“HSBC Future Skills Development Project” Kick-off Ceremony

Organized by The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups (HKFYG), the HSBC Future Skills Development Project was successfully launched today (23 February) to provide education and training to re-skill young people, giving them the tools necessary for them to be creative, innovative and original.

Its signature programme, The HKFYG English Public Speaking Contest Grand Finals was also held to enhance young people’s public speaking and communication competences, as well as their abilities to critical think on their feet.

The Honourable Ronny TONG Ka-wah, SC, JP, Non-official Member of the Executive Council of the Government of the HKSAR officiated at today’s Kick-off Ceremony. He was joined by the adjudicators of the Grand Finals, including Professor Paul CHEUNG, Council Member of The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups, Dr Jose LAI, Director of English Language Teaching Unit of The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Mrs Margaret LEUNG, Chairman of Executive Committee of The English-Speaking Union (Hong Kong), Ms Susan RAMSAY, Editor of Young Post of SCMP, and Mr Jeff STREETER, Director of British Council, Hong Kong.

Mr Andy HO Wing-Cheong, the Executive Director of the HKFYG said being able to communicate effectively was a critical skill for the future. He also pointed out the need for young people to nurture a diverse range of skills necessary for them to compete and succeed in the future. Mr HO expressed heartfelt thanks to HSBC for its support in the development and launch of the HSBC Future Skills Development Project.

Co-organized with the English Speaking Union (Hong Kong), The HKFYG English Public Speaking Contest has wide support from secondary school principals and teachers. More than 2,000 entrants from over 140 schools joined the Contest this year. After the District Preliminary Rounds, District Semi-Finals and District Finals, ten outstanding contestants were selected to the Grand Finals. The winners will represent Hong Kong to attend the ESUs International Competition in London or in National Competition in Mainland China.

Each participating spoke for three minutes on specified topics. The topic of the Junior Division was “According to the World Happiness Report in 2018, Hong Kong dropped five spots to rank 76th in the United Nations’ annual world happiness rankings, falling below Pakistan and just above Portugal. Why do you think that Hong Kong people are so unhappy? And what would make us more cheerful?”

For Senior Division, the topic was “Last year, a study conducted by Staffordshire University in the UK found that participation in e-sports not only empowered young people, but also boosted their career aspirations. The study found an increase in transferable skills, including communication and team work, as well as a greater interest in developing careers in computers and computing. Of course e-sports tournaments are also becoming increasingly lucrative with prize money and in January 2019 an e-sports stadium was opened in Hong Kong. Do you think that e-sports are all that it is cracked up to be? What do you see as potential challenges and would you encourage this form of what is essentially online gaming in an academic curriculum?”

The HSBC Future Skills Development Project is organized by the HKFYG and adopts a three pillar model including “Financial Capability”, “Future Skills for Employment” and “Innovation and Technology”. These pillars provide diversified learning experiences, opportunities for practical application and professional training for youth to enhance their future skills. To be conducted at The HKFYG Leadership Institute, the Project provides a variety of courses and activities for an age range from school students to working youth which will include a Speaking Studio; a “Hong Kong 200” Leadership Project, a Financial Dialogue Series, as well as Pearl River Delta/Belt and Road Initiative High Level Exchanges. For more details, please visit hkfyg.org.hk/futureskills.

Appendix 1: Introduction to the HSBC Future Skills Development Project

Organised by The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups (HKFYG), the HSBC Future Skills Development Project is to provide education and training to re-skill young people, giving them the tools necessary for them to be creative, innovative and original. These skills, which involve both theoretical and practical aspects of knowledge, also include financial literacy, enhanced communication and sound analytical interpretations.

Project Features

• To enhance hard and soft skills: including financial capability, communication, and skills to maximise innovation and technology.
• To enable diversified learning experiences: including e-learning, experiential learning, workshops and competitions.
• To provide opportunities for practical application: through technology, visitations and overseas exchanges.
• To provide professional training: through distinguished local and global experts.
• To access all age groups: specific programmes made suitable for an age range from primary school students to working youth.

Three-pillar model for enhancing young people’s employability

Financial Capability

-Cultivating concepts of financial planning

-Enhancing financial management skills and knowledge

Future Skills for Employment

-Enhancing team dynamics, intercultural communication skills and critical thinking

-Building extensive network

Innovation and Technology

-Developing occupational skills-sets to cope with the challenges of automation

-Nurturing competencies of problem solving, digital competencies and creative thinking

Appendix 2: “The HKFYG English Public Speaking Contest 2019” Winner list

Junior Division