Speech - Closing Remarks by Mr Donald TONG, GBS, JP, Executive Director, VTC at Closing Ceremony of VTC-ITE International Student Seminar 2024, 28 June 2024 (Friday)

Deputy Consul General Hui (Mr Victor HUI, Deputy Consul General of Singapore in Hong Kong),

Khah Gek (Ms LOW Khah Gek, ITE CEO),  

ITE Friends, VTC Colleagues,

Students, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good morning!  First of all, on behalf of VTC, let me extend my warmest welcome to Mr Victor Hui, Deputy Consul General of Singapore in Hong Kong for joining our Closing Ceremony of the VTC-ITE International Student Seminar today.  I would also like to thank the ITE Modern Dance Team for the incredible performance.  It is always a pleasure to see students shine on different stages with their talents, and I’m especially impressed by the Modern Dance Team of ITE for their commitment in performing for this signature joint event under unexpected circumstances.  Let’s give the Modern Dance Team another round of applause !

I still remember the exciting ambience when we had the opening here on the first day. As the seminar is drawing to a close, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all our guest speakers from Singapore and Hong Kong for their enlightening sessions, sharing their invaluable expertise with all our students.

Young people are tomorrow’s leaders, and today’s change-makers.  The interactive and lively presentations and exhibitions done  by students from ITE, Shenzhen Polytechnic University and VTC have been a testament to the power of vocational and professional education and training (VPET) or TVET.  Over the last three days, we have witnessed all students wonderfully  turning their  creativities  and talents into practical  solutions that could bring  positive impacts to society.  From developing AR video call solutions for the elderly to designing energy-efficient green buildings and addressing the environmental impact of our coffee culture, our students have demonstrated their abilities to embrace the global focus on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and make a real difference.  All these inspiring ideas open up possibilities for us to create positive contributions as responsible global citizens and future leaders.

I hope all of you students would find this three-day seminar fruitful and meaningful, not just for the exchange of innovative ideas to tackle contemporary challenges, but also for making new friends, learning about each other's culture, and expanding your network.  I know that students from Singapore and Shenzhen had the opportunities to immerse yourselves in the vibrant culture and dynamic life of Hong Kong over the last few days with our local students.  I hope you have fully enjoyed the sightseeing and learning activities at HK Disneyland, shopping at the Ladies Market, as well as the Hong Kong style egg tarts and curry fish balls.  

Today, we not only celebrate the successful hosting of this International Student Seminar, but also the achievements that all of you students have made  with your enthusiastic participation.  Together, let’s give all students  a big hand.  Well done!

On behalf of the VTC, I would like to extend our sincere appreciation to Mr. Andrew Chong, ITE Chairman, Ms Low Khah Gek, ITE’s Chief Executive Officer, and the dedicated teams from ITE and VTC.  Your contributions and support have been instrumental in making this Seminar a reality.  

Thank you once again for all your efforts and active participation.  We look forward to meeting our ITE friends again in the near future and continuing this journey of learning, innovation and collaboration.  I also wish all ITE friends and students a good trip back to Singapore.

Thank you.