VTC warmly welcomes Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan and the 2026 Policy Address
Leveraging VPET strengths to nurture future talent and support the high-quality development of Hong Kong

The Vocational Training Council (VTC) expresses its full support for Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan announced by the Chief Executive today and warmly welcomes the initiatives outlined in the 2026 Policy Address to support vocational and professional education and training (VPET).

VTC Chairman Jeffrey LAM said that Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan aligns with the National 15th Five-Year Plan and provides forward-looking, strategic direction for the city’s development. Together with the initiatives set out in the Policy Address to advance innovation and technology, industry development and talent cultivation, it injects new momentum into Hong Kong’s high-quality development. The VTC will continue to leverage its strengths in VPET in connecting education with industry and support the Government’s policy directions by nurturing talent for future development.

Mr Lam also expressed gratitude to the Government for inviting the Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong (THEi), a member institution of the VTC, to design a team badge for the “Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan”, and for engaging THEi for the second consecutive year to design the tie and scarf for the Chief Executive and his team, which is a recognition of the achievements of the VTC’s VPET. The VTC will continue to deepen collaboration among the Government, industry and academia to nurture more skilled professionals for Hong Kong and the nation.

Elevating the Status of VPET

The VTC welcomes the Government’s plans to elevate the status of VPET and to promote the development of University of Applied Sciences (UAS). The VTC has been offering applied science-oriented degree programmes through THEi. As an Associate Member of the “Alliance of Universities of Applied Sciences”, THEi is forging ahead towards becoming a UAS. The VTC will also continue its outreach efforts in secondary schools to strengthen awareness and understanding of the value of VPET among principals, teachers, parents and students.

Strengthening the Trainings of Skilled Talent

The VTC welcomes the Government’s various initiatives to strengthen skilled talent development in support of Hong Kong’s future needs.

To support the transformation of industries and economic development of Hong Kong, the VTC's strategic focus will be on nurturing talent required for emerging industries through a range of pre-employment and in-service programmes. The VTC will support the development of emerging sectors such as the artificial intelligence (AI), mega events economy, green energy (including electricity and hydrogen energy), and the low-altitude economy.

In line with its commitment to nurturing “AI+ Professional” talent, the VTC will continue to provide pre-employment and in-service training in IT, nurturing talent equipped with AI knowledge and application skills, while offering practical training for working adults and employees.

The Aviation and Maritime Education Centre at the VTC’s Tsing Yi campus will commence operation soon. Equipped with a range of advanced training facilities, the Centre will support Hong Kong in strengthening its position as an international maritime centre and aviation hub.

In addition, the VTC is collaborating with the Intellectual Property Department to establish the Intellectual Property Academy, which will be officially launched in the fourth quarter of this year. The Academy will provide structured and widely recognised training for working professionals, thereby supporting talent development for the intellectual property sector.

The VTC welcomes the Government’s decision to extend for two years the provision of an additional training allowance of HK$1,000 per month for registered apprentices. The measure will encourage apprentices to further develop their skills. The VTC is also grateful for the Government’s support to send the largest-ever Team Hong Kong delegation to participate in the WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai on 22 to 27 September, and looks forward to seeing the competitors excel on the international stage.

Expediting the Development of the Northern Metropolis

The Northern Metropolis is a key engine driving Hong Kong's future development. The VTC pledges its full support to the Government in expediting the development of the Northern Metropolis University Town and will actively align with the region’s development plans and continue to nurture VPET talent across a wide range of sectors, providing a strong talent pipeline to support Hong Kong’s future development.

The VTC has expressed its interest to the Government in participating in the development of the Northern Metropolis. If given the opportunities to contribute to the initiative, this would help nurture local talent and attract more students from the Chinese Mainland, particularly the Greater Bay Area, to pursue VPET programmes in Hong Kong. 

The VTC also welcomes the Government’s plan to continue implementing the pilot Vocational Professionals Admission Scheme, which would attract more non-local students to pursue their studies in Hong Kong, and encourage them to stay and work in relevant trades in Hong Kong after graduation, contributing to the expansion of the local VPET talent pool.

The promotion of New Industrialisation

The VTC is delighted that the Government plans to promote the development of new industrialisation system. As a Founding Member of the “Hong Kong New Industrialisation Development Alliance”, the VTC will continue to work closely with various stakeholders to support the advancement of new industrialisation, thereby bringing impetus to the economy.

The VTC will continue to leverage its strengths in VPET, actively support the development strategies of both the nation and Hong Kong, nurture talent, and contribute to Hong Kong’s high-quality development and deeper integration into national development.

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