The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) provides a wide range of services that benefit a number of sectors in the local community.

It has more than 10 testing laboratories and technology centres serving industries that produce watches and clocks, textile and apparel, plastics, medical and health care devices, and automotive parts and components.

It also runs a service centre to help local companies and inventors protect their intellectual property through patents, trademarks and copyrights. Some of the council's past projects were funded by the Film Development Fund, Innovation and Technology Fund and the Quality Education Fund.

In response to rising overseas trends, the council has recently acquired funding support from the SME Development Fund under the Trade and Industry Department. It aims to help small and medium-sized enterprises in the electronic and electrical industry comply with global green initiatives and rules.

With plans to upgrade the capability of its testing facilities and service, it will collaborate with different industries to develop new product standards and accreditation schemes, and promote testing and certification services in the Pearl River Delta region.

Executive director Agnes Mak says Hong Kong can capitalise on its software quality and testing while providing services to local and overseas businesses.

As technology changes with the market, there will always be a demand for additional manpower at the council where fresh graduates lacking industrial experience can acquire real-world knowledge. Dr Ko Chung-nin, principal consultant of the materials technology division, says HKPC prefers candidates who are open to new knowledge.

Council directors carry out recruitment talks on campuses every year to promote the Trainee Consultant Induction Programme. Trainees undergo on-the-job training in two divisions under a mentor.