Home > Press Releases > 2008 and Before > Launching of A Brand New ERB - 7.18 ERB Embarks on a New Era

The Employees Retraining Board (ERB) today held the launching ceremony for their new logo at Times Square, Causeway Bay. The activity namely "7.18 ERB Embarks on a New Era" signified a new start of the Board. The new logo represents "Power Integration" and conveys the joining of forces in the manpower development of Hong Kong. ERB also stated its new vision, mission and commitment in providing a flexible, quality and resilient work-force for the knowledge-based economy of the territory.

The launching ceremony was officiated by the Permanent Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr. Paul Tang, JP; the Chairman of ERB Mr. Michael Tien, BBS, JP and the Executive Director of ERB Ms Rebecca Pun, JP. More than 200 guests including representatives from different sectors joined the bustling event, witnessing the historical moment for ERB to join hands with all stakeholders on contributing to the "Manpower Development Scheme".

The Chairman of ERB, Mr. Michael Tien, said in the event that since ERB's establishment in 1992, it had adopted "market-driven" and "employment-oriented" approaches to help its target clientele. By integrating the key values of "employment" and "training" services, ERB had been providing timely and practical new courses and services, working shoulder to shoulder with different industries in Hong Kong.

Mr. Tien said that over 1.1 million training places of ERB had been utilised. In response to the Government's decision in October 2007, the Board had extended their services further since December 2007 to cover people aged 15 or above with education at sub-degree level or below. ERB aims to provide an even more comprehensive training service to our extensive labour force.

Mr. Tien continued to say that as Hong Kong was entering into a knowledge-based economy, ERB needed to reposition itself to suit the market needs. ERB had completed a strategic review and the related public consultation on their future directions. ERB would submit a report with its final recommendations for the Government's consideration.

Mr. Michael Tien stated that July18 was the milestone of ERB's new era. Committed to serving the unemployed grassroots, ERB also supported other unemployed and disadvantaged groups. With the total services to be extended in future to those on-the-job, ERB's target clientele would reach 3 million people.

ERB has been exploring new working partners. On top of the existing professional team, more training bodies will join in the service network. For the time being, there are about 70 appointed training bodies, with a network consisting of 230 centers located all over Hong Kong.

With the introduction of nearly 100 new courses, ERB now offers about 250 courses covering topics on finance, insurance, real estate, property management, tourism, exhibition, hotel, retail, logistics, IT, design, merchandising, healthcare, recreation management and catering, and so on. Personal attributes and generic skills (i.e. languages, numeracy and IT skills) are emphasized for the upgrading of quality of manpower. More courses are on the way!

ERB's new services include the setting up of "Training cum Employment Resource Centre" as well as the "One-stop Integrated Household Service" and "Healthcare Massage Integrated Service". The Board will also help trainees to obtain professional or industry certification while expanding other services progressively.

Mr. Michael Tien further pointed out that all ERB's new developments were based on its new philosophy – Manpower．Development．Integration. "Manpower" refers to the empowerment of individuals to realize their aspirations; "development" refers to the close connection with market trend and bring in sustainable development attributes; and "integration" means the strengthening of the partnerships with different stakeholders by pulling strengths and resources together to create greater success for the "Manpower Development Scheme".

ERB will reposition itself as the strong back-bone for the local labour force. Under the wave of globalization, ERB is committed to providing a flexible, quality and resilient work-force for the knowledge-based economy of Hong Kong.

New Logo – Power Integration

The contemporary new logo represents the integration of power in the manpower development of Hong Kong and symbolizes energy, progress and hope.

The four elements of the multifaceted orange graphics signify the integration of the different parties with ERB to empower our local work-force. The bottom three elements represent the employers, the training bodies, the Government and other stakeholders, all of whom work hand in hand to support the upper element representing the growing number of trainees and employees. The cheerful expansive graphic suggests the bright new future and better life that the trainees and employees, together with their families, will benefit from services offered by ERB.