HKIIT and IBM collaborate to groom IT talent
through AI and digital skills training

Hong Kong Institute of Information Technology (HKIIT), a member institution of the Vocational Training Council (VTC), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with IBM (NYSE: IBM) today (23 April) to strengthen collaboration on nurturing digital professionals and bolstering the talent pool. Through this collaboration, HKIIT students can access over 1,000 online courses on the IBM SkillsBuild platform, enhancing their knowledge and skills in artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies and preparing them to become driving forces in technological innovation. 

Dr John HUI, Principal of HKIIT, and Ms Mimi POON, General Manager of IBM Hong Kong, signed the collaboration agreement. Dr Hui said, “In support of Hong Kong’s vision as an international innovation and technology centre, HKIIT is committed to nurturing digital professionals for the IT industry and many other sectors. We also provide reskilling and upskilling training for working adults to address talent and skills gap. We are grateful for IBM’s support in Vocational and Professional Education and Training (VPET), providing HKIIT with a wealth of online learning resources, including cutting-edge training in AI and IT-related fields. We are glad to join hands with IBM to promote the sustainable development of the IT industry and drive innovation excellence.” 

Dr Hui added, “In today’s ever-changing world, traditional curriculum updates cannot be made as quickly as technological advancements, such as AI and data science. To address this, we plan to introduce guided self-learning to empower our students to effectively utilise valuable learning resources like IBM SkillsBuild through concerted guidance. This approach will foster self-learning skills and enable students to plan their learning journeys, thereby maximising learning outcomes. Embracing the HKIIT’s ‘I + I’(industry-institution) collaboration, IBM is the key industry partner to foster a dynamic synergy between industry expertise and VPET excellence at HKIIT.” 

Ms Poon said,“IBM always strives to bring the most advanced technologies to the world. At the same time, through our skills-first interconnected ecosystem approach to address the talent challenges these new technologies bring. We are honoured to be the first partner to work with HKIIT to ‘Co-Deliver’ a module in its AI and Data Science Course. As part of this partnership, IBM’s signature education platform, SkillsBuild’s content, will be deployed in the course. IBM experts will participate as guest lecturers to help the students navigate how the latest technologies can address different business challenges. Furthermore, we will open internship opportunities for the VTC and HKIIT students in the IBM Summer Internship Program, equipping them with the skills required across different industries in this tech-driven era.”

Through this collaboration, IBM will grant HKIIT students access to its IBM SkillsBuild platform. The platform offers over 1,000 online self-led courses covering emerging and in-demand areas of the IT industry, including AI, data science, cloud computing and cybersecurity. HKIIT students can access free courseware, tools and exams and enhance their workplace readiness skills by taking courses like Design Thinking. Upon completing courses on IBM SkillsBuild, students will be awarded digital badges by IBM that are recognised by the IT industry and other employers worldwide. 

Furthermore, IBM will offer educator training support for classroom teaching. In addition, HKIIT and IBM will collaborate to facilitate and enhance talent flow between Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area, fostering a regionally integrated IT talent pool. 

About the Hong Kong Institute of Information Technology (HKIIT)
The Hong Kong Institute of Information Technology (HKIIT) is a member institution of VTC, dedicated to offering IT and relevant technology programmes to nurture IT talent and to serve as an IT training and examination hub which will also give intensive and comprehensive support to the Government’s policies on innovation and technology (I&T), as well as the digital transformation of various industries.
Website: www.hkiit.edu.hk

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