participating in learning activities outside Hong Kong will receive an award of $30,000.

The Award Scheme aims to encourage outstanding practitioners who demonstrate excellence in continuous learning and to subsidise their participation in local and non-local learning activities to broaden their horizons. Through these experiences, awardees can keep abreast of the latest industry trends, expand their networks, and foster their personal and career development. The Award Scheme also aims for awardees to serve as role models for lifelong learning within their respective industries, thereby promoting wider application of the QF throughout the industries.

Since its inception in 2013, the Award Scheme has attracted over 2 800 applications from practitioners of various industries, over 800 of whom were awarded. Among the awardees, more than half participated in non-local learning activities, while approximately 40 per cent engaged in local learning activities.

For details, please visit the website (awardscheme.hkqf.gov.hk/en/introduction), the Facebook page (www.facebook.com/QFAwardScheme) or watch the promotional video (www.youtube.com/watch?v=VD13DX0QhoY) of the Award Scheme.

2026 Award Scheme for Learning Experiences under Qualifications Framework, Photo source: FB image

CJ expresses sorrow over passing of former NPJ Sir Anthony Frank Mason

The following is issued on behalf of the Judiciary:

Chief Justice Andrew Cheung, Chief Justice of the Court of Final Appeal, today (March 18) expressed deep sadness over the passing of the Honourable Sir Anthony Frank Mason, GBM, former Non-Permanent Judge (NPJ) of the Court of Final Appeal (CFA).

"Sir Anthony, who served from 1997 to 2015 as one of the earliest NPJs drawn from another common law jurisdiction, was a steadfast pillar of the CFA since its inception. He sat on many of the Court's most significant constitutional cases during its formative years and authored some of its most important judgments. Beyond constitutional law, he also contributed substantially to the Court's jurisprudence in other important areas of law, leaving a lasting imprint on its early development. Through his judicial wisdom, integrity and international standing, he made an immeasurable contribution to establishing the Court's reputation as Hong Kong's apex court and to securing the confidence and trust of the community it serves. In recognition of his distinguished service to Hong Kong, he was awarded the Grand Bauhinia Medal in 2013," Chief Justice Cheung said.

Sir Anthony was born in Australia in 1925. He was admitted to the New South Wales Bar in 1951 and appointed a Queen's Counsel in 1964. In 1969, Sir Anthony was appointed a Judge of the Supreme Court of New South Wales, where he sat as a member of the Court of Appeal until 1972. In 1972, he was appointed to the Bench of the High Court. From 1987 to 1995, he served as the Chief Justice of the High Court of Australia. He was appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia in 1988.

"On behalf of the Judiciary, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to Sir Anthony's family," Chief Justice Cheung said.

Source: AI-found images