The Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr James Lau, visited Kwun Tong District this afternoon (July 27). Also joining the visit were the Under Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Joseph Chan, and two secondary school students participating in the "Be a Government Official for a Day" programme.
 
     Mr Lau first went to Kai Tin Market in Lam Tin. The market, built almost 30 years ago, was refurbished recently and reopened earlier this month, and it accepts Octopus and Alipay as means of mobile payment. Mr Lau was briefed on the operation of the market, and chatted with stall operators to learn more about their businesses and customers' use of mobile payment.
 
     Noting that the ecosystem of Hong Kong's electronic payment is getting more mature, Mr Lau said the Government will continue to explore and formulate initiatives to facilitate the development of financial technology with a view to promoting wider adoption of mobile retail payment for enhanced convenience of both merchants and customers.
 
     Mr Lau then proceeded to the Kwun Tong branch of the Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education, where he was briefed by the school management on its business administration programmes. He also toured the Banking and Finance Professional Development Centre, the Professional Accountancy Centre and the Human Resource Assessment Centre there.
 
     He said he was pleased to learn that students could acquire professional skills through practical training in a simulated working environment and students would also go on a 90-hour trainee programme in an actual workplace to gain real-life experience.

     Mr Lau pointed out that with the rapid development of financial technology in the financial services industry, there will be more acute demand for professional talents. He encouraged the students to better equip themselves with professional knowledge and skill sets, and to keep abreast of the latest developments in the sector so as to prepare for their career development in the financial services industry.
 
     Before concluding the visit, Mr Lau met with members of the Kwun Tong District Council to exchange views on various issues including the life annuity scheme, development of mobile payment and the impact of trade conflict between China and the United States on Hong Kong.

Ends/Friday, July 27, 2018
Issued at HKT 19:35

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