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Following is the speech by the Permanent Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Miss Annie Tam, at the opening ceremony of the Education and Careers Expo 2013 organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) today (January 31):
Fred (Executive Director of the HKTDC, Mr Fred Lam), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
I am delighted to join you all at the opening of this year's Education and Careers Expo on behalf of the Secretary for Labour and Welfare and deliver the speech more or less prepared by the Secretary himself for this occasion.
This year marks the 23rd anniversary of the Education and Careers Expo, which has established itself as a premier annual event in equipping our students and job seekers alike with the latest information on further studies, training and career openings under one roof.
As you all know, Hong Kong's latest total employment surged to an all-time high whilst the number of unemployed fell. After seasonal adjustment, the unemployment rate remained at a low level of 3.3 per cent, close to full employment.
As fresh graduates and school leavers were absorbed into employment at a favourable pace, the unemployment rate for youths aged 20 to 24 went down to 7 per cent and that for the age group of 15 to 19 dropped to 12.7 per cent.
Helping young people to transit to gainful employment ranks high on the Government's agenda. I wish to take this opportunity to suggest our youth take a broad view of the opportunities across the full spectrum of sectors in searching for jobs. They should look beyond the traditional sectors and consider other green pastures.
Let me cite just three examples. First is the elderly care sector, which is very close to my heart. Our fast ageing society will open up new opportunities for jobs and business. There would be substantial manpower requirements in community and personal care services for the elderly in the next 20 to 30 years. The growing "silver hair" market will also generate considerable business opportunities.
Another area is the construction industry. Given Hong Kong's ongoing and future commitment in infrastructural and housing developments, there will be considerable job opportunities at various levels in this sector in the years ahead.
Aircraft maintenance is the third area. It offers good and rewarding career prospects, given Hong Kong's status as an aviation hub in the Asia-Pacific and the proposal to build a third runway in our airport.
Some young people may invariably face difficulties in finding a job because of their lack of experience. As announced by the Chief Executive in his Policy Address, the monthly training allowance payable to employers under the Labour Department's Youth Pre-employment Training Programme and Youth Work Experience and Training Scheme will be significantly increased from the existing rate of $2,000 to $3,000.
The Government is committed to scaling new heights in economic development and, in doing so, we will have more gainful and promising career options to offer to many people including the youth. The Economic Development Commission has just been set up and the Commission will focus on efforts to broaden our economic base, work on the overall strategy and policy to enhance our long-term development, and identify new sectors and industries which present opportunities for Hong Kong's future economic growth. We will spare no efforts in nurturing talents to serve Hong Kong's present and future needs.
I am very pleased to note that more than 730 commercial organisations, public bodies, government departments and professional bodies, as well as educational institutions, are taking part in this event. There will also be an education and careers theme every day to provide visitors with useful resources on study opportunities, in particular those on the Mainland, as well as in Australia, Europe and the United States. At the same time, career information will be provided on the civil service as well as other professions, such as marketing, supply chain, logistics and finance.
I sincerely congratulate the Hong Kong Trade Development Council on staging this meaningful event and wish the Expo every success. Thank you.
Ends/Thursday, January 31, 2013
Issued at HKT 13:35
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