Success beckons at expo

Many people in the renewed Hong Kong are looking at their education and career options in order to seize the opportunities that are arising.

Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the 32nd HKTDC Education & Careers Expo runs from 2 February to 5 February at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). Presenting designated zones under two themes, Education and Careers. Themed Ride the Wave to Success, the four-day event is open to the public free of charge, serving as a one-stop platform to offer the most up-to-date information on education, training and career development opportunities.

Choi Yuk-lin, Secretary for Education of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government, officiated at the opening. In her welcoming remarks, Sophia Chong, HKTDC Acting Executive Director, said: “Entering its 32nd year, the Education & Careers Expo continues to serve as a unique platform for students and jobseekers looking to connect with different institutions and employers and gain insights into the latest educational opportunities and career options. This year we welcome 700 organisations from 20 countries and regions to the expo and I wish everyone a fruitful event – and the best of luck to those seeking new opportunities.” 

Zones highlight opportunities

The expo presents four Education-themed Zones. The Local Studies Zone features universities and post-secondary institutions that provide information on further studies, including Hong Kong Shue Yan University and the Hang Seng University of Hong Kong. 

The Overseas & Mainland China Education Zone brings together consulate general offices, officially approved organisations, overseas universities and study centres to provide information and consulting services relating to educational opportunities in different countries and regions, including Europe, the United States, Asia and Mainland China. The Lifelong Learning Zone showcases diversified self-betterment programmes and on-the-job training courses for visitors, covering areas such as influencer or key opinion leader (KOL) training, technology education, lifestyle and language. 

At the Youth Zone, visitors can obtain information from non-profit organisations on career planning and continuing education, and find out more about summer jobs and internship opportunities as well as full-time positions.

Nearly 3,000 job openings on offer

Career-themed Zones offer nearly 3,000 job openings. The Careers Zone hosts professional institutions, government bodies and other public and private organisations to highlight a range of career opportunities. The Chamber of Food & Beverage Industry of Hong Kong, a headhunting agency that hires for hotels and restaurants, and a number of banks and insurance companies are actively seeking talents. At the Recruitment Square, recruitment platforms and employers are recruiting and interviewing candidates on the spot.

Studying abroad

The expo hosts more than 80 inspiring events offering a diverse array of educational, career and self-improvement information. The expo also offers four Education-themed Days focusing on the European Union (2 February), the United Kingdom (3 February), France (4 February) and Germany (5 February), with consulate offices or study centres presenting visitors with information essential to studying in these countries.

The expo also offers a series of seminars to share information on studying in the mainland and various overseas countries. Highlights include the China Education Exchange (Hong Kong) Centre’s session on the “Scheme for Admission of Hong Kong Students to Mainland Higher Education Institutions 2023/24” (today) and the Consulate General of Finland in Hong Kong and Macao’s seminar, “Study in the Happiest Country in the World – Finland”. In addition, educational institutions will introduce visitors to the international English tests that students must take in order to study abroad and offer tips on preparing for the tests (4 and 5 February).

Career-themed days

Four Career-themed Days highlight the latest career trends through various seminars. Co-organised by the Vocational Training Council (VTC), VPET – Skilling Talent for the Future theme day discusses how to cultivate a new generation of innovation and technology talents, how the catering industry is working to provide fresh experiences, and the latest developments in the play education sector. The Greater Bay Area Opportunities theme day on 3 February looks at GBA business, employment and study opportunities. 

On 4 February, the Exploring Construction Industry theme day, co-organised by the Hong Kong Institute of Construction (HKIC), will discuss how to embrace innovation and technology. On 5 February, the Slasher Generation theme day will see a key opinion leader from the beauty industry share her entrepreneurial story. In addition, there will be a discussion on whether being a slasher – someone who takes up more than one job or occupational identity – offers the freedom it suggests.

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Education & Careers Expo