Strong turnout as expo opens

The education and careers expo in Wan Chai yesterday garnered considerable interest from parents and students who are looking for opportunities to work or study in the Greater Bay Area.

The Trade Development Council-organized event is taking place at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre and ends Sunday.

With over 800 institutions participating and more than 3,000 job opportunities available, the expo aims to provide information and options for attendees.

An education zone has been established to cater to those seeking information about university studies in Hong Kong, overseas and the mainland.

This zone features exhibitors who are equipped to provide comprehensive details about educational opportunities in these areas.

One parent, Kwong, whose son is preparing to sit for his Diploma of Education examinations, went specifically to seek out information on studies abroad.

Kwong wanted to explore options not just in Hong Kong but also in mainland universities and colleges.

Overall, the expo in Wan Chai offers a valuable platform for parents, students, and job seekers to explore a wide range of educational and career prospects, both locally and in the Greater Bay Area.

"Transportation between Hong Kong and other cities in GBA is well developed and convenient for my son to come home by high-speed railway if he goes to universities in Guangdong," Kwong said.

He added that it would be good if his son could be admitted to well-known universities in Guangdong, such as Sun Yat-sen University or the South China University of Technology.

Kwong also said the GBA has a lot of development potential and job opportunities.

"The country has spent a lot to develop the area and I think there will be more jobs available in GBA than in Hong Kong," he said.

Kwong said he would like his son to pursue a career in industries related to construction and hopes to learn more to "pave the way" for his son's future.

The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Development Office also set up a booth to introduce support schemes and measures for young Hongkongers to study and work in mainland cities.

A secondary student said the display and interactive games in the booth are interesting and that he will consider working in GBA cities in the future.

He also said he is interested in business and will learn more about career choices at the expo.

A total of 18 government departments, nine public organizations as well as banks and insurance companies are recruiting.

Secretary for the Civil Service Ingrid Yeung Ho Poi-yan said the administration is hosting 19 seminars on government jobs, including the less well known.

Liang, a mainland student who just graduated from her postgraduate study in Hong Kong, said she is interested in becoming a civil servant and came to the expo to get more information.