Speech at Hong Kong Institute of Bankers (HKIB) Annual Banking Conference on September 28, 2020 (Monday)

Ms (Carrie) LEUNG (CEO of HKIB), Mr (Eddie) YUE (Chief Executive of HKMA), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Good morning.  It gives me great pleasure to join you here at the Hong Kong Institute of Bankers (HKIB) Annual Banking Conference 2020.

      Hong Kong’s vibrant banking sector plays a key role in underpinning our status as an international financial centre and keeping our economy competitive.  Supported by the gifted and professional practitioners, our banking community has made tremendous contribution to Hong Kong’s success in  different social and economic challenges.  It speaks well of the tireless efforts that the HKIB has made since 1963 in nurturing talents for the sector as well as society.

      To sustain the continuous growth of our banking industry and our economy in the fast evolving global business environment, we need to keep up the standard and relevancy of training for the practitioners in the banking community.  Over the past decade, the Education Bureau has been working hand in hand with our partners in various industries, including the HKIB, in building the Hong Kong Qualifications Framework (QF in short), a robust qualifications system that supports progression and facilitates recognition. 

      The QF provides a common platform for industry stakeholders to exchange views on the training needs, and develop qualifications pathways that support the manpower development of the industry.  As some of you may have known, the banking industry is in fact one of the first industries that have implemented the QF, which facilitate banks, professional bodies, and other training operators to develop courses that meet the needs of the industry.  The HKIB has been a staunch supporter of the QF over the years and widely adopted the competency standards developed under the QF in its training course development, equipping practitioners with the required skills and knowledge to meet the manpower needs of the sector.

      In 2018, we introduced a new initiative for the recognition of professional qualifications under the QF, underpinned by requisite academic qualifications, prescribed years of industry or professional experience, and robust assessments.  Professional and regulatory bodies may award such professional qualifications after accreditation by the Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications.  We believe the vocational pathways developed under this initiative could complement the existing higher education pathway in enabling practitioners to progress to the professional level in their industries.     

I am delighted to note that the HKIB has been appointed as an assessment agency in August this year for issuing nine designated banking professional qualifications under the QF, including Certified Banker, Certified Anti-Money Laundering Professional, etc.    The appointment of the HKIB further links up QF-recognised qualifications to the workplace, encourages banking practitioners to pursue learning and upgrading, and attracts new blood to join the banking industry. 

      Looking forward, we will continue to work closely with our industry partners to strengthen and drive the development of the QF, enhance the recognition of qualifications for different industries, and provide young people with quality-assured pathways for further studies and career development.  I am confident that with the support of the HKIB, the QF will continue to be instrumental in the professional development of the banking industry. 

      In closing, I wish the HKIB every success in its efforts to scale new heights in the future, and everyone here and their families good health and happiness.  Thank you.