Forging a brighter future

Open to the public free of charge, the expo featured two major sections – Education and Careers – providing comprehensive information on study and job opportunities.

Secretary for Labour and Welfare of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Chris Sun officiated at the opening ceremony. Margaret Fong, HKTDC Executive Director, said in her welcome remarks: “Entering its 31st edition, the Education and Careers Expo serves as a platform for jobseekers and students looking to connect with employers and institutions, helping them to get valuable advice on career options and education opportunities. This year, we are delighted to welcome over 780 organisations, including educational institutions, government departments, professional associations and private companies representing 18 countries and regions."

The four educational zones helped students explore further education options. The Local Education Zone gathered universities and community colleges, providing the latest information of a range of popular courses. The event also saw new exhibitors, such as the consulate general offices of Japan, Ireland, Finland and Switzerland in the Overseas & Mainland China Education Zone. In relation to further studies in Mainland China, the Beijing Normal University-Hong Kong Baptist University United International College (UIC) and the Heung To College of Professional Studies provided a consultation service. 

In the Continuing Education Zone, exhibitors such as the Hong Kong Mediation Centre and Tak On Driving School offered continuous-learning courses. A summer job and internship zone was set up in Youth Square. Making a debut at the expo, St James’ Settlement – Career Sparkle offered activities to help teenagers explore their personal interests and abilities.

Four career-themed days during the expo highlighted trends in different industries. On the Skilling for the Future: New Technology and New Talents theme day, staged by the Vocational Training Council (VTC), new technologies and skills such as geospatial data, traditional Chinese medicine research and art technologies were introduced via talks and seminars. The Electrical & Mechanical Engineering theme day, co-organised with the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department and the Hong Kong Electrical and Mechanical Trade Promotion Working Group, invited industry professionals to speak on prospects in areas such as railways, vehicles and the electrical and mechanical engineering industry. 

The debut Professional Development for the Future day, supported by The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups (HKFYG), addressed hot topics such as gerontechnology applications and digital marketing. And the Exploring Construction Industry theme day, run in collaboration with the Hong Kong Institute of Construction (HKIC), invited construction professionals to share on building information modelling, metal work and welding courses.

The very popular Careers Zone brought together a range of organisations and provided analysis of the prospects in different industries. The Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) outlined career pathways for joining the innovation and technology industry, giving useful tips to potential applicants. The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), a debut exhibitor, introduced its range of jobs, highlighting the different positions and application requirements.

Recruitment Square included recruitment platforms, public organisations and private companies offering more than 2,700 job opportunities with on-the-spot recruitment from companies such as Cathay Pacific, QB house, Tai Hing Group and Asia Airfreight Terminal. Visitors could bring their CVs along to the expo to apply for posts that interested them.

The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Development Office of the Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau covered opportunities for education, employment and entrepreneurship in the Greater Bay Area. Y.Elites Association Limited invited Qianhai International Liaison Services Limited to introduce preferential policies for Hong Kong citizens in Qianhai, a development zone in the west of Shenzhen, covering housing, starting a business, financial, innovation and technology backing, and household registration.

Representatives from the consulate offices of Hungary, France, and Germany discussed the Working Holidays Scheme, allowing young people to explore different opportunities around the world.

The expo held more than 90 inspiring events including a performance by the Correctional Services Dog Unit (main picture), seminars on higher education and sharing on different careers by celebrities and education experts.

Kandy Lui, Executive Director of the Hong Kong Institute of Human Resource Management, addressed the new normal in workplaces under the pandemic and offered tips for enhancing personal capabilities. The following day, Tsang Yip-kiu (Siu Mai), a contestant on television talent show King Maker IV, discussed valuable experiences in pursuing her dream.

Wong Kim-fung, founder of threezero and Chairman of the Hong Kong Brand Toy Association, and two vice chairmen, Howard Chan (founder of Hot Toys) and Kenny Wong (designer of brand toy “Molly” and creative director of Kennyswork), discussed how people could turn their passion into a career and offered tips on joining the branded toy industry.