The 5th Mainland Development Advisory Board Meeting was held on the morning of Monday, 24 February 2025. Since the establishment of the Mainland Development Advisory Board, it has been providing strategic advice to VTC on vocational education and talent cultivation. The Board has not only facilitated collaboration between VTC and various industries in Mainland China, helping to unlock the potential of Hong Kong youth and expand career development opportunities, but it has also strengthened VTC's connections with Mainland enterprises through its extensive industry network, supporting the implementation of VTC's Mainland development strategies. By fostering cross-sector partnerships, the Board aims to nurture more high-calibre talent for the industries, expand the talent pool of skilled professionals, and drive robust social and economic development.
Furthermore, the "Tribute Lunch to Members of the VTC Mainland Development Advisory Board and Mainland Enterprises" was successfully held at the Training Restaurant of the Chinese Culinary Institute. With the theme "Together We Thrive in the New Year, Nurturing Talent for a Bright Future", the Tribute Lunch aimed to express gratitude to the Members of the VTC Mainland Development Advisory Board and Mainland enterprises for their unwavering support. Additionally, it served as a platform to explore collaborative opportunities to provide more learning experiences for Hong Kong-based youth, helping them leverage their strengths and realise their life ideals and career aspirations.
The Chairman of the Mainland Development Advisory Board, Mr Simon CHAN, delivered a welcome speech and expressed his gratitude for the unwavering support of all Board members. He also looked forward to the continued strong backing from industry partners, enabling VTC students to gain more valuable internship opportunities, practical experiences, and career guidance, thereby facilitating a seamless transition from academic achievement to professional excellence. Additionally, Mr Steve XIONG, Director of the VTC Mainland and International Affairs Office, introduced the VTC and the Vocational Professionals Admission Scheme (VPAS) to the guests, showcasing VTC's commitment to nurturing vocational talents that support the ongoing development of major enterprises in both Hong Kong and the Mainland.
The luncheon was hosted by two VTC students, Jhin JIANG from Heilongjiang and local student Laurel WONG. JIANG is enrolled in the Higher Diploma in Aviation Services and Transport Studies at Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (Tsing Yi) in the academic year 2024/25. From a young age, JIANG has aspired to become an outstanding professional in the aviation services and transport industry. Upon learning about the VPAS Eligible VTC Full-time Higher Diploma Programmes, he immediately enrolled. His fellow host, Laurel WONG, is pursuing a Higher Diploma in Cybersecurity at Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (Chai Wan).
On the event day, instructors and students of the Chinese Culinary Institute prepared a variety of creatively themed dishes inspired by "The Legend of The Condor Heroes" to promote Chinese culture. VTC expressed its appreciation to the guests for their support of vocational education by presenting them with a commemorative souvenir “Cantonese Golden Embroidery”, which was jointly launched by VTC and Zhongshan Polytechnic. This product was designed by students of the Hong Kong Design Institute, combining the exquisite craftsmanship of “Cantonese Golden Embroidery” from Zhongshan Polytechnic and reflecting the spirit of collaboration among educational institutions in the Greater Bay Area.