Hong Kong Launches Alliance of Universities for Enhanced Vocational Education and Training Development

Alliance of Universities of Applied Sciences officially launched

The Government announced today (November 11) that, with support from the Education Bureau (EDB), the Alliance of Universities of Applied Sciences was officially launched, signifying a new journey for the development of vocational and professional education and training (VPET). The Alliance comprises four post-secondary institutions as founding members, with the Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU) and Saint Francis University (SFU) as full members, and Tung Wah College (TWC) and the Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong (THEi) as associate members.

Speaking at the launch ceremony, the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing, said that he was pleased that the Government's direction of developing universities of applied sciences (UAS) has received strong support from various sectors. He said he was also glad to see that UAS and other aspiring post-secondary institutions responded to the Government's policies proactively to establish the Alliance, promoting VPET development with concerted efforts and supporting Hong Kong's development into an international post-secondary education hub.

He said that he looked forward to all sectors of society and the Alliance to continue strengthening collaboration, achieving co-operation between industries and education, as well as integration of science and education, and, through sharing of experience and resources, enhance the quality and recognition of VPET, thereby jointly nurturing applied talent for contribution to the development of Hong Kong and the country.

Guests attending the ceremony included the Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin; the Permanent Secretary for Education and Chairman of the Steering Committee on the Alliance, Ms Michelle Li; the Chairman of the Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications, Mr Rock Chen; representatives of member institutions of the Alliance, namely, the President of the HKMU, Professor Paul Lam; the Acting President of SFU, Professor Lo Tit-wing; the President of TWC, Professor Sally Chan; and the President of THEi, Professor Alan Lau; and representatives from over 80 supporting organisations which included enterprises, chambers of commerce, industry organisations, think tanks, quasi-government organisations, and educational and charitable organisations.

The Alliance also invited representatives from the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, Hong Kong; the Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong; the Federation of Hong Kong Industries; and the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce, to a panel discussion. They exchanged and shared insights on how the industries could collaborate with UAS and other post-secondary institutions under the Government's strategy of fostering industry-institution collaboration and diversified development for promoting VPET development and nurturing quality talent with applied knowledge and skills.

As announced in "The Chief Executive's 2024 Policy Address", the Government will continue to press ahead with the development of UAS in Hong Kong. It has allocated a start-up fund of $100 million to support the establishment of the Alliance, which will embark on joint promotions with industries and stakeholders, including organising international conferences, strengthening exchanges and collaboration with applied sciences institutions from other places, and initiating collaboration and research on applied education at the post-secondary level.

All UAS may apply to become full members of the Alliance, whereas institutions aspiring to become UAS may apply to become associate members. The HKMU serves as the secretariat of the Alliance. The EDB has established the Steering Committee on the Alliance to advise on the development and strategy of the Alliance, as well as approving and supervising the use of the start-up fund.

Alliance of Universities of Applied Sciences officially launched Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Alliance of Universities of Applied Sciences officially launched Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Alliance of Universities of Applied Sciences officially launched Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Government announces details of Signature Performing Arts Programme Scheme

The Government today (November 15) announced the application details of the Signature Performing Arts Programme Scheme (SPAPS).

The Government invites proposals from local performing arts groups and practitioners for large-scale stage productions.

Interested parties can submit application from December 30, 2024 to May 30, 2025. The Government will form an assessment panel, comprising experts, veteran arts and cultural practitioners, professionals with rich business acumen and experience as well as representatives from the Government. The application results are expected to be released in the fourth quarter of 2025.

Proposals will be assessed based on the following factors:

artistic vision and merits of the production or programme;

representativeness as a production or programme of Hong Kong to showcase characteristics of Hong Kong and the capacity and creativity of local talents;

marketing and promotion strategy that appeals to a broad range of audience, local and abroad;

potential for long-running; and

impact on consolidating Hong Kong’s position as an East-meets-West centre for cultural exchange.

The selected proposal must stage at least 15 performances (can be implemented by phase) in Hong Kong and attract at least 10 000 paid audience members. There will be a quota of two productions for this application. Existing programmes with outstanding performances in relevant aspects will also be considered, provided that the programme must substantially transform and enhance existing programmes in terms of creativity and presentations, and have the capacity to generate renewed interest.

Each selected proposal under the SPAPS will receive a direct subsidy of up to $10 million for a maximum period of three years to support expenses in areas such as creative concepts, stage productions, venue rentals, as well as marketing and promotion of the programme. The SPAPS will also provide a matching subsidy of up to $5 million to each selected proposal to match private sponsorship raised and income received. In line with the objectives of the Scheme to nurture world-class performing arts productions and international cultural brands that represent Hong Kong, the Scheme will require that a substantial portion of the expenditure for the production must be expended in Hong Kong and the majority of the key personnel should be Hong Kong residents.

In the event that the selected proposal can generate profit from the 15 stage performances and stage a re-run of an equivalent or larger scale within 18 months after the first run, a matching subsidy equivalent to 20 per cent of the total funding support from the Scheme for the first round of the performance and capped at $3 million will be provided to match private sponsorship raised and income received in the re-run, with a view to encouraging project proponent to unleash the long-running potential of the proposed programme.

The Government will hold a briefing session in the afternoon on December 17, 2024 at the Lecture Hall of the Hong Kong Museum of Art to provide further details of the Scheme and answer questions. Interested parties who would like to attend the briefing session may register by sending email to spaps@cstb.gov.hk.