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CE visits Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (with photos/video)
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     The Chief Executive, Mr C Y Leung, visited the Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (IVE) in Tsing Yi this afternoon (July 14) to learn more about the development of vocational education.

     As a member of the Vocational Training Council, IVE has a total of nine campuses providing vocational study pathways to secondary school graduates and working adults, equipping them with specific expertise, skills and techniques through vocational education.

     The Chief Executive visited the campus' AirTY Centre, which is the first dedicated cabin mock-up in Hong Kong's tertiary institutions to support practical training for students studying aviation and passenger transport services. The Centre enables them to develop professional skills in a realistic work environment. Mr Leung was pleased to learn that IVE provides diversified courses with vocational or professional orientation, preparing students for employment in specific professions as well as nurturing talents for the industries.

     The Chief Executive also inspected a robot designed by engineering students to assist the elderly. The robot can remind elderly people to take their medication and can provide useful information such as news and weather reports. Mr Leung said that the current-term Government is dedicated to developing innovation and technology, not only to boost Hong Kong's economy but also to improve directly people's quality of living. The robot designed by students to meet the needs of the elderly is a good example.

     Mr Leung also watched a badminton game played by an IVE-designed robot, which defeated other university teams and was the first runner-up at the robotic badminton games of the Robocon 2015 Hong Kong Contest, in which six tertiary institutions competed last month.

     Before ending the visit, Mr Leung tried out the fifth-generation solar-powered electric car, SOPHIE V, developed by IVE. The car will compete at the World Solar Challenge 2015 to be held in Australia this October. Noting that the first-generation solar-powered electric car made its debut in 2009 and that the project has now reached its fifth generation, Mr Leung said it is encouraging to see the team's persistence in striving for excellence. He expressed the hope that they could achieve remarkable results in the competition.

     Mr Leung said that these research and development projects prove that Hong Kong has excellent human capital for the development of innovation and technology. Since vocational education can nurture and unleash students' creativity and diverse skills, it plays a pivotal role in the co-operation among the Government, industry, academia and research sectors.

     Noting that the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination results will be released tomorrow (July 15), Mr Leung congratulated students with good grades and for those whose results are not satisfactory, Mr Leung encouraged them not to give up. While some people may still favour traditional academic pursuits, Mr Leung said that besides pursuing university education, vocational education is also an attractive study pathway that can prepare students for future employment by equipping them with professional knowledge, practical skills and appropriate attitudes.

     The Chief Executive emphasised the importance of vocational education in his Policy Address last year. The Task Force on Promotion of Vocational Education established in June last year has just submitted a report to the Government setting out strategies and concrete recommendations with a view to changing traditional perceptions towards vocational education. The Government will duly consider the recommendations in order to provide multiple pathways for young people with diverse aspirations and abilities to unleash their full potential.

Ends/Tuesday, July 14, 2015
Issued at HKT 15:38

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