600 students participate in the ITE-VTC International Student Seminar 2026, exploring sustainability, AI, and inclusion

The Vocational Training Council (VTC) in partnership with the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) of Singapore, is organising the three-day ITE-VTC International Student Seminar 2026 in Singapore from 23 to 25 June. Themed “Youth Voices in a Changing World”, the Seminar has brought together some 600 young people from Singapore, Shenzhen and Hong Kong. Through engaging activities such as student project exhibitions and visits, the Seminar encourages young people to exchange ideas on global issues and develop innovative solutions, while broadening their international perspectives.

The opening ceremony was held yesterday (23 June) at ITE Singapore, officiated by Singapore Senior Minister of State for Education and Sustainability and the Environment Dr Janil PUTHUCHEARY, together with VTC Chairman Jeffrey LAM, ITE Chairman Andrew CHONG and guests, marking the commencement of the Seminar.

VTC Chairman Jeffrey LAM noted that while new technologies, especially artificial intelligence (AI), are transforming how people learn, work and live, the challenge is to build cities that are not only innovative, but also sustainable and inclusive. He added that the Seminar gives students the opportunities to exchange ideas, to learn from one another, and to see the world from different perspectives, hoping that they will bring their own experiences and ideas to shape the future together. 

Reflecting on the seminar theme, ITE Chairman Andrew CHONG emphasised that young people bring energy, passion, and both the desire and ability to contribute to meaningful causes. In a changing world, he encouraged youths to continue questioning assumptions, offering fresh perspectives, and taking the lead. He noted that the seminar provides a valuable platform for youths to channel these positive qualities into developing useful ideas and practical solutions that can help make the world a better place.

Experts from Hong Kong and Singapore were invited to deliver keynote speeches at the Seminar in three sub-theme areas, covering sustainability, AI and inclusion. The Seminar also features student project presentations and exhibitions developed by VTC and ITE students, demonstrating the achievements of vocational and professional education and training (VPET).

Interdisciplinary student team promotes smart fish farming for sustainability

A team comprising students from VTC member institutions, the Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (IVE) — including its Health and Life Sciences Discipline and Engineering Discipline — and Youth College International (YCI)’s Diploma of Vocational Baccalaureate (Engineering), presented their interdisciplinary project titled “Smart Fish Farming.” To promote sustainable fisheries and improve farming efficiency, the team integrated Internet of Things (IoT) and AI technologies to develop a multifunctional fish farming platform that combines water quality monitoring, fish health tracking, data analysis, and farm management automation.

Using sensors installed in fish ponds, the platform collects real-time data on water quality factors affecting fish health, such as dissolved oxygen levels, pH values, the presence of parasites, and algae growth. It can also incorporate weather data for analysis. When abnormalities that may affect fish health are detected, the platform immediately alerts users so they can take appropriate action. This project has been field-tested with a local fish farmer and has received positive feedback for improving efficiency and fish quality, demonstrating its potential to support the sustainable development of the aquaculture industry.

AI enhances urban management with an innovative water usage monitoring solution

Innovative student projects are showcased at exhibition booths, including the “Smart Water Meter Monitoring System” developed by students from the IVE Engineering Discipline. Since many buildings in Hong Kong rely on traditional water meters that require field meter-reading, the students developed this System to improve monitoring efficiency using technology.

The compact device, equipped with a camera, is installed directly on traditional water meters to capture meter readings. Using image recognition technology and AI, it converts these images into data and transmits them to the monitoring platform, where water usage patterns are automatically analysed. It can detect anomalies such as pipe leaks and notify users accordingly. The System reduces the time and risk of errors associated with field meter-reading, helps identify hidden leaks in a timely manner, and minimises water wastage. Through this project, the students applied their professional knowledge to urban management and environmental sustainability, gaining insight into solving real-world problems.

Dim sum-themed board game for elderly

In addition, students from the IVE Childcare, Elderly and Community Services Discipline have showcased their self-designed project “Dim Sum Battle - Board Game for Promoting Intergeneration Harmony”. Based on Hong Kong’s dim sum culture, it incorporates a five-senses experience into cognitive training. The Game features different types of dim sum, with tasks themed around dim sum culture. Before the game begins, players choose their target dim sum and the desired quantity. They then roll dice to move forward on the gameboard. During the game, players collect dim sum and complete tasks, including calculating prices, comparing discounts, and answering questions on dim sum culture and knowledge, to earn “game currency”, which can be used to purchase dim sum. The first player to collect the required number of target items and correctly calculate the total price wins.

The Game helps sharpen players’ reflexes, logical thinking, and communication skills. It incorporates multisensory elements, such as scent cards for olfactory stimulation and dim sum props for tactile stimulation, helping to evoke familiar memories among the elderly, enhance engagement, and improve cognitive function. Students tried the Game with the elderly at an elderly centre and found it suitable for both young and old, helping to promote intergenerational interaction and communication.

Participants also visit various attractions in Singapore to experience the local culture. VTC and the ITE are the largest providers of VPET in Hong Kong and Singapore respectively. The International Student Seminar is a biennial exchange event hosted alternately by VTC and ITE since 2007, providing a platform for global exchange and broadening students’ horizons. The next seminar will be held in Hong Kong in 2028.

Established in 1982, the Vocational Training Council (VTC) is the largest vocational and professional education and training provider in Hong Kong. The mission of VTC is to provide a valued choice to school leavers and working people to acquire the values, knowledge, and skills for lifelong learning and enhanced employability, and to provide support to industries for their manpower development. VTC has 14 member institutions, namely the Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong (THEi), the Institute of Professional Education And Knowledge (PEAK), the School for Higher and Professional Education (SHAPE), the Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (IVE), the Hong Kong Design Institute (HKDI), the Hong Kong Institute of Information Technology (HKIIT),  the Hotel and Tourism Institute (HTI),  the Chinese Culinary Institute (CCI), the International Culinary Institute (ICI), the Maritime Services Training Institute (MSTI), Youth College, Pro-Act by VTC, the Integrated Vocational Development Centre (IVDC) and the Shine Skills Centre.

Website: www.vtc.edu.hk

Media enquiries：2836 1791 / 2836 1869
 

*Photo 1 is provided by ITE Singapore