The SPCA signs MoU with the VTC to nurture local pet care and wellness talents
(Hong Kong, 9 February 2024) The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Hong Kong) (“SPCA,”) and the Vocational Training Council (VTC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 8 February to underpin a close collaboration, with a shared vision to nurture a new generation of talents supporting pet care and animal wellness.
Recognising the importance of improving pet healthcare services in Hong Kong and the growing demand for related talents, the SPCA has devoted significant resources to talent development initiatives in the community and the advancement of veterinary and pet care professionals and services over the years.
Through this partnership, students of VTC’s Higher Diploma in Pet Care and Wellness, commencing in September, will have the invaluable opportunity to gain practical experience through job placements offered by the SPCA. These placements will not only allow students to enhance their skills but also contribute to the well-being of rescue animals at the SPCA, all under the guidance of the SPCA's pet care experts. Furthermore, SPCA staff members will serve as consultants for curriculum development in training programmes and act as guest lecturers for VTC's higher diploma and short courses, sharing their expertise in specific topics related to animal care and welfare. The MoU also explores other means of mutual support, such as the provision of facilities by the SPCA and volunteer recruitment by the VTC.
The MoU signing ceremony took place at the SPCA Jockey Club Centennial Centre, where Fiona Cumming, Executive Director of the SPCA and Dr. Eric Liu, Deputy Executive Director of the VTC, signed the agreement. The ceremony was witnessed by Louisa Ho, Deputy Executive Director of the SPCA and Dr. KC Cheung, Academic Director (Health and Life Sciences) & Principal of IVE (Kwai Chung).
Following the signing ceremony, guests were given an exclusive preview of the new SPCA Jockey Club Centennial Centre in Tsing Yi, Hong Kong’s largest animal welfare and education hub. The state-of-the-art facilities at the Centre will immensely contribute to educating animal welfare experts in Hong Kong.
Fiona Cumming, Executive Director of the SPCA, said, “At the SPCA, we have been working tirelessly for over a century to improve animal welfare. To continue with this mission, ensuring a healthy pool of talents who are trained to look after the health and wellness of animals as well as cultivating a deep understanding of animal welfare amongst aspiring professionals are key to our success. On this front, we have proudly served as a leading learning facility for veterinary and animal care professions, not only in Hong Kong but also abroad.”
Dr. Eric Liu, Deputy Executive Director of the VTC said, “This collaboration aims to nurture a new generation of talent supporting pet care and animal wellness, injecting new impetus into the research and development to business sectors while enhancing the pet industry in Hong Kong. We are also more than welcome to help promote any volunteering opportunities by the SPCA to our students, such as campaigns, fundraising events or other operational opportunities.”
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