The following is issued on behalf of the Steering Committee on Promotion of Vocational and Professional Education and Training and Qualifications Framework:
　
The Chairman of the Steering Committee on Promotion of Vocational and Professional Education and Training and Qualifications Framework, Dr Daniel Yip, welcomed the various new initiatives announced in "The Chief Executive's 2023 Policy Address" today (October 25) to further promote the development of vocational and professional education and training (VPET) in Hong Kong.
The Policy Address announced a series of measures to promote VPET at multiple levels, which include developing universities of applied sciences (UAS) and providing financial and related support, encouraging institutions to offer more applied degree programmes, supporting the Vocational Training Council to establish the Hong Kong Institute of Information and Technology, and collaborating with the relevant Mainland authorities to take forward the mutual recognition of sub-degree level qualifications.
　
Dr Yip said, "The new initiatives announced by the Chief Executive in the Policy Address, in particular the support for the development of UAS and encouraging post-secondary institutions to offer more applied degree programmes, will further raise the status of VPET at the degree level, nurturing more talent equipped with applied skills for society, and grooming maestros in different trades. We also support UAS to closely collaborate with professional skills sectors and incorporate substantial internship and work-based learning opportunities in their programmes, which will help students develop applied skills and create impetus for Hong Kong's development. In addition, we are glad to know that the Government will set aside a start-up fund to support prospective post-secondary institutions to form an alliance of UAS for joint promotion in the post-secondary education sector, in order to further enhance the status of VPET in society and among parents and students."
　
The Steering Committee will continue to maintain close communication and co-operation with the Government, adopting a multipronged approach to promote the positive image of VPET and fostering closer partnerships between institutions and industries.
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