EdUHK Hosts Professional and Vocational Education Conference 2025 to fostering lifelong learning and interdisciplinary dialogue
The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK) hosted the Professional and Vocational Education (PVE) Conference 2025 in December at its Tai Po campus. It brought together over 370 participants -- including scholars, policymakers, industry experts, educators, and students -- from more than 10 countries and regions, such as Chinese mainland, the United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand, India, and Hong Kong, China. The conference provided a platform to exchange ideas, share research findings, and explore innovative practices in professional and vocational education. Its goal was to tackle global challenges through interdisciplinary dialogue and to promote inclusive development.
Under the theme “Building Bridges between Theory and Practice for Vocational Excellence”, the conference addressed five key themes:
• Lifelong Learning
• Talent Development
• Social Mobility
• Micro-Credentials
• Industry-University-Research Cooperation
Delivering his opening remarks, EdUHK President cum the Director of EdUHK’s Academy for Educational Development and Innovation (AEDI) Professor John Lee Chi-Kin said, “As the world faces rapid shifts in economics, climate, and technology, the role of professional and vocational education has never been more significant. EdUHK is dedicated to nurturing future-ready educators and talents with positive values and skills needed for tomorrow’s world. By advancing vocational education, we aim to empower students for continuous skill development and ensure they are well-prepared to meet the evolving needs of the labour market.”
The conference featured seven prominent keynote speakers and one guest speaker, including EdUHK President Professor John Lee Chi-Kin, Professor Stephen Billett and Professor Sarojni Choy from Griffith University in Australia, Professor Joyce Hwee-Ling Koh from University of Waikato in New Zealand, Professor Stephan Abele from Technische Universität Dresden in Germany, Professor Beena Giridharan from Curtin University Malaysia, Professor Yang Jin from East China Normal University and Professor Zhang Zongguo, Dean of Shandong Commercial Vocational and Technical College in the Chinese mainland.
The conference also featured a roundtable discussion, hosted by Dr Maxwell Ho Chun-sing, Associate Co-Director of AEDI at EdUHK and Co-Chair of the conference, and joined by panelists Professor John Lee Chi-Kin, Dr Michael Wang Jianguo, Deputy Executive Director of the Vocational Training Council, Dr Thomas Man Wing-yan, Chief Education Officer of The Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong, as well as Ms May Leung Lai, President of the Professional Validation Council of Hong Kong Industries. They discussed bridging theory and practice through industry-university-research cooperation.
Delivering his closing remarks, Dr Maxwell Ho said, “This conference exemplifies the global commitment to advancing vocational education as a dynamic ecosystem that nurtures adaptable, skilled talent prepared for the challenges of the future. Our collaborative efforts across academia, industry, and policy will drive sustainable development and equitable opportunities.”
— Ends —
EdUHK hosts Professional and Vocational Education Conference 2025
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