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Jockey Club Multiple Pathways Initiative – CLAP-TECH Pathway, Led by HKBU, Releases Report Highlighting the Importance of Vocational and Professional Education and Training in Creating Multiple Pathways for Secondary Students Calls for Regularisation in Senior Secondary Curriculum
The report recognised CLAP-TECH as Hong Kong’s first through-train Vocational and Professional Education and Training (VPET) pathway in mainstream senior secondary and post-secondary education, noting its remarkable success in providing students with unique and effective learning experiences. Students have shown comprehensive improvement in both soft and hard skills, gained a clearer understanding of their opportunities and abilities, and are able to make informed decisions about their future pathways. Graduates have pursued a variety of pathways — including further studies, employment, and entrepreneurship — demonstrating that the programme effectively supports students’ career development and creates diverse learning and employment opportunities for students from different backgrounds.
Furthermore, the report chronicled CLAP-TECH’s five-year journey, underscoring the viability of regularising VPET within the senior secondary curriculum, and urged the Hong Kong government to enable students to concurrently pursue VPET qualifications within the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) framework.
Piloted Model Promoted Diverse Pathways, Equipping Students for Their Future
According to the report, 90% of the programme graduates indicated that they had made informed decisions about their future and were able to pursue diverse options like employment or further studies based on their interests and aptitudes. This stands in stark contrast to the 69% of their non-participating peers, underscoring the significant advantage of early vocational and professional exposure in preparing senior secondary students for successful transitions into their future endeavours. In addition, CLAP-TECH’s holistic curriculum, which seamlessly weaves classroom learning, career and life development activities, internships and workplace experiences, effectively equips students with essential hard and soft skills for the professional world.
Nearly half (46%) of students who took the Applied Learning (ApL) Course in Tech Basics under the programme, and a third (33%) of those who took the Applied Learning Course in Multimedia Storytelling, chose industries related to information technology or engineering, and media, communication, content creation, arts, and design, respectively. Taking the first cohort of students who completed the full “Through-Train Pathway” (graduated in 2024) as an example, some opted for further studies, while others secured employment with CLAP-TECH’s industry partners, and some even started their own businesses, fully demonstrating diverse career pathways.
VPET Delivered Significant Advantages, Especially for Underprivileged Students
The report revealed that CLAP-TECH graduates with comparatively lower HKDSE results (achieving Level 2 or below in five subjects) found the programme more helpful in making informed decisions (90.8%) compared to other students who met bachelor’s degree entry requirements (80%).
Furthermore, CLAP-TECH graduates residing in public or temporary housing reported a higher average self-assessment score in soft skills (86.3%) than students living in private housing or Home Ownership Scheme flats (76.6%). In terms of making informed choices, the proportion of underprivileged students was also higher than that of other students (89.7% versus 81%). This indicates that the pilot programme particularly enhances the practical skills and industry knowledge of students from disadvantaged backgrounds, enabling them to make informed decisions based on their abilities and interests through experiential learning early in their senior secondary curriculum.
Integrating VPET into Senior Secondary Curriculum Cultivates Students’ Essential Skills and Values
The CLAP-TECH curriculum integrates vocational and career development skills with theoretical knowledge, aiming to enhance students’ industry knowledge and interest in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and Creative Media. Within the ICT field, 82.8% of graduates affirmed that the programme deepened their industry knowledge, while 88.3% of students reported a surge in industry interest — figures markedly surpassing those of their non-participating schoolmates.
More pronounced results were observed in the Creative Media track, where 93.8% of graduates credited the programme with expanding their industry knowledge and 95.3% reported heightened interest, a proportion far exceeding that of non-participating students from the same schools (industry knowledge: 45.5%, interest: 54.6%). Moreover, the programme yielded substantial improvements in students’ career and life planning capabilities, cultivating essential soft skills, fostering positive values and character traits (See Appendix 1 for detailed results).
Strategic Expansion of Senior Secondary VPET Curriculum to Alleviate Workforce Mismatch
The report also identified the implementation of a tripartite partnership among secondary schools, industry partners and HKBU as a contributing factor to the programme’s success. Over 90 participating schools and 1,400 students have been involved in the programme, resulting in more than 4,300 instances of activity participation. Additionally, the programme benefited from strong support from over 40 industry partners, with more than 360 industry mentors from various fields consistently interacting with students through the Career Mentorship Programme.
The report posited that CLAP-TECH’s VPET model exhibits a high level of replication and sustainability, offering considerable advantages for students and society as a whole.
Andrew Ho, Director of Jockey Club Multiple Pathways Initiative – CLAP-TECH Centre, said: “Based on the CLAP-TECH experience, incorporating VPET into the senior secondary curriculum yields multiple educational and societal benefits. The report suggested the government strengthen senior secondary career planning by allowing concurrent vocational studies within the mainstream HKDSE framework or by adding vocational elements to existing courses. This would help students make informed decisions about life and career exploration, and also facilitate progression through the VPET curriculum for those who wish to pursue higher education. It serves as compelling evidence that CLAP-TECH’s pilot model equips students with vital workforce skills and empowers informed career decisions, effectively reducing manpower mismatches and bolstering Hong Kong’s long-term productivity and economic engagement, thus strengthening its future.”
Appendix 1
- Data: Integrating VPET into Senior Secondary Curriculum Cultivates Students’ Essential Skills and Values
| Information and Communication Technology | Creative Media | |
| Industry Knowledge and Interests | Over 80% of graduates reported that CLAP-TECH’s programme enhanced their industry knowledge (82.8%) and interest (88.3%), significantly higher than those reported by non-participating students from the same schools (54.6% and 70.2%, respectively). | Over 90% of graduates agreed that CLAP-TECH’s programme boosted their industry knowledge (93.8%) and interest (95.3%), considerably higher than those of non-participating students from the same schools (45.5% and 54.6%, respectively). |
| Career and Life Planning | 84.1% of CLAP-TECH graduates reported that the programme aided them in boosting both self-understanding and career exploration, compared to 63.4% of non-participating students from the same schools. | 92.2% of CLAP-TECH graduates indicated that the programme better prepared them for further studies and career identification, compared to the 68.2% of non-participating students from the same schools. |
| Soft Skills Development | 87.1% of CLAP-TECH graduates reported higher self-assessment of their soft skills compared to non-participating students (77.7%). Significant differences were observed in the percentage of graduates reporting improvement in four key skills: “Responsibility” (94.5% versus 86.2%), “Collaboration” (89.6% versus 80%), “Motivation” (89% versus 78.5%) and “Analytical Thinking” (86.5% versus 77.7%). | Graduates indicated an average self-assessment score of 90.6%, significantly higher than the 75% reported by non-participating students. Out of the 10 essential soft skills, notable increments were observed in eight of the key skills, namely “Collaboration”, “Integrity”, “Responsibility”, “Analytical Thinking”, “Curiosity”, “Motivation”, “Self-Management” and “Resilience”. |
| Values and Personality Growth | Graduates demonstrated an increased emphasis on “Compliance” and “Dependability” (importance of following instructions rose from 63.7% to 80.4%). They also showed greater appreciation for “Variety” and “Adaptability”. (The importance placed on having influence rose from 49.2% to 58.2%) | Graduates aspired to leadership roles and to make an impact through creativity. They placed less importance on money (from 75.5% to 65.7%) and were more concerned about the impact and benefits to others and society (from 53.4% to 65.6%). |
Hashtag: #CLAPTECH
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Jockey Club Multiple Pathways Initiative – CLAP-TECH Pathway
Launched in 2020 and funded by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, Jockey Club Multiple Pathways Initiative – CLAP-TECH Pathway (CLAP-TECH) is Hong Kong’s first through-train Vocational and Professional Education and Training (VPET) pathway in mainstream senior secondary and post-secondary education. CLAP-TECH is a tripartite partnership among Hong Kong Baptist University, industry partners, and secondary schools. It currently consists of two Applied Learning Courses (i.e. Tech Basics and Multimedia Storytelling) and Higher Diplomas in Data Science and Art Tech Design. The programme equips students with technical and soft skills for the future workforce by incorporating career and life development into the curriculum. Since its establishment, over 40 industry partners have been involved in the programme, guiding and inspiring over 1,400 students from 90 secondary schools, with over 4,300 instances of programme participation. For more details, please visit: 
https://www.claptech.hk/en/
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AECOM supports CEDD and AFCD of HKSAR Government in launching Hong Kong’s first comprehensive nature-based solutions guidelines to advance sustainable urban development
Developed through multidisciplinary expertise in ecology, landscape architecture, engineering, climate resilience and urban planning, the HKNbSDG provides a practical blueprint for designing, implementing, sustainably managing, and evaluating NbS across diverse environmental contexts — from rivers and wetlands to coastlines and high-density urban districts.
Factoring in the characteristics of Hong Kong’s natural ecology and urban development, the HKNbSDG is built on three core principles that outline a holistic approach to promoting ecosystem diversity at multiple scales, embracing human-nature coexistence for mutual benefits, and improving resilience through NbS. It also includes a performance evaluation framework to support evidence-based decision-making and features local case studies, including Long Valley Nature Park and Tung Chung East Eco-shoreline.
“The HKNbSDG reflects our commitment to advancing nature‑positive design and supporting Hong Kong’s journey toward climate resilience and sustainable growth,” said Dr. Johnny Cheuk, senior vice president and Hong Kong executive leader at AECOM. “By integrating ecological science into design practice, we aim to empower practitioners to harness nature’s potential in building climate-resilient infrastructure.”
The HKNbSDG was officially launched at the Promulgation Ceremony held on March 3, 2026, at Long Valley Nature Park. The event was officiated by Miss. Diane Wong Shuk-han, JP, Under Secretary for Environment and Ecology; Mr. David Lam Chi-man, JP, Under Secretary for Development; Mr. Charles Karangwa, Global Head of Nature-based Solutions Centre of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN); Ir Michael Fong Hok-shing, JP, Director of Civil Engineering and Development; and Mr. Mickey Lai Kin-ming, JP, Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation.
The ceremony featured an introduction to the HKNbSDG by Stephen Suen, director of landscape architecture at AECOM, followed by a panel discussion on building cross-sector partnerships to reverse nature and biodiversity loss through NbS.
Panelists included:
- Mr. Charles Karangwa, Global Head, Nature-based Solutions Centre, IUCN
- Ir. Michael Fong Hok‑shing, JP, Director of Civil Engineering and Development
- Mr. Mickey Lai Kin Ming, JP, Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation
- Ms. Frances Chen, Director, Sustainability & Climate Change, North Asia, HSBC
- Mr. Benny Au, Senior Manager, Sustainable Development, Swire Properties Limited
The release of the HKNbSDG supports Hong Kong’s key policy commitments, including the Climate Action Plan 2050 and its biodiversity conservation targets, by providing a practical roadmap for enhancing urban resilience and expanding green infrastructure. This publication equips practitioners with essential tools — from integrating ecology into early planning to designing for multifunctional benefits — grounded in Hong Kong-specific experience. It also serves as a central resource for advancing the Northern Metropolis development strategy, where NbS is helping to drive urban-rural integration and foster the co-existence of urban development and ecological conservation.
The HKNbSDG forms part of AECOM’s broader mission to help cities adapt to climate risks while enhancing quality of life. By bringing together global best practices and local ecological insights, AECOM aims to strengthen industry-wide capability in implementing NbS at scale.
Learn more about the Hong Kong Nature-based Solutions Design Guidelines here.
Download high-resolution images here.
Hashtag: #AECOM #NatureBasedSolutions #NaturePositive #ClimateResilience #Biodiversity
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About AECOM
AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of US$16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at AECOM.
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Asian Computer Industry Online Exhibition 2026: A Global Hub for Technology Industry Collaboration
Since its launch in 2022, the exhibition has been jointly organized by AsianNet and TradeAsia (www.e-tradeasia.com). The event has supported numerous companies in expanding into overseas markets and has earned strong industry recognition for high-quality buyers, efficient matchmaking, and measurable order results.
In 2026, ACI 2026 will expand in scale and be held concurrently with leading international technology trade shows, including Embedded World, Display Week (SID), COMPUTEX TAIPEI, and ISC High Performance. By aligning with major global exhibitions, the event creates a strong time-synergy effect, enabling international buyers to efficiently compare products, evaluate suppliers, and complete procurement decisions within a concentrated timeframe. This strategic alignment enhances purchasing efficiency and maximizes cross-exhibition business opportunities.
ACI 2026 features a robust lineup of respected Taiwanese manufacturers, including industry leaders such as HIGHGRADE TECH, OKAYO ELECTRONICS, BIPOLAR ELECTRONIC, YNG WEI, YNG YUH ELECTRONIC, ESMT, GOOD OPPORTUNITY ELECTRONIC, MSTRONIC, SUN RISE EXACT, AIRWAVE TECHNOLOGIES, KING DESGIN INDUSTRIAL, CLEVER INTELLIGENCE UNITY, YO-TRONICS TECHNOLOGY, DORIS INDUSTRIAL, REUEX INDUSTRIAL, ARIOSE ELECTRONICS, UNITEX NUNG LAI BUTTON and many more. These companies will present thousands of the latest computer industry products and technologies, covering a wide array of sectors crucial to modern manufacturing and production.
Comprehensive Coverage Across the Entire Industry Chain
The Asian Computer Industry Online Exhibition 2026 brings together dozens of premium suppliers from the global computer manufacturing and electronic components sectors, showcasing over a thousand innovative products and forward-looking technologies. The exhibits are strategically structured around the core value of the industry supply chain, comprehensively covering key system-level products such as desktop computers, laptops and accessories, tablets and accessories, industrial computers and embedded systems, gaming and e-sports equipment, as well as computer software, IT, and internet services.
The ACI 2026 also highlights critical communications infrastructure, including networking equipment, wireless communication devices, telecommunications and fiber access equipment, landline and VoIP systems, and antennas. In terms of key components and supply chain solutions, the showcased products include computer components, storage and memory devices, active components, power supply units, connectors and terminals, cables and cable assemblies, wiring accessories, transformers, batteries, and charging equipment.
In addition, the ACI 2026 features monitors, computer accessories and peripherals, input devices, point-of-sale (POS) systems, printers, plotters and scanners, printer consumables and parts, as well as broadcast and professional AV equipment, audio and video components, consumer electronics accessories and components, and electronic materials and supplies.
Together, these comprehensive categories fully demonstrate the complete ecosystem of the computer industry, spanning system integration, communications infrastructure, core components, and end-use applications. Combining technological depth with product breadth, the exhibition stands as a premier international trade event for efficient business matchmaking and global market expansion among professional buyers and industry stakeholders worldwide.
ACI 2026 Online Exhibition：
https://www.etradeasia.com/online-show/43/Asian-Computer-Industry-Online-Exhibition-2026.html
Innovative Online Exhibition Model
The Asian Computer Industry Online Exhibition 2026 features dedicated online showrooms, digital catalogs, and virtual exhibition halls fully integrated with the TradeAsia platform. Buyers worldwide can browse exhibitor information, submit quotation requests, and conduct procurement evaluations in real time, thereby facilitating efficient, cost-effective, and results-driven global business connections.
Hashtag: #TradeAsia
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About TradeAsia
TradeAsia (
www.e-tradeasia.com) is a well-established global B2B trade platform with millions of members and over 600,000 suppliers worldwide. The platform facilitates efficient matchmaking between buyers and sellers and maintains strategic partnerships with hundreds of trade organizations and exhibition entities globally. Through cross-platform marketing and integrated exposure, TradeAsia provides suppliers with expanded international visibility and multi-channel promotion opportunities. For ACI 2026, the organizers will implement a comprehensive global marketing campaign to support exhibitors in expanding overseas markets, enhancing brand presence, and maximizing business opportunities.
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ABP Securite Announces Strategic Partnership With Rapid7 to Enhance Cybersecurity in Asia Pacific
The collaboration marks an important step in enabling enterprises to strengthen their security posture amid the region’s rapidly expanding digital landscape. With evolving hybrid infrastructures, accelerated cloud transformation, and increasing threat complexity, organisations across Asia Pacific are seeking more comprehensive ways to gain visibility, prioritise risk, and streamline response.
Under this partnership, ABP Securite will distribute and support Rapid7’s cybersecurity portfolio across Asia Pacific— including the Rapid7 Command Platform covering exposure management, SIEM and XDR, cloud security, application security, automation, and external threat intelligence.
Closing the Cyber Visibility Gap
“As the cybersecurity threat surface in Asia Pacific continues to grow, visibility and control have become mission critical,” said Joyce Ng, Chief Executive Officer of ABP Securite. “At ABP Securite, our role is to help customers turn complexity into clarity. Partnering with Rapid7 brings a best-in-class platform that empowers security teams to quantify and reduce risk more effectively. Together, we can help organisations operationalise cyber resilience and protect their most valuable assets.”
Jason Heng, Regional Sales Director, ASEAN at Rapid7, added, “ABP Securite has built a strong reputation for enabling regional partners and customers with advanced cybersecurity technologies. Through this collaboration, Rapid7 gains a powerful ally to extend our reach and help organisations in Asia Pacific gain real-time insight into their exposure, simplify operations, and respond faster to emerging threats.”
Hashtag: #ABPSecurite
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About ABP Securite Pte Ltd
ABP Securite Pte Ltd is a leading cybersecurity and network-performance Value-Added Distributor (VAD), incorporated in 2015 and headquartered in Singapore, with regional offices across Asia Pacific. The company delivers a comprehensive portfolio of advanced security technologies and professional services — including architecture advisory, solution integration, after-sales support, and cloud-managed services. ABP Securite collaborates with a broad ecosystem of partners to help organisations strengthen cyber resilience, secure infrastructure, and protect critical assets across cloud, network, and data environments.
Website: www.abpsecurite.com
About Rapid7
Rapid7, Inc. (NASDAQ: RPD) is a global leader in AI-powered managed cybersecurity operations, trusted to advance organizations’ cyber resilience. Open and extensible, the Rapid7 Command Platform integrates security data, enriching it with AI, threat intelligence, and 25 years of expertise and innovation to reduce risk and disrupt attackers. As a recognized leader in preemptive managed detection and response (MDR), Rapid7 unifies exposure and detection to transform the cybersecurity operations of more than 11,500 customers worldwide. For more information, visit our website, check out our blog, or follow us on 
LinkedIn or 
X.
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