Guided by the “Opinions of the Ministry of Education and Eight Other Departments on Accelerating and Expanding Education Opening-up in the New Era” and the “Outline Development Plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area,” and to further promote the construction of high-level secondary vocational schools in Guangdong Province, from July 9 to 10, 2024, a teacher delegation from Guangzhou Garment School, led by Vice Principal Wang Zhe, once again visited Hong Kong for an educational exchange activity.
Hong Kong Higher Education Technology College – Discussing the Cultivation of Artistic and Creative Talents
On the first morning, the Guangzhou Garment School teacher delegation arrived at the Hong Kong Higher Education Technology College and received a warm welcome. Led by Dr. Chan Man-hin Eve, Programme Leader of the Department of Fashion and Architecture, the delegation conducted a field investigation of the campus and the integrated training laboratories for the fashion design program. They personally experienced the advanced facilities and teaching philosophies in art and design education in Hong Kong. Subsequently, Dr. Chan Yin-lun Eva, Head of the Department of Fashion and Architecture, provided a detailed introduction to student works in programmes such as Landscape Architecture and Product Design. Both sides engaged in in-depth exchanges and discussions on talent cultivation models, curriculum design, and practical teaching for artistic and creative disciplines, jointly seeking collaboration opportunities. 
Hong Kong Design Institute – Experiencing the Forefront of Fashion Design
In the afternoon, the Guangzhou Garment School teacher delegation visited the Hong Kong Design Institute, gaining an in-depth understanding of the institute’s outstanding achievements in fields such as fashion design, advertising communication, and jewellery design. The on-site visits to the Clothing Resource Centre, Communication Design Research Centre, Digital Media Department, and Jewellery Design Workshop broadened the teachers’ horizons. The highlight of the visit was the graduation exhibition, “Fashion Show 2023 Highlights.” The students’ innovative use of fabrics and avant-garde design concepts left a deep impression on the Guangzhou Garment School delegation, also providing inspiration and direction for future collaboration between the two parties.
Hong Kong Clothing Industry Training Authority – Charting a New Blueprint for Vocational Education Cooperation
On the second morning, the Guangzhou Garment School teacher delegation visited the Hong Kong Clothing Industry Training Authority for discussions. Welcomed warmly by Chairman Mr. Cheng Man-tak Richard, Vice Principal and Chairman Mr Cheng jointly signed a Memorandum of Understanding. This marks a new step in cooperation between our school and the Hong Kong garment industry in areas such as vocational skills training and certification, and skills competitions. The presence of Mr. Chan Wing-on Roger, President of the Hong Kong Wool & Synthetic Knitting Manufacturers’ Association, as a witness, added significant importance to this cooperation. Both sides conducted in-depth exchanges on their respective advantageous resources, educational achievements, and future plans. They jointly explored how to strengthen cooperation and exchange in the field of vocational education under the context of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area development, working together to enhance the standard of regional vocational education.
The Mills – Experiencing the Charm of Hong Kong’s Textile Culture
At the final stop of the trip, the Guangzhou Garment School teacher delegation spent an unforgettable time at The Mills – Centre for Heritage, Arts & Textile (CHAT), located in the former Nan Fung Textiles Mills. Accompanied by Mr. AlbertChan, Advisor to CHAT, the delegation investigated the thematic exhibitions “Yarn, We Talk” and “Resourceful: The Untold Story of the Tailor,” which focus on textiles and clothing. Through various exhibits and images, they deeply felt the glory and splendour of Hong Kong’s past textile industry. The integration of contemporary art, design, and scientific elements allowed the Garment School teachers to appreciate beauty while also profoundly understanding the innovative and enterprising spirit of Hong Kong’s textile industry.
Through this educational exchange visit to Hong Kong, the Guangzhou Garment School teacher delegation gained a deep understanding of the advanced experience and development achievements of Hong Kong’s vocational education, helping to build a new bridge for cooperation and development between the school and the field of vocational education in Hong Kong. In the future, both sides will continue to strengthen communication and contact, jointly explore new paths and models for the development of vocational education, and contribute even greater strength to the construction and development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
