Developing Hong Kong into an international innovation and technology (I&T) hub will result in a massive demand for R&D talents. To become a part of this new generation of I&T talents, young people must equip themselves with academic qualifications and professional recognitions, as well as accumulate work experience to meet the job requirements in research and development (R&D).
Thus, to provide workplace learning opportunities for more young people who are eager to develop their future careers in the technology sector, the Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) signed an MoU with Vocational Training Council (VTC).
Under this MoU, they will jointly design brand-new professional diploma programmes in Microelectronics and Communications Technologies, aimed at nurturing a pool of talents that are aligned with industry needs in response to the huge surge of demand for tech-ready talents brought by the development of smart products, Internet of Things (IoT), and big data.
In addition, ASTRI will join the VTC Earn & Learn scheme as an employer. The scheme spans four semesters for students taking Higher Diploma programmes from the Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (IVE), a member institution of VTC.
Over the new academic year, participating students will receive on-the-job training under the guidance of ASTRI’s experienced R&D staff, obtaining both practical experience in the industry as well as classroom learning provided by the school. This will help young people enhance their capabilities in research and development in terms of work experience and academic knowledge through the scheme, which also allows them to realise their potential.
This collaboration was developed with the hope of bringing more young people to the I&T sector in Hong Kong and nurturing a new generation of professional R&D talents to expand the local I&T talent pool, provide the research and commercial sector with greater momentum, and keep enhancing the competitiveness of Hong Kong.
As the new academic year begins, the first batch of VTC students will be joining ASTRI’s four Technology Divisions, including Trust and AI Technologies, Communications Technologies, IoT Sensing and AI Technologies, and Integrated Circuits and Systems.
With ASTRI’s strong atmosphere in research and development, students will learn about I&T development in Hong Kong through hands-on experience, which would deepen their understanding of R&D work, helping them to make a good preparation for future studies or careers.
Participants will receive a basic monthly salary of not less than HK$9,000 and an average of HK$2,500 government allowance. The total monthly income will be above HK$10,000. Participants will also receive an additional subsidy of HK$30,800 upon completion of the programme.
The Chairman of ASTRI stated that the collaboration sets a new milestone for ASTRI in training the new generation of R&D talents. Young people are an important driver for innovation and it is hoped that they would enrich the organisation’s creativity, learn all that they can and contribute to supporting Hong Kong in becoming an international I&T hub.
The ASTRI Chief Executive Officer emphasised the importance of continual cultivation of talents and said ASTRI is joining VTC’s training and support scheme for the first time, aimed at encouraging trainees with a passion to get to know about their strengths and realise their potential. Upon graduation, they could either choose to become professional staff members or to further study. The scheme is good for both trainees themselves and the industry.
The VTC Chairman stated that the Council offers quality vocational and professional education and training (VPET) to help young people and in-service practitioners acquire industry-relevant knowledge and applied skills for professional development.
To meet the demand for tech-savvy talents, the VTC has incorporated I&T elements into the curriculum, enhanced teaching and learning facilities, and more importantly, provided students with workplace learning opportunities to build a talent pool conversant with applied skills. The MoU with ASTRI leverages the strengths of both sides and works together to nurture I&T talents.
The VTC Executive Director thanked ASTRI for supporting the VTC Earn & Learn Scheme, providing IVE Higher Diploma students with the chance to receive on-the-job training and learn cutting-edge applied technologies at ASTRI under the coaching of scientific research experts while learning tech-related knowledge at VTC.
