Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury James Lau visited occupational training facilities and a social service centre in Yuen Long today.

Mr Lau visited the Youth College and the Hotel & Tourism Institute run by the Vocational Training Council in Tin Shui Wai where he was briefed on their teaching philosophy.

He commended the teaching staff for striving to provide an interactive learning environment for students and assisting them in acquiring knowledge and skills for further studies and employment.

Mr Lau also joined the students in making bread and observed a hairdressing training session.

He encouraged students to make the best out of their classes and equip themselves for future career development.

Mr Lau then went to the Mutual Help Child Care Centre operated by the Tin Shui Wai Women Association Limited to see the Neighbourhood Support Child Care Project provided there.

He spoke with child carers, who are mainly from low-income or new-arrival families, to learn more about their training.

The programme provides parents in need with flexible child care support services.

Mr Lau also met District Council members to discuss the Caring & Sharing Scheme, district banking services and loan-to-value ratios for property mortgages.