2023 International Conference on Adult Education and Lifelong Learning Takes Place in Hong Kong

HONG KONG, China - June 30, 2023 - PRLog -- The 2023 International Conference on Adult Education and Lifelong Learning  (AdELL 2023), took place in Hong Kong for the first time on 26 and 27 June. Co-organized by the East Asia Federation for Adult Education (EAFAE) and the Li Ka Shing School of Professional and Continuing Education of the Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU LiPACE), the successful event was held at the HKMU's campus.

Around 40 adult education scholars and professionals from eight countries and regions, including Cambodia, Hong Kong, Macau, Japan, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand, attended the two-day conference. The wide ranging agenda included discussions on ways of coping with challenges and promoting adult education and lifelong learning in Asia in the "new normal" after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr Benjamin Chan, Dean of HKMU LiPACE, said: "This year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the East Asian Federation for Adult Education. The fact that the organisation chose Hong Kong to host this landmark conference speaks volumes and reflects the city's importance in promoting adult and lifelong learning education in Asia."

When the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership ("RCEP") came into force on 2 June 2023, the 15 member states accounted for about 30% of the world's population and its total GDP. Every member is experiencing unprecedented economic disruption and labour market changes created by the COVID-19 outbreak. Combined with the longstanding issue of an aging population, these developments have highlighted the need to accelerate the development of adult education and retraining to address critical concerns, such as skills mismatches and labour availability.

"HKMU LiPACE is honoured to host the 2023 International Conference on Adult Education and Lifelong Learning. We intend to further strengthen our cooperation with the higher education institutions in the Greater Bay Area, Asia and beyond, and continue to work hard on the development of academic and vocational excellence in the region. And we hope that our efforts will enable more adults to gain access to continuing education and opportunities for retraining," Dr. Chan continued.

Since its establishment in 1992, HKMU LiPACE has been committed to promoting and implementing its vision for the development of vocational education, adult education and lifelong learning. In recent years, HKMU LiPACE has proactively participated in the work of the EAFAE, and made a significant impact in promoting adult education and lifelong learning in Asia, especially in ASEAN countries and the Greater Bay Area.

For more information, please visit https://www.hkmu.edu.hk/lipace.