In view of the growing demand for talent in the fast-expanding global cruise and yacht industry, Hong Kong Cruise & Yacht Industry Association (HKCYIA) and the Vocational Training Council (VTC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for nurturing professionals for the industry.

The MoU signing between Kara Yeung, HKCYIA executive director, and Mak Chiu-ki, director of Maritime Services Training Institute, was witnessed by invited guests including Dr Bernard Chan, under secretary for commerce and economic development, as the Guest of Honour. Jeff Bent, managing director of Worldwide Cruise Terminals, Dr Eric Liu, VTC deputy executive director, Shiu Chi-yung, VTC academic airector (engineering discipline), Zheng Wei-hang, executive vice president and secretary general of China Cruise & Yacht Industry Association, and Professor Gary Cheng, secretary general of Shanghai Maritime University Asia Cruise Academy.

Dr Liu said: “VTC is keen to provide flexible study pathways and promote lifelong learning so as to equip people in pursuing further career development and advancement. In line with the Government’s direction to develop Hong Kong as a premier maritime services hub in the region and to meet the industry’s needs, VTC would partner with Hong Kong Cruise & Yacht Industry Association to groom a new generation of professionals”.

“Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge are expected to boost cruise and yacht travels”

Kara Yeung said, “The Hong Kong Section of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge are expected to help boost cruise and yacht travels as well as economic development. The collaboration between HKCYIA and VTC is aimed at advancing the long-term development of the Hong Kong cruise and yacht industry through promoting youth training for careers in the industry.”

With a view to equipping students with the requisite knowledge and skills for a successful career in the cruise and yacht industry, the collaboration would enable students to explore the different pathways for further advancements in the sector.

HKCYIA is committed to fostering co-operations between local and global cruise communities. It recognises the importance of cultivating young talents through providing professional training and recruitment services to promote careers in maritime services.