The Government held the Launching Ceremony-cum-Industry Promotion under the Pilot Programme to Enhance Talent Training for the Asset and Wealth Management Sector (WAM Pilot Programme) this afternoon (October 15). The event marked the official launch of the WAM Pilot Programme and the first of a series of industry promotion activities to post-secondary students.

     The ceremony was officiated by the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Professor K C Chan. Other officiating guests were the Permanent Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury (Financial Services), Mr Andrew Wong, and the Chairman of the Hong Kong Securities and Investment Institute, Mr John Maguire. 

     Professor Chan said in his welcome remarks that the purpose of the WAM Pilot Programme was to deepen students' understanding of the asset and wealth management sector and to attract them to join the sector upon graduation. He also said that, through the launching ceremony and industry promotion activities, students could learn more about the nature and roles of different jobs that the asset and wealth management sector offers. He thanked the Steering Committee on the WAM Pilot Programme, the training institutes and industry stakeholders for their support in launching the WAM Pilot Programme.

     The event featured a panel discussion moderated by the Dean of School of Continuing Education at Hong Kong Baptist University, Professor Raymond So, as well as other breakout sessions. Six speakers with extensive experience in asset and wealth management shared their experience with the participants. There was also an industry promotion exhibition comprising 15 exhibitors including local and international asset and wealth management companies as well as industry associations.

     Professor Chan said he hoped that, through direct interaction with in-service practitioners during the panel and breakout discussions, students could gain more understanding and insights into the various career opportunities open to them, the functional roles available in the front, middle and back offices of the asset and wealth management sector, and the qualifications needed to enter the field.

     The Government launched the three-year WAM Pilot Programme on August 29, 2016, with the objectives of attracting new blood to expand the talent pool, particularly in the more technical areas, and to enhance the professional competency of the asset and wealth management sector, which is necessary for the sustainable development of the sector.  Initiatives under the WAM Pilot Programme include promotion and education, an internship programme for undergraduate students, and a financial incentive scheme for the professional training of in-service practitioners in the financial services industry. Details of the WAM Pilot Programme are available at the website www.wamtalent.org.hk/eng/.

Ends/Saturday, October 15, 2016
Issued at HKT 18:43

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