Special themed zones include the Creative Education Zone, featuring local and overseas education institutions and organisations in the creative field. These institutions present opportunities for further education and career development in the cultural and creative industries.

The exhibiting institutions in this zone include Hong Kong Baptist University's Academy of Film, New York Film Academy and the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD).

'Education has always been an important sector in Hong Kong,' says Benjamin Chau Kai-leung, deputy executive director of HKTDC.

'To cope with rapid changes in society, this year, in addition to prime education institutions from around the world, we have made much effort to provide visitors with a wider variety of information on studies and continuing education, including specialised courses which are rarely heard of in Hong Kong. We hope this will provide diversified and flexible career paths for the interested individuals.'

The Hong Kong branch of the American Sailing Association will present its sailing courses; its examinations lead to an international sailing licence, and its global boat chartering service.

Individuals keen on unconventional overseas study tours can get more information from the Monticle Leadership Association of Canada, which will introduce its training course originally designed for members of the Canadian forces. It offers Hong Kong students a departure from the run-of-the-mill study tours, HKTDC says.

A student at SCAD Hong Kong, Henry Lau Hon-ming, says the expo gives him valuable exposure and an opportunity to explore the needs of commercial enterprises.

'Now is an ideal time for me to start thinking about the future,' says Lau, who is studying for a bachelor of art in interactive design and game development.

'I have been working on projects for my portfolio which I expect to present to potential employers next year.

'It's never too early to start thinking about the requirements of the commercial and professional world. An event like the expo in Hong Kong makes it easier for me.

'As I am one of the local Hong Kong students at SCAD who aims to build a career in Asia, the expo is the premier opportunity for me.

'I have chosen an art and design university and look forward to identifying a creative career path. I expect to participate in the events and workshops featured in the expo to complement the support I get through SCAD.

'I chose the game design programme at SCAD because it provides all-round training, from traditional art skills such as drawing and colour theory, to creative thinking.'