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Continuing education, skills training and industry advisory committees are contributing to the government’s drive to ensure that Hong Kong’s workforce stays ahead in an increasingly competitive market. “Human capital is a critical factor for Hong Kong's long-term prosperity, development and our sustained growth,” said the Chief Executive of the HKSAR, Mr. Donald Tsang, at the 45th Anniversary Dinner of the Hong Kong Management Association, December 12.
Mr. Tsang noted that enhanced awareness by both government and the community of the need for lifelong learning had brought about significant rises in the proportion of workers with tertiary education, from 10% in 1985 to 27% in 2004.
However, he cautioned that the exponential growth of knowledge today means that skills become obsolete very quickly. “What we learn in school and through our work experience has a very limited shelf life. We must continuously embrace new knowledge and skills in order to face future challenges at work and to remain competitive in the increasingly globalised economy.”
Mr. Tsang outlined government’s focus on building lifelong learning, citing the new academic structure, set to launch in 2009, which will nurture a better-educated, adaptable workforce. The Skills Upgrading Scheme, launched in 2001, has trained over 136,000 workers in 23 industries. The $5 billion Continuing Education Fund covers five economic sectors (logistics, financial services, business services, tourism and creative industries) and three skill areas (languages, design and interpersonal workplace skills) and has approved some 228,000 applications since it was established in 2002.
In addition, the newly launched Qualifications Framework is drawing the participation of employers' associations, trade unions, professional bodies and other stakeholders, via the formation of Industry Training Advisory Committees, which will develop benchmark standards.
“Education reform combined with manpower development initiatives will build an effective infrastructure for a lifelong learning culture in Hong Kong,” said Mr. Tsang. “The Government is fully committed to continuing investment in our human capital.”
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