VTC and HKGCC sign MoU to strengthen
pre-employment and in-service talent development through industry-education collaboration

The Vocational Training Council (VTC) and the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce (HKGCC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen their strategic partnership in Vocational and Professional Education and Training (VPET) and promote industry-education integration. The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration in pre-employment and in-service talent development, nurture talent to meet industry needs, and support Hong Kong’s long-term sustainable economic development. 

The MoU signing ceremony was held today, 5 October. Witnessed by VTC Chairman Jeffrey LAM and HKGCC Chairman Jacob KAM, the MoU was signed by VTC Executive Director Donald TONG and HKGCC Chief Executive Officer Patrick YEUNG. 

In his remarks, VTC Chairman Jeffrey LAM said that, amid the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI), digital transformation and emerging industry models, talent has become a key driver of economic development and competitiveness. VTC has always been committed to nurturing talent that meets the needs of society and industry, and works closely with the business sector and industries to establish a talent pipeline that keeps pace with changing market demands. The collaboration with HKGCC reflects the two parties’ shared commitment to deepening industry-education collaboration and jointly nurturing future-ready talent. Moving forward, the two parties will further promote upskilling and reskilling, expand Hong Kong’s talent pool, and cultivate future youth leaders. He thanked HKGCC for its continued support for VTC and VPET, and expressed confidence that through close collaboration, the two parties will nurture more diverse professionals to meet Hong Kong's development needs and bring new momentum to the city's long-term prosperity and competitiveness. 

HKGCC Chairman Jacob KAM stated, “The First Five-Year Plan sets out clear, strategic, and comprehensive directions for advancing our city, with AI and technological innovation as key areas of focus. To accelerate the growth of Hong Kong’s AI ecosystem, we are launching the ‘AI & Innovation Initiative’ featuring partner-led AI Adoption Cohorts to provide targeted technical and implementation support. We are delighted to establish a strategic partnership with the VTC through this MOU. By leveraging the expertise of professional educational institutions like the VTC, we aim to address shared business needs and explore ways to provide SMEs with targeted training, technical guidance, and implementation support, working collaboratively to help guide the industry into a new intelligent era.”  

In the area of in-service training, VTC and HKGCC will strengthen their collaborations through upskilling and reskilling programmes in information technology and other professional disciplines. These initiatives aim to help enterprises and industry practitioners acquire the latest knowledge and skills, enhance their competitiveness, and respond effectively to opportunities and challenges arising from technological advancement and market changes.

Hong Kong Institute of Information Technology (HKIIT), a member institution of VTC, will work closely with HKGCC to provide continuing and professional education programmes for HKGCC staff and member companies in areas such as AI and cybersecurity. These programmes will support enterprises’ digital transformation and enhance their innovation capabilities and operational efficiency.

HKGCC will promote VPET among its member companies and encourage them to offer internships, employment, and industry project opportunities to VTC students and graduates, enabling them to gain valuable practical experience. In addition, HKGCC will support the promotion of apprenticeship training and the Vocational Professionals Admission Scheme (VPAS) to its member companies, encouraging more enterprises to participate in talent development and support the sustainable talent pipeline for Hong Kong.

To broaden students’ horizons, VTC will support HKGCC in promoting youth leadership development activities to its students, fostering holistic development and enhancing their career competitiveness. VTC will actively encourage its students to participate in HKGCC activities, providing opportunities for them to showcase their professional capabilities to the business community. Relevant initiatives include the Student Associate Club (SAC) and Pitch Perfect Programme (PPP) organised by the Young Executives Club (YEC) of HKGCC, as well as the Business Innovation Challenge (BIC), Business Talent Engage (BTE) and other youth development activities offered by the HKGCC Academy.

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 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 Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce (HKGCC)
Founded in 1861, HKGCC is the oldest and largest business organisation in Hong Kong. With its membership comprising of multi-national corporations, Chinese Mainland enterprises and Hong Kong companies, HKGCC is a self-funded, non-profit organisation and, as such, a truly independent body representing the diverse interests of the entire business community in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Its mission is to promote, represent and safeguard the interests of the Hong Kong business community. The Chamber is an important bridge connecting Hong Kong businesses with the rest of the world.

Website: www.chamber.org.hk

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