VTC and Consumer Council sign MoU to foster talent development, enhance service quality and promote consumer rights

The Vocational Training Council (VTC) and the Consumer Council have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), deepening collaboration between the two organisations in Vocational and Professional Education and Training (VPET). The partnership aims to strengthen talent development, support the industry in enhancing service quality, and promote consumer rights, thereby contributing to the sustainable economic development of Hong Kong.

The signing ceremony took place yesterday (18 March) at the Chai Wan campus of the Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (IVE). Witnessed by Jeffrey LAM, Chairman of VTC and Clement CHAN, Chairman of the Consumer Council, the MoU was signed by Donald TONG, Executive Director of VTC and Dr Alaina SHUM, Chief Executive of the Consumer Council.

In his remarks, VTC Chairman Jeffrey LAM said, VTC has been committed to nurturing talent equipped with practical skills, a strong sense of social responsibility, and a vision for sustainable development. Through close collaborations with various industries, VTC provides VPET that responds to the evolving needs of society and industry for both young people and working adults. This collaboration reflects the shared vision of VTC and the Consumer Council to deepen cooperation in talent development and public services, drive the continuous development of Hong Kong’s service sector and society, and jointly create long‑term value for Hong Kong.

Consumer Council Chairman Clement CHAN stated that “education” has always been part of the Council’s DNA and is integral to its consumer protection efforts, “With the signing of this MoU with VTC, we believe the combined fortes of the two organisations will strengthen synergy, further integrating our core values of ‘professionalism + education’. We are actively preparing for our joint training programmes aimed at enhancing the professional capabilities of frontline service practitioners, which we believe could directly improve the consumer experience. The Council will also provide internship opportunities for young people to take part in promoting a fair marketplace, allowing the next generation’s creativity to become a new driving force for consumer empowerment.”

Under the MoU, VTC and the Consumer Council will jointly organise professional training programmes. Real-life complaint cases and the Consumer Council’s professional expertise will be integrated into the training to strengthen frontline service practitioners’ abilities in handling and responding to complaints, and deepen their understanding of consumer rights and responsibilities.

The Consumer Council will also offer internship opportunities to VTC Higher Diploma students, enabling them to apply their learning in real workplace settings while deepening their understanding of the importance of consumer protection and broadening their horizons.

In addition, VTC will provide professional advisory support to the Consumer Council in its product tests and research studies, covering various topics of mutual interest such as consumer goods, health and other related services. This will help ensure such projects remain closely aligned with professional industry standards and keep abreast of the latest developments.

To promote continuing professional development, VTC will also support the Consumer Council through a range of training opportunities, including trainings on emerging technologies such as cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence, further strengthening the Council’s professional knowledge and capabilities.

About Vocational Training Council (VTC)
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

About the Consumer Council
The Consumer Council was established in 1974 under the Consumer Council Ordinance (Cap. 216) as a statutory body in Hong Kong. With a mission to safeguard consumer interests and empower consumers to protect themselves, the Council is committed to fostering a fair, safe and sustainable consumption environment. In 1976, the Council launched CHOICE Magazine, the world’s first Chinese periodical dedicated to providing practical and reliable consumption information and promoting consumer education. For over half a century, the Council has conducted research and advocated a wide range of consumer rights issues. By submitting views to the Government and relevant organisations, the Council has contributed to the promulgation and amendment of a number of pro-consumer policies, including the Consumer Goods Safety Ordinance and Competition Ordinance. The Council also works closely with Mainland and international consumer organisations to strengthen cross-border consumer protection. In light of the digitalisation trend, the Council will continue to monitor market developments, promote responsible and transparent trade practices, and enhance consumers’ ability to protect themselves. Website: www.consumer.org.hk

Media enquiry:  2836 1869