VTC-ITE International Student Seminar 2024
empowers youth to be change makers

The Vocational Training Council (VTC) in partnership with the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) of Singapore is organising a three-day VTC-ITE International Student Seminar 2024 in Hong Kong from 26 to 28 June. This year’s Seminar, taking the theme of “ISS Youth Change Makers”, has brought together over 600 young people from Singapore, Shenzhen and Hong Kong. Through engaging activities such as student project exhibition and education programme, the Seminar will foster international perspectives and explore how vocational and professional education and training (VPET), coupled with design thinking, can empower young people to create innovative solutions for social challenges.

Speaking at today’s opening ceremony, Guest of Honour Acting Chief Secretary for Administration Mr CHEUK Wing-hing, said the Vocational Training Council and the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) from Singapore are not only being leading providers of vocational and professional education training (VPET), but also championing meaningful exchanges and collaboration on VPET between Hong Kong and Singapore.  The signing of the Supplemental Memorandum of Understanding between VTC and ITE signified the expansion of programme collaboration between the two reputable institutions and greater synergy in talent development and promotion of VPET between Hong Kong and Singapore.

VTC Deputy Chairman Dr Daniel YIP said that the Seminar would ignite conversations on shaping a better future and contributing to communities. He believed that student participants would showcase their talent and creativity, and catalyse a movement to create lasting, powerful impact for generations to come. Dr YIP added that the Seminar would bring to students inspiration for future career, and the opportunity to forge lasting friendships and networks.

In his speech at the opening ceremony, ITE Chairman, Mr Andrew CHONG said, “A change maker is someone who sees opportunities for improvement in their community and takes proactive steps to make that difference. They are driven by a purpose, greater than themselves, to create positive social, environmental, and economic impact. This seminar is a call to action for all of us to think critically and share our ideas on how to create a more sustainable and impactful world.”

During the opening ceremony, VTC and ITE signed a Supplemental Memorandum of Understanding, solidifying the commitment to expanding collaboration in creating new programmes to enhance practical skills for youth and promote VPET. 

Experts from the technology, social enterprise and architecture sectors in Hong Kong and Singapore have been invited to speak at the Seminar on industry developments in three sub-theme areas, namely Innovation, Social Impact and Sustainability. By fostering dialogue on industry trends and challenges, the Seminar will encourage young people to embrace innovation and make good use of their creativity to develop solutions that can enhance the quality of life for all.

The Seminar also features an exhibition showcasing creative student projects of VTC, ITE and Shenzhen Polytechnic University. One of the projects is a Smart Fire Safety System, “Fire Guard 360”, developed by graduates and students of the Higher Diploma in Computer and Electronic Engineering programme at the Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (IVE), a member institution of the VTC. Recognising the fire risks posed by outdated fire safety systems and ageing buildings in Hong Kong, where short circuits, stove fires and gas leaks are common, students applied Internet of Things (IoT) technology to set up various sensors monitoring real-time environmental data such as temperature, humidity, flames, gas presence and electric currents, aiming to help elderly people and those living alone to avoid fire accidents. Data is collected and analysed by the system, allowing users to check the readings through a dedicated mobile app. If any reading exceeds a pre-set safety threshold, the system will immediately alert both the users and building management through SMS.

Another student project, the “Dream Tomorrow – Upcycling Bucket Hat”, is a heartwarming initiative created by students from the Hong Kong Design Institute (HKDI), also a member institution of the VTC. Partnering with a French fashion brand, students of the Higher Diploma in Fashion Design programme applied fashion design and professional sewing techniques to handcraft 60 unique bucket hats from upcycled unused clothing for use by current and recovered cancer patients. Each hat is designed to reflect the recipient’s personal style and preference, such as a soft blue and white design for a patient who loves the sky. Students of the Higher Diploma in Fashion Media Design programme also participated by applying their digital marketing skills to document the hat-making process and by interviewing patients, capturing their moved moments on camera when receiving the gifts. These touching moments have been compiled into short videos and shared on social media, spreading the message of love and care. By collaborating with two non-profit organisations supporting cancer patients, the HKDI team has successfully delivered hats to 60 recipients, demonstrating the power of design to transcend aesthetics and serve as a vehicle for social good.

The Seminar offers a diverse range of activities for students to explore various attractions in Hong Kong and attend cultural activities.  These include visiting a theme park to facilitate cultural exchange through the lens of performing arts, highlighting the artistry and educational significance of these activities. 

VTC and the ITE are respectively the largest providers of VPET in Hong Kong and Singapore. The International Student Seminar is a biennial exchange event hosted alternately by VTC and ITE. Since 2007, the event has drawn a total attendance of more than 4,000 students.

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 also 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