Labour Market Considerations in Hong Kong

Labour market needs in Hong Kong continue to change and this paper deals with policies and planning related to sub-degree programmes at the higher vocational (HV) level, leading to the Higher Diploma (HD). The HD is equivalent to the associate degree in North America and, in the UK, to the Higher National Diploma (HND) which is generally accepted as pass degree equivalent. Since 1990 there have been far-reaching changes in the provision of the HD in Hong Kong and a review was initiated at the end of 1994. Two recent reports in Hong Kong are particularly significant: one dealing with manpower projections, the other with continuing education. It is vitally important that providers maintain quality while seeking to be more flexible. Some international considerations are addressed.