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The Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, said today (Wednesday) that maintaining a positive attitude and constantly improving our competitiveness are important at a time of rapid economic adjustment.

During a visit to the Vocational Training Council (VTC), Mr Tung was impressed by the variety of courses being offered to meet the changing needs of Hong Kong's economy and the eagerness of the trainees to improve themselves.

"As our economy is going through an adjustment period, it is essential that our tertiary and vocational training institutions continue to provide useful and practical training to our young people who are going to join the workforce very soon, to enhance the skills of those already in employment and to provide re-training for those who wish to change jobs.

"We need to look beyond the current economic uncertainties and prepare for the future. Acquiring new knowledge and skills is one of the effective ways to keep up our competitiveness," he said.

"It is also the Government's responsibility to ensure that sufficient resources are allocated to education and vocational training," he added, noting that in 1998/99 the Government had allocated about $2,203 million for the vocational training and apprenticeship programmes run by the VTC.

Accompanied by the Chairman of VTC, Mr Yeung Kai-yin, Mr Tung first toured the Information Technology Training Centre (ITCC) where courses are offered for both new entrants to the computer profession and existing IT professionals.

The centre, set up in 1986, runs about 500 classes and trains up to 10,000 students a year.

Speaking to trainees attending an IT conversion course, Mr Tung highlighted the importance of IT to the future development of Hong Kong.

"The setting up of the Information Technology and Broadcasting Bureau reflects the Government's determination to promote IT. With young people like you devoting to IT, it is hoped that Hong Kong will develop into an IT and telecommunications centre in the region," he said.

Later, at the Management Development Centre (MDC), which was set up in 1985, Mr Tung learnt that about 3,000 professionals received training each year through a variety of management courses offered by the centre.

Mr Tung gained first-hand knowledge of the Business Start-up Programme recently developed by the MDC to provide business starters with fundamental business skills and knowledge. Through case study, fieldwork and research, course members acquire the skills to evaluate their business plans, conduct feasibility studies and set up new businesses.

The Chief Executive took the opportunity to exchange views with the trainees, who are attending the course with the likelihood of taking up the challenge of starting their own businesses.

Mr Tung pointed out that the 290,000 small and medium enterprises, which constituted 98 per cent of all enterprises in the services and manufacturing sectors, formed the backbone of Hong Kong's economy. He analysed the economic difficulties Hong Kong was facing and encouraged course members to resolve their problems with self-confidence, hard work and perseverance.

"Opportunities are there even when the economy is bad. The key to success is never give up," he said.

The Chief Executive noted that response to the course has been encouraging and that the MDC is planning to set up a Business Start-up Centre later this year with funds from the Industry Department.

Equipped with comprehensive self-help tools, reference materials, and information on business contacts, advisory services and networking facilities, the centre aims to facilitate business starters in conducting feasibility studies for their business plans.

Mr Tung concluded his visit with a discussion session with Council members of the VTC.

End/Wednesday, September 9, 1998

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