In Hong Kong, conventional education and continuing education are integrated under a common qualifications framework. Continuing education offers both award and non-award bearing programmes. This system provides learners with a flexible and multi-level education pathway with multiple entry and exit points. Continuing education is the mainstream of the lifelong education system in Hong Kong.
As Hong Kong is rapidly transforming itself into a knowledge-based society, the general public has embraced lifelong learning. According to surveys by the University of Hong Kong, the overall participation rate in continuing education among Hong Kong citizens (aged 18 to 64) increased from 18% in 2002 to 28% in 2009. In 2009, there were an estimated 1.39 million continuing education learners in Hong Kong.
The survey showed that the much higher participation might be due to the government's effort in supporting and promoting lifelong learning through various sponsorships and programmes, such as the Continuing Education Fund, Deduction of Tax Expenses of Self-Education, and the Non-means Tested Loan Scheme.
The Federation for Continuing Education in Tertiary Institutions (FCE) was established in 1994 to promote lifelong learning in Hong Kong. There are now 14 member institutions: the University of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong College of Technology, Caritas Adult & Higher Education Service, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Lingnan University, the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, the Vocational Training Council, City University of Hong Kong, the Open University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Institute of Technology, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, the Hong Kong Institute of Education, and Po Leung Kuk (Associate member).
At present, the FCE plays a vital role in Hong Kong's education and human capital development. FCE member institutions have made significant contributions to increasing the higher education participation rate of the relevant age group from 30% in 2000 to 53% in 2004 and then to 67% in 2008 / 09.
Much of this has been achieved through pioneering efforts by FCE member institutions to introduce the self-financing Associate Degree, Higher Diploma and equivalent level programmes. Most importantly, the FCE has been very active in raising community awareness of the need for lifelong learning, and in reflecting how this need can be met through joint efforts by the government, industry, the community, and continuing education providers.
Over the years, the FCE has responded to the government’s initiative to widen the variety of opportunities for post-secondary and tertiary education.
| 
