21 Oct 2024
Towngas nurtures talent in the gas industry: 29 graduates of Professional Diploma in Gas Engineering excel in various fields
(22 October 2024) The Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited (Towngas) is committed to nurturing talent in the gas industry. In collaboration with the Vocational Training Council (VTC), Towngas launched Hong Kong’s first Professional Diploma in Gas Engineering programme. This year, 29 students have graduated, injecting new energy into the industry.
The Professional Diploma in Gas Engineering programme offers students a blend of theoretical and practical training, achieving Qualifications Framework Level 4. The curriculum covers eight key modules, including Gas Engineering Technology, Gas Production System, Gas Transmission and Distribution, Gas Utilisation and System Design, Engineering Management and Professionalism, Smart Energy and Application, Energy and Environment, and Safety and Health. These modules are taught by industry professionals. Beyond the classroom, students also gain hands-on experience through internships at the Towngas Training Institute, establishing a solid professional foundation.
Students enrolled in the programme can benefit from the Vplus Subsidy Scheme, which reimburses 60% of the tuition fees. Additionally, Towngas offers scholarships of HK$15,000 each to students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance and conduct.
This year’s 29 graduates come from diverse backgrounds, including frontline gas technicians, administrative staff, and even an engineering company owner. One standout student, Stephen Tang Chin-lun, a 62-year-old kitchen equipment engineering company owner, was among the four scholarship recipients. “Being older than my classmates, I don’t learn as quickly as they do, so I had to work harder and spend more time revising to keep up. When I was young, my family didn’t have the resources for me to attend university. Now, after obtaining this Professional Diploma in Gas Engineering, I can apply to university, fulfilling my dream of university education.” Stephen encourages young people to enrol in the programme for professional development in the gas industry.
Amy Choi Wing-sze is one of two female students in this cohort and one of the four scholarship recipients. Amy works as an Operations Support Executive at Towngas’ Customer Service Hotline Centre and enrolled in the course to gain a deeper understanding of gas engineering. “I have an arts background with no foundation in engineering, and mathematics is my weak point, so I found it quite challenging at first. Fortunately, the instructors explained things in great detail and were easy to understand. With help from my classmates, who taught me some basic calculus concepts, I finally overcame my struggles with maths.” After completing the course, Amy stated that the increased knowledge of gas engineering has been very helpful for her work and has given her a better understanding of the Company’s operations. “I want to have more room for development within the Company. After graduation, I’ll have an additional option, perhaps even developing in the direction of becoming an engineer.”
Mr Lam Ming-wing, Towngas Head of Group Human Resources and Head of Group Safety and Environment, hopes the programme will inject new blood into the industry. “This year marks the third cohort of the programme, and we’ve incorporated smart energy and applications, allowing students to learn about new concepts such as hydrogen energy and renewable energy. With eight experienced Towngas engineers serving as part-time lecturers alongside VTC’s senior instructors, the course content has become more diverse and enriching. We hope that after graduation, students will be able to apply what they’ve learned and contribute to society with their knowledge and skills.”
Dr Michael Wang Jianguo, Deputy Executive Director of VTC, expressed gratitude to Towngas for their partnership in nurturing gas industry talent. “VTC and Towngas have been working closely together. Since 2018, we have jointly offered this programme, providing a progression pathway for industry professionals. To date, nearly 90 students have completed the course. VTC will continue to strengthen cooperation with various sectors to help more students and working professionals develop and enhance their professional skills.”
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Press photos:
Photo 1:
Mr Lam Ming-wing, Towngas Head of Group Human Resources and Head of Group Safety and Environment (5th from left, front row), Mr Simon Ngo Siu-hing, Towngas Head of Engineering - Hong Kong Utility (5th from right, front row), and Dr Michael Wang Jianguo, Deputy Executive Director of VTC (4th from left, front row), among other guests, at the graduation ceremony for this year’s Professional Diploma in Gas Engineering programme.
Photo 2:
Students of the programme are arranged to participate in internships at the Towngas Training Institute.
Photo 3:
Mr Lam Ming-wing (centre), Towngas Head of Group Human Resources and Head of Group Safety and Environment, presents graduation certificates to this year’s Professional Diploma in Gas Engineering programme graduates.
Photo 4:
Mr Simon Ngo Siu-hing (centre), Towngas Head of Engineering - Hong Kong Utility, presents graduation certificates to this year’s Professional Diploma in Gas Engineering programme graduates.
Photo 5:
Mr Lam Ming-wing, Towngas Head of Group Human Resources and Head of Group Safety and Environment, hopes that graduates will apply their knowledge and skills to contribute to society.
Photo 6:
Dr Michael Wang Jianguo, Deputy Executive Director of VTC, states that VTC and Towngas jointly offer the Professional Diploma in Gas Engineering programme to provide a progression pathway for industry professionals.
Photo 7:
Mr Lam Ming-wing (2nd from right), Towngas Head of Group Human Resources and Head of Group Safety and Environment, Mr Simon Ngo Siu-hing (2nd from left), Towngas Head of Engineering – Hong Kong Utility, and Dr Michael Wang Jianguo (centre), Deputy Executive Director of VTC, present scholarships to four outstanding students.
Photo 8:
This year’s Professional Diploma in Gas Engineering programme graduates Stephen Tang Chin-lun (left) and Amy Choi Wing-sze (right) both received scholarships. Stephen, at 62 years old, and Amy, one of two female students in this cohort, have both been recognised for their perseverance, dedicating extra time to their studies.
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The Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited