VTC welcomes and supports talent development initiatives in the 2026-27 Budget to drive Hong Kong’s high-quality development

The Vocational Training Council (VTC) welcomes the talent development initiatives in the 2026–27 Budget delivered by the Financial Secretary and the support to VTC in further leveraging its strengths in Vocational and Professional Education and Training (VPET) for various sectors. These include the establishment of the Intellectual Property Academy jointly by VTC and the Intellectual Property Department, as well as the inclusion of artificial intelligence (AI) application in the compulsory modules on Information Technology for all VTC’s Higher Diploma programmes. VTC will continue its full support to the Government’s policies while nurturing VPET talent for Hong Kong and the country.

VTC Chairman Jeffrey LAM Kin-fung stated that as Hong Kong advances toward high-quality economic development, there is a pressing demand for application-oriented talent. The measures outlined in the Budget will enable VTC to strengthen its core competencies in VPET and cultivation of skilled talent. He added that as Hong Kong is proactively aligning with the national 15th Five-Year Plan, VTC will actively support the Government’s strategies and contribute to talent development. By supporting Hong Kong to enhance its status as an international shipping and trade centre, develop into an international innovation and technology centre, as well as an international hub for high-calibre talents, VTC contributes to Hong Kong’s integration into the country’s overall development.

Hong Kong is actively strengthening its position as a regional intellectual property trading centre. The Budget mentioned that VTC will collaborate with the Intellectual Property Department to roll out a two-year pilot programme and jointly establish the Intellectual Property Academy to provide professional training which will be recognised under the Qualifications Framework, especially for in-service practitioners. VTC warmly welcomes this proposal and pledges its full support to implement the programme.

In response to the rapid development of AI, the Budget stated to promote the “AI+” development. VTC established the Hong Kong Institute of Information Technology (HKIIT) in late 2023 to proactively promote both pre-employment and in-service training on information technology. As far as AI is concerned, VTC is dedicated to nurturing “AI+ Professional” talent equipped with both AI knowledge and application skills. VTC has introduced AI-related content across all programmes, including Higher Diploma programmes, and has incorporated industry-focused AI applications into various disciplines. These equip graduates with industry-specific AI skills that can be applied in their respective fields. Additionally, VTC will continue to offer more AI-related continuing and professional education programmes, providing practical training for working adults and employees of different organisations.

VTC also supports Hong Kong in strengthening its position as an international aviation hub and international maritime centre. The Aviation and Maritime Education Centre, located at the Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (IVE) Tsing Yi campus, will commence operation in 2026. Equipped with specialised training facilities for aviation and maritime engineering, and related business and hospitality services, the Centre will offer high-quality training experiences that simulate real-world working environments, cultivating talent with professional knowledge and practical skills.

The Northern Metropolis will play a pivotal role in driving Hong Kong’s long term social and economic development and enhancing overall competitiveness. VTC is committed to integrating into the overall development of the region and will continue to nurture talent across different industries and at all levels, thereby supporting the planning and development of the Northern Metropolis and the industries, and addressing future manpower needs of society.

VTC fully supports the Government’s initiative to establish Hong Kong as an international education hub. The Council is also committed to developing the Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong (THEi) into a University of Applied Sciences in the near future, aiming to nurture more applied talent at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

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