The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region

Abstract

In Hong Kong, career guidance and employment services for secondary school students and the public at large are provided by the Education Department, the Labour Department, and the Hong Kong Association of Careers Masters and Guidance Masters. These organizations work together to provide career information, guidance, and employment assistance. The Hong Kong University Careers Education and Placement Centre provides services in career education and placement in tertiary institutions, and provides a wide range of services to employers as well. In the face of rapid change in Hong Kong, there are several issues that will influence future strategies and policies in career development. These include: the movement of manufacturing to China, causing Hong Kong's economy to shift from manufacturing based to service oriented; current heightened competition among graduates for employment; career service providers keeping pace with technological advances; and reunification with the Mainland and the opening up of the Chinese economy. Some key issues for the future include how to upgrade the educational level of the workforce; the promotion of tourism; and the government's plan to invest in the infrastructure. The government as well as secondary and tertiary education institutions are currently acting to address these issues. (JDM)