DSAL acknowledges underutilization of vocational training funds

The Labour Affairs Bureau (DSAL) has reported very low usage of the funds established since 2023 to support the vocational training of local residents, which aim to boost their employability.

This acknowledgement was made in a response to a written inquiry from lawmaker Leong Pou U, who questioned the bureau about the need to improve the employment training system.

In the response, DSAL noted that the bureau has been following the policy of “hire first, train later” established by the government to facilitate the reemployment of many who lost their jobs during the pandemic, as well as to reduce unemployment among those entering the job market for the first time.

On the topic, DSAL remarked that the amounts spent on subsidies for vocational training programs were MOP88,970 in 2023, MOP108,000 in 2024, and MOP19,620 as of October 2025, and also noted that it had not received any applications for the Vocational Training Special Fund in recent years.

As a result, the vocational support funds currently hold balances of approximately MOP116 million and MOP74.46 million, respectively.

Concurrently, the Bureau and the Social Security Fund, the two entities responsible for the funds, are discussing implementation and overlapping issues related to both regulations to boost their use for the benefit of workers, DSAL said.

DSAL added that, to better implement relevant measures aligned with local economic development and labor market needs, it is necessary to comprehensively review existing employment and training measures to ensure effective resource utilization. During this review process, DSAL “will maintain an open and pragmatic approach, listening to and analyzing opinions from all sectors of society on improving employment assistance and vocational training.”

According to DSAL, the initiative introduced to gaming concessionaires under the “Employment + Training” program has been achieving good results, as have initiatives aiming to provide locals with internship programs in the mainland.

DSAL also stated that these initiatives provide local residents with practical work experience in relevant industries, while offering corresponding allowances to participants.

In his inquiry, lawmaker Leong noted that difficulties in implementing the rules governing the use of vocational training funds were the main reason for their low usage, calling for a restructuring of the system, including the potential consolidation of the two existing funds, managed by different entities, into a single fund.