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Author Archives: hksar gov

Indication of QF Credit for Learning Programmes at QF Levels 5 to 7 on the Qualifications Register

     To enhance the transparency of learning programmes recognised under the Qualifications Framework (QF), the Education Bureau announced today (June 29) the implementation of indication of QF credit for learning programmes at QF levels 5 to 7 on the Qualifications Register (QR) from 2020 onwards. 
      
     With effect from September 1, 2020, non-self-accrediting operators will have to indicate the QF credit for their newly registered learning programmes at QF levels 5 to 7 (except for research-based programmes) on the QR. With effect from September 1, 2022, they will have to indicate the QF credit for all learning programmes at QF levels 5 to 7 (except for research-based programmes) on the QR. 
      
     As for self-accrediting operators, given that they have their own accreditation system, it is voluntary for them to indicate the QF credit of their learning programmes at QF levels 5 to 7 on the QR. For reference by the QR users and the general public, two common types of programmes offered by self-accrediting operators, namely full-time, four-year bachelor’s degree programmes and full-time, one-year taught master’s degree programmes, will be given a remark indicating a range of QF credits on the QR starting from September 1, 2020, if self-accrediting operators do not indicate the QF credit of such programmes on the QR.
      
     “The indication of the QF credit for learning programmes at QF levels 5 to 7 on the QR provides clear and transparent information on the learning volume of programmes, thus serving the best interests of the learning community. It also strengthens the infrastructure of the QF in Hong Kong in line with overseas development,” a spokesperson for the Education Bureau said.
      
     “Since January 1, 2016, all learning programmes at QF levels 1 to 4 have shown the QF credit on the QR. The implementation of indication of the QF credit for programmes at QF levels 1 to 4 has been very smooth and successful. Operators are now familiar with the concepts and principles of the QF credit and ready to move forward.”
      
     The QF is a seven-level hierarchy that defines clear and objective standards applicable to qualifications in the academic, vocational, professional and continuing education sectors. Each QF-recognised qualification is assigned a QF level in accordance with the outcome standards (knowledge and skills assessable and attainable) expected of the qualification. QF level 7 is the highest while QF level 1 is the lowest. The QF credit measures the volume or size of learning of a qualification, which allows learners to understand the effort and time expected of an average learner to complete the learning process successfully and attain the learning outcomes of the relevant qualification. One QF credit consists of 10 notional learning hours.
      
     Details of the implementation plan can be downloaded from the QF website: www.hkqf.gov.hk. read more

East Asia

FSD ready for the storm

     The Fire Services Department has enhanced training for its front-line members and introduced new tools and equipment ahead of this year’s typhoon season.
 
     News.gov.hk spoke with the department to learn about how it is preparing to face the threat of increasingly extreme weather.
 
     The story appears on news.gov.hk today (June 29) in text and video format. read more

East Asia

CHP reminds public on precautions against heat stroke during very hot weather

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (June 29) reminded members of the public, particularly those undertaking outdoor activities, to take heed of necessary measures against heat stroke and sunburn in very hot weather.

     “The public should carry and drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration while engaging in outdoor activities,” a spokesman for the CHP said.

     “Those engaged in strenuous outdoor activities should avoid beverages containing caffeine, such as coffee and tea, as well as alcohol, as they speed up water loss through the urinary system,” the spokesman explained.

     “The obese, the sick, including those with heart disease or high blood pressure, the old and the young are more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses. They should pay special attention,” the spokesman added.

     The public should adopt the following precautions:
 

  • Wear loose and light-coloured clothing to reduce heat absorption and facilitate sweat evaporation and heat dissipation;
  • Avoid vigorous exercise and prolonged activities like hiking or trekking as heat, sweating and exhaustion place additional demands on the physique;
  • Perform outdoor activities in the morning or late afternoon;
  • For indoor activities, open all windows, use a fan or use air-conditioning to maintain good ventilation; and
  • Reschedule work to cooler times of the day.

     If working in a hot environment is inevitable, introduce shade in the workplace where practicable, and start work slowly and pick up the pace gradually. Get into a cool area for rest at regular intervals to allow the body to recuperate.

     The public should also note the latest and the forecast Ultraviolet (UV) Index released by the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO). When the UV Index remains high (6 or above):
 
  • Minimise direct exposure of the skin and the eyes to sunlight;
  • Wear loose long-sleeved clothing made of close-woven fabrics;
  • Wear a wide brim hat or use an umbrella;
  • Seek a shaded area or put on UV-blocking sunglasses;
  • Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen lotion with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or above. Apply liberally and reapply after swimming or sweating; and
  • While using DEET-containing insect repellents for personal protection against mosquito-borne diseases, apply sunscreen first, then insect repellent.

     If symptoms develop, such as dizziness, headache, nausea, shortness of breath or confusion, rest and seek help immediately, and seek medical advice as soon as possible.

     The public may get more information from the DH’s Health Education Hotline (2833 0111), heat stroke page and UV radiation page; the HKO’s Dial-a-Weather (1878 200), latest weather and forecast, UV Index and weather information for hiking and mountaineering; and press releases of the Labour Department on precautions against heat stroke for outdoor workers and their employers when the Very Hot Weather Warning is in force. read more

East Asia