The 35th Education & Careers Expo, organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), opened on January 22 and runs through January 25 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The event gathers more than 860 organizations from 23 countries and regions, including government bureaus, tertiary institutions, and education centers, to promote Hong Kong as an international hub for post-secondary education and talent cultivation. This year's expo, with the theme 'Go with Your Passion, Go Beyond Limits,' features over 100 activities and is free to the public, reflecting Hong Kong's commitment to strengthening its position in global education and workforce development.
The expo is divided into 'Education' and 'Careers' sections, with themed days focusing on 'Civil Servants & Public Services,' 'Next Gen Technologies,' 'Healthcare & Wellness,' and 'Greater Bay Area Opportunities.' This structure aligns with Hong Kong's 2025 Policy Address measures to bolster the city's role as an education hub and talent center, particularly in innovation and technology. Sophia Chong, HKTDC Executive Director, emphasized that the expo provides a crucial platform for students to explore world-class education and career opportunities, while Dr. Choi Yuk-lin, Secretary for Education, officiated at the opening ceremony, underscoring government support for these initiatives.
In the 'Education' section, the 'Local Studies' zone includes institutions like the Vocational Training Council (VTC), which focuses on nurturing talents in innovation and green technology. For example, the SOPHIE 8x model, developed by IVE's Engineering Discipline and a winner of the World Solar Challenge, is displayed to showcase practical applications of new energy theories. The Hong Kong Institute of Construction offers immersive experiences with construction robot dogs and humanoid robots, including a 'DIY Robotic Dog Workshop.' Additionally, the Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong introduces programs such as Artificial Intelligence and Enterprise Management to equip students with emerging skills. The 'Non-Hong Kong Education' zone provides study-abroad advisory services, while the 'Lifelong Learning' and 'Youth Zone' sections offer further education and career planning support, with organizations like the Employees Retraining Board (ERB) providing skills-based training courses. More information on these opportunities can be found on the Education & Careers Expo website.
The 'Careers' zone features over 31 government bureaus and departments, such as the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department and the Civil Service Bureau, offering career information in fields like disciplinary forces and administrative roles. A dedicated seminar zone hosts 17 career seminars, including 'Administrative Officers Multiverse Explored,' which introduces diverse public administration work. The 'Recruitment Square' allows job seekers to apply for positions on-site, with some providing on-the-spot interviews. An upgraded 'CV Clinic' offers services like 1:1 CV consultations and professional photography, leveraging technology to enhance jobseekers' competitiveness. Visitors can reserve these services in advance via the expo website, with details available on the events' information page.
Highlighted events include themed talks and seminars, such as 'A Date with Giants,' featuring representatives from Lenovo, J.P. Morgan, and The University of Hong Kong's Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, exploring career and further study opportunities in Hong Kong. Other activities cover topics like AI shaping teamwork, children's vision care, and Greater Bay Area entrepreneurship. For instance, on January 23, speakers from KPMG and Adobe will analyze AI's impact on teamwork, while on January 25, Calvin Tse of the Hong Kong General Chamber of Young Entrepreneurs will discuss 'Guide to GBA Entrepreneurship.' The expo also includes interactive workshops, such as a mock courtroom by the Judiciary and a mock TV studio by Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK), allowing participants to gain hands-on experience. Admission is free, and visitors can enjoy an 'Instant Career Snapshot' AI photo experience and receive complimentary souvenirs. For media resources, photos are available for download at https://bit.ly/4sXDLww.
This expo is significant as it underscores Hong Kong's strategic push to attract and develop talent in key sectors like technology, healthcare, and public service, positioning the city as a competitive global hub. By integrating study and career information, it addresses the growing demand for diverse skills and fosters cross-sector exchanges, which could impact job seekers, students, and industries by enhancing professional networks and aligning education with market needs. The strong participation from government and private organizations highlights Hong Kong's commitment to economic diversification and innovation, with potential implications for regional development and international collaboration in education and workforce training.
