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The Hong Kong Qualifications Framework (HKQF) Conference on "Qualifications Across Boundaries: Perspectives of Hong Kong Qualifications Framework and European Qualifications Framework" was held today (November 26).
The Secretary for Education, Mr Eddie Ng Hak-kim, said in his welcoming address, "The Conference today marks a very important milestone in our move for internalisation of the HKQF, and signifies the commencement of our collaboration with the European Commission (EC) on the technical alignment between the HKQF and the European Qualifications Framework (EQF).
"The technical alignment will provide a translation device to understand the corresponding levels of qualifications between the HKQF and the EQF, bringing mutual benefits to Hong Kong and European Union member states. Upon completion of the technical alignment, a report on the comparability of levels in the HKQF and the EQF will be submitted to the EC. We hope that through this collaboration, we can enhance learners' mobility and articulation between the two regions."
Mr Ng said that, in order to groom human talents, the Government launched the HKQF in 2008, and it announced in the 2014 Policy Address the setting up of a dedicated fund of $1 billion, namely the Qualifications Framework Fund, to provide a steady source of income to support the sustainable development and implementation of the HKQF.
"Over the past years, we have concentrated our efforts on building up key infrastructure for the HKQF and its underpinning quality assurance mechanism, including, among others, the setting up of Industry Training Advisory Committees, the implementation of a Recognition Prior Leaning mechanism, and the adoption of standardised award titles and QF credit. More recently, we promulgated the policies and principles for credit accumulation and transfer," Mr Ng added.
Mr Ng said, "Looking ahead, the HKQF will play a pivotal role in facilitating seamless transition among education, training and employment. We shall continue working closely with various stakeholders on the implementation and development of the HKQF."
The Conference was organised by the Education Bureau with the full support of the EC. Deputy Secretary for Education Mr Brian Lo and the Head of Sector of Skills and Qualifications Recognition Tools, Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion of the EC, Mr Koen Nomden, were the two keynote speakers. Other speakers included local academics and overseas experts from European Union member states (including Croatia, Ireland, Latvia, Luxembourg, Poland and the United Kingdom) and New Zealand.
More than 300 local and overseas participants attended the Conference. They included representatives from education institutions and training providers, trade associations, labour unions, professional bodies, quality assurance agencies, consulates and government departments.
Ends/Wednesday, November 26, 2014
Issued at HKT 12:44
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