All roads lead to Rome

The results of the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination were released today.

Under the new academic structure, our students enjoy flexible and diversified study and career pathways with multiple entry and exit points. This year, local tertiary institutions and training providers offer more than 74 000 places in total, including over 24 400 first degree places, over 31 700 sub-degree places, over 11 300 Yi Jin and other diploma places, and over 7 000 other tertiary education places. In addition, 84 Mainland higher education institutions have waived entrance examination for Hong Kong students.

The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region has strived to provide young people with new and diversified career pathways. The purpose of establishing the Innovation and Technology Bureau, which was set up at the end of last year after surviving several filibusters at the Legislative Council (LegCo), was to promote a diversified development of local industries.

We have made continual progress in this area. Yesterday, the LegCo Finance Committee approved the establishment of a $2 billion Innovation and Technology Venture Fund to co-invest with private venture capital funds on local innovation and technology (I&T) start-ups on a matching basis. This will help inspire young people to join the I&T industry.

Apart from I&T, the Government has also launched the Navigation Scheme for Young Persons in Care Services to provide employment and training opportunities for young people wishing to pursue a career in care services in the welfare sector. Five non-governmental organisations will provide a total of 1 000 training places in phases.

Every trade has its masters, and all roads lead to Rome. Examination result is not the only factor determining our future. Students should set their goals according to their interests and abilities, take the first step forward and work diligently to realise their dreams.

July 13, 2016