As part of moves to bolster Hong Kong’s role as an education hub and talent centre, this year’s HKTDC Education & Careers Expo is hosting themed talks and seminars to encourage students from neighbouring regions to pursue further studies and career opportunities in Hong Kong.
One highlight, a specially curated seminar called A Date with Giants, features representatives from Lenovo, J.P. Morgan, The University of Hong Kong’s Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine and an undergraduate entrepreneur.
This session highlights career development trends in major sectors, such as finance and innovation and technology, while exploring opportunities to expand professional networks and horizons, including further education.
In another session students from the Chinese Mainland who are studying in Hong Kong have been invited by The China Hong Kong Elite Union to share their experiences, from education to employment.
The Education & Careers Expo, which is organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), is running from 22-25 January in the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.
There is complimentary admission for the public throughout the four-day event.
More than 860 organisations from 23 countries and regions – including government bureaux and departments, tertiary institutions and education centres – are taking part.
“The Education & Careers Expo provides a crucial platform for international and local students to explore Hong Kong's world-class education and career development opportunities,” highlighted Sophia Chong, HKTDC’s Executive Director, while delivering welcoming remarks on the opening day.
“It also helps promote Hong Kong's high-quality educational resources globally, consolidating Hong Kong's position as an international higher education hub,” Ms Chong added.
Christine Choi, the Hong Kong SAR Government’s Secretary for Education, also officiated at the opening ceremony.
Strong demand for diverse talent
The Expo is divided into two main sections: Education and Careers.
Each day has a different theme: Civil Servants & Public Services on Thursday; Next Gen Technologies on Friday; Healthcare & Wellness on Saturday; and Greater Bay Opportunities on Sunday.
This year, a record 31 Hong Kong government bureaux and departments are participating, along with numerous public and private organisations.
This reflects the strong demand for diverse talent, while underscoring Hong Kong as a talent hub, Ms Chong pointed out.
Other notable fixtures in the Expo’s Careers Zone are Recruitment Square, hosting job platforms, recruitment consultancies and various enterprises, and the CV Clinic, which offers a variety of services to job seekers.
More than 100 activities are being held throughout the exhibition, covering multiple fields including technology, healthcare, and overseas studies.
There are also workshops and hands-on activities that are suitable for parents to attend with their children.
These include a mock courtroom set up by the Judiciary, allowing participants to experience a courtroom environment and deepen their understanding of judicial procedures and the legal professions.
There is also a mock TV studio and recording studio set up by Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK), where members of the public can experience professional production workflows first-hand.