Speech - Address by Mr Andrew Chong, Chairman, ITE, at the VTC-ITE 9th International Student Seminar (ISS) 2024, on Wednesday 26 Jun 2024, at 0940 Hours, VTC Auditorium, Hong Kong Design Institute

Mr Cheuk Wing Hing, GBS, JP
Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region

Hon. Andrew Leung
President of the Legislative Council of Hong Kong

Legislative Council Members

Dr Daniel Yip & Mr Paul Chong
Deputy Chairmen, VTC

Members of the VTC Board

Donald Tong

Executive Director of VTC

Khah Gek
CEO, ITE

Distinguished Speakers, Guests, Students

Introduction

Zou San, Dai Ka Hou (‘Good morning, Hello everyone’)

Thank you, Daniel, for the very warm welcome. And actually, personally, I am also extremely thrilled that Honourable Andrew Leung, could make it to today’s event as well, because actually, he is one of the original Chairmen of VTC, who was part of making ISS happen. So, thank you.

Milestones and Innovations

So, after five years, we are very happy to be finally meeting again here for the 9^th Edition of the ISS. The past five years has been transformative, a lot of things have changed in the world and for our institutions.

Last November, ITE and VTC celebrated our 25 years partnership. And this, this is a strong foundation that highlights our enduring commitment to education and innovation.

Additionally, last year, we launched two new Technical Diploma programmes, in Civil and Structural Engineering, and Beauty and Wellness Management. This expansion of our academic cooperation and offerings not only meets the evolving needs of industries, but it also fulfils the aspirations of our students. So, indeed, we plan to introduce more Technical Diplomas in the future, ensuring that our students are well-equipped to excel in their chosen fields.

Evolving Editions of ISS

In each ISS edition, we strive to enhance the experience. In 2017, we adopted the TED Talk style presentations.

In 2019, VTC and ITE students made a joint presentation on stage, and we extended the whole event by one day, so that there can be some social events for sharing and building relationship between the students. And I’m very happy to see that this year that has continued.

I can’t quite recall whether you’ve done it already, but I think the students look forward to this.

In 2022, due to circumstances, we experimented with a hybrid format, but this allowed us to reach out to a much broader audience than physical.

And for this edition, we have introduced the industry talks and sharing, which many of you attended yesterday. You gained insights into the Hong Kong business environment and toured VTC’s authentic learning facilities, witnessing the latest industry trends and innovations. And I think later today, even more such industry talks.

Sustainability as a National Agenda

ISS 2024 unfolds against a backdrop of global challenges – escalating geopolitical tensions, rising social inequality and a looming climate crisis. Sustainability goals are now at the forefront of national and business agendas.

In Singapore, we have the Green Plan 2030, a whole-of-nation movement to achieve climate resilience and sustainable urban living. Similarly, Hong Kong’s Climate Action Plan 2050 aims to achieve carbon neutrality through measures like enhancing energy efficiency, expanding renewable energy, and promoting green transportation.

Both Singapore and Hong Kong are actively engaging youths in these initiatives, recognising them as pivotal change makers. Programmes such as Singapore’s Youth Action Challenge and Hong Kong’s Climate Youth Ambassadors empower youths to drive innovative solutions and sustainable practices.

Theme: ISS Youth Change Makers

This lends relevance to this year’s ISS theme, Youth Change Makers, with sub-themes on Innovation, Sustainability, and Social Impact. Now, more than ever, we recognise that it is critical to position young people’s expertise and ideas at the forefront of our efforts.

So, what does it mean to be a change maker?

A change maker is someone who recognises opportunities in their community and is willing to take the initiative to make a difference to make these things happen. They are driven by a purpose, often greater than themselves, to create positive social, environmental, and economic impact. Change makers are innovative thinkers, collaborative workers and leaders, and passionate advocates for their just causes.

This seminar is a call to action for all of us to think critically and share our ideas on how to create a more sustainable world. I encourage all of you to actively participate, collaborate with your peers, and take this opportunity to inspire each other towards making a real difference.

Acknowledgments

Before I conclude, I would like to give a special mention and thanks to Jerry Kwok, Organising Chairman at VTC, and all the VTC and ITE staff who have worked tirelessly over the past nine months to make this event happen. So, thank you.  

I would also like to thank the Seminar’s Speakers, Mr Edmund Lee, Mr Ted Kwan and Mr Mark Ong, for their willingness to share their experience and expertise in their respective sub-theme areas.

To the 300 ITE students here, I believe for many of you it is the first to Hong Kong. I encourage you to seize this opportunity. By all means enjoy the culinary and scenic delights of Hong Kong. It is actually even for me one of the favourite places for me to visit, but also to take full advantage of these next few days to meet, to bond, and lay the foundation for relationships – long-lasting relationships and friendships with your VTC peers.

So, I wish all of you a successful event. Thank you.