The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK) is committed to fostering lifelong learning by hosting vocational training and executive education events open to the general public. Through our Institute of Professional and Vocational Education and Lifelong Learning (IPVELL), EdUHK delivers accessible, industry-relevant programmes that empower professionals, educators, and community members not enrolled as university students. IPVELL’s mission is to promote industry-academia collaboration and provide flexible, innovative learning opportunities that meet labour market demands, while its vision emphasises building a community for continuous skill development and lifelong learning (https://ipvell.eduhk.hk/about-us). In 2025, EdUHK offered both programmed and ad-hoc events, ensuring inclusive access to high-quality education for all.

 

Programmed Vocational Training and Executive Education Programmes

EdUHK’s Professional Development Programmes (PDPs) are a cornerstone of our executive education offerings, providing short-term, structured courses designed for educators and professionals seeking to enhance their skills. In 2025, PDPs were delivered in flexible formats, including full-time block release (e.g., 5-week courses) and part-time modes (e.g., 5 full days on Saturdays or 10 weekday evenings). (https://www.apply.eduhk.hk/pdp/programmes). These programmes, recognised by the Education Bureau (EDB) as Refresher Training, are open to the general public, including special school teachers and education-related professionals not affiliated with EdUHK. Examples include:

 

𝐏𝐃𝐏𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐊𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐧-𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬 ( 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓/𝟐𝟔) 𝐛𝐲 𝐄𝐝𝐔𝐇𝐊 The Education University of Hong Kong – Department of English Language Education is offering a wide range of Professional Development Programmes ...

Certificate in Professional Development Programme on AI in the Classroom: Innovation Strategies for Enhancing English Language Teaching
Certificate in Professional Development Programme on Emerging Technologies in Primary English
Certificate in Professional Development Programme on Coding Mobile Apps For Computational Thinking Development

 

Additionally, IPVELL aims to support programmed certificate programmes across industries such as health management and innovation technology. These courses provide accessible pathways for career advancement, enabling participants to acquire industry-relevant skills through structured learning tailored to diverse professional needs.

 

Website logo of Institute of Professional and Vocational Education and Lifelong Learning

 

Ad-Hoc Events for Vocational and Professional Enhancement

To support lifelong learning and professional upskilling, IPVELL organised events and short training courses in 2025 and 2026 that were open to the general public, including educators, industry practitioners and individuals not enrolled in regular university degree programmes.

 

On 5–6 December 2025, IPVELL hosted the Professional and Vocational Education Conference (PVE Conference) 2025 at the Tai Po campus. Open to non-EdUHK educators, policymakers, researchers and industry professionals (with registration fees for external participants), the conference featured keynotes, roundtables and paper presentations on lifelong learning, talent development and industry-university collaboration.

 

On 9 May 2026, IPVELL co-organised the May Fourth Youth Forum – Towards the “15th Five-Year Plan”: Integration of Education, Technology, and Talent at the West Kowloon Study Centre. Open to the public, the forum brought together government officials, academics and industry leaders to discuss opportunities for higher and vocational education development.

 

In addition, IPVELL offered short certificate programmes open for public enrollment. The Certificate for the Training of Child Development Practitioners (second semester of 2025–26) ran on selected Sundays from 30 November 2025 to 18 January 2026. Designed for after-school care tutors and those interested in the field, the course provided practical training in child development and related skills.

 

The Certificate for STEAM Education & Assessment of School Instructors (Innovative Applications of AI in STEAM Teaching and Learning)  with classes held from March to June 2026 at the Tseung Kwan O Study Centre. Targeted at individuals interested in AI and STEAM teaching, it offered a flexible short-course pathway for professional development.

 

These activities provided accessible vocational training and executive education opportunities beyond regular degree programmes.

 

     
 
Supporting Collaborations and Future Outlook

EdUHK’s commitment to vocational training is strengthened by strategic partnerships.

 

On 4 January 2024, IPVELL signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Alliance for Education Accreditation (IAEA) to develop Vocational and Professional Education and Training (VPET) programmes and micro-credential courses (https://aedi.eduhk.hk). While these initiatives are planned for long-term implementation, they build on EdUHK’s 2024 successes, ensuring future public-access courses in applied learning. Additional collaborations with the Scout Association of Hong Kong also further enhance community-oriented training.

 

EdUHK today signs a Memorandum of Understanding with The International Alliance for Education Accreditation to promote VPET

香港童軍總會總監黎偉生（右二）和香港教育大學校長及教育發展與創新學院院長李子建（左二）見證下，雙方簽訂合作備忘錄。（香港童軍總會提供）

 

In April 2025, an EdUHK delegation led by President Professor John Lee Chi-Kin visited four universities in Japan, including the Professional University of Beauty and Wellness (PUBW) in Yokohama. During the visit, EdUHK signed a Memorandum of Understanding with PUBW to explore collaboration in beauty and wellness education, aligning with IPVELL’s focus on industry-relevant vocational and professional programmes. The delegation also renewed or established partnerships with The University of Tokyo, Tokyo Gakugei University and Aichi University of Education to advance academic exchanges, student mobility and joint research in education.

Professor Noda Atsunori (left), President of Aichi University of Education, and Professor John Lee Chi-Kin (right), President of EdUHK, sign MoUEdUHK delegation visits the University of Tokyo

 

EdUHK invites everyone to explore these opportunities via https://ipvell.eduhk.hk and https://www.apply.eduhk.hk/pdp/programmes. By offering accessible, industry-aligned education, we empower individuals to thrive in their careers and contribute to a vibrant learning ecosystem.

 

Last Update: September 2026