(5 January 2012 - Hong Kong) For centuries funeral related industry is considered mysterious and funeral professionals are being stigmatized and unwelcome by public. People shunned talking about death and the businesses related to funeral are linked with taboo and myth. This is especially true to the youngsters whom lack life experience to handle the issue of life and death.
In this regard, TWC formed partnership with 7749 company, the city's first business venture dedicated to bringing new blood into the mortuary industry, launch the first liberal study subject in funeral practices and culture in tertiary education in HK. The programme aims to help students break the taboo on the issue of death, values in life and inspire them to live their life's to the fullest and of course, pass on the traditional funeral practices and culture to the next generation.
TWC has announced the course information recently. Dr. Kyra Yuen, managing director of 7749, said the course presents basic knowledge regarding obsequies and funeral services in all aspects, including ceremony rituals and burial procedures, coffin design and the material of coffins, life education and counseling to help bereaved relatives move forward with their lives etc. "We have invited veteran funeral workers and professionals like coffin carrier or body make-up artist to join the course as tutors, who can share their adventurous experience to the youngsters and give the opportunities to the students went into the industry with their eyes wide open."
"The course would not be limited to classroom lectures but also allow students to get a taste of being a gravestone craftsman or witnessing the whole procedure of exhuming remains. They can then break through the taboo when they truly face the death." Kyra added.Prof. Thomas Wong, President of TWC, expressed his profound gratitude to 7749 for their support. "Nowadays people are always talking about specialization. The mortuary industry, of course, needs professionals to contribute similar to other businesses. The funeral industry in Hong Kong perhaps is the most regressive one in the world in which there were at least 3 institutions in the Mainland China providing mortuary course. We are just far lag behind the others."
Prof. Wong also stated that the College was determined to become a leading private university providing health education, the liberal courses would help to nurture students to get prepared for the future challenges. "Doctors and nurses would face the issue of death and witness their patients pass away some day. They could contribute themselves to the deceased by giving a hand in the funeral affairs management."
The two organizations would also introduce a certificate introductory course in mortuary services for adults. The course is divided into 3 subjects, including funeral culture and life and death education foundation course, introduction to mortuary services and type of work in mortuary services. It presents knowledge like ceremony rituals and burial procedures, management, administration documentation and government procedures in funeral affairs, counseling for the bereaved. Students would have a chance visiting Tung Wah Coffin Home and searching for Feng-Shui grave by them.
Dr. George Ching, President of HKFPA, thought that mortuary services are considered offensive trades and hoped that the course will be useful in raising professional standards in the industry and revives the moribund industry. "Young people are not interested in joining this industry despite the potential for earning big bucks. But now the average age of the workforce is over 50, which is close to the retirement age. We have to bring new blood to the industry and I truly believe that TWC would help to raise the standard of the course."
Person who have obtained five passes in HKCEE including Chinese language and English Language, or have obtained the HKCEE qualification with age 21 above could apply the course. Those who have completed all subjects of the course would get a "diploma of professional funeral service and culture" by TWC and 7749.
A seminar would be hold by the college on next Thursday (Jan 12) regarding to the course. You may also click on this link: http://www.7749.hk/index.php?id=27 for more details.
For media enquiries:
Mr. Chris Ha
Manager
Community Relations and Partnership Development Office
Phone: 2926 5519
Email: [email protected]
Ms. Man Cheung
Executive Officer
Community Relations and Partnership Development Office
Phone: 2926 5516
Email: [email protected]