Annual Report 2023

87 2023 Annual Report Transport International Holdings Limited Academy, emphasising the pivotal role of safety and discipline in the industry. The KMB Academy is the first institution in Hong Kong accredited by the Qualifications Framework (“HKQF”) to provide professional training programmes for franchised bus maintenance personnel and bus captains. The “Certificate in Bus Maintenance” at HKQF Level Two and “Certificate in Public Bus (Franchised) Driving” at HKQF Level Three offered by the KMB Academy were previously approved by the Hong Kong Council for Accreditation and Academic and Vocational Qualifications (“HKCAAVQ”). In 2023, two additional training programmes, the “Certificate in Continuing Development for In-service Bus Captains” and the “Professional Certificate for Instructors in Franchised Bus Industry” were recognised at HKQF Level Three and Level Four respectively. The number of HKQF programmes in the KMB Academy now totals four. In addition, the KMB Academy provides on-the-job training for current maintenance staff and bus captains, through which they can learn the latest technology in the bus maintenance industry and refresh their driving and customer service skills. Continuous Learning Our diversified learning channels provide self-learning opportunities, including internal classroom training and e-learning programmes. Job rotation and secondment opportunities are also available so that our employees may broaden their understanding of the industry. We regularly organise customised training and learning activities for all staff levels to keep them abreast of the latest industry trends, knowledge and work skills. For instance, we arranged a training course for the Customer Engagement Team to enhance their knowledge and skills on taking care of passengers in a traffic incident. Recognition for Service Excellence In 2023, 104 Star Bus Captains were recognised for their outstanding performance in safe driving and customer care. Long Service Awards were presented to staff in recognition of their loyal service. A total of 35 employees received the 35- year award and a gold medal, 96 and 42 employees received the 30-year and 20-year awards, respectively, together with a plaque and a pin, and 395 employees with ten years of service received a certificate of appreciation. Besides, a total of 100 bus captains were granted the Annual Safety and Green Awards. The top ten Gold Awardees were presented with a HK$10,000 cash prize and a certificate of appreciation. Including the Retirement Awards, over 400 employees received awards in appreciation of their loyal and outstanding service. Staff Communication To strengthen bilateral communication and employee well- being, the Joint Consultative Committees, comprising the Management and staff representatives representing around 90% of the total workforce, held regular meetings. The meetings aim to review issues including safety, operations, work environment and staff welfare. Through the staff website, staff members are kept informed of useful information, including KMB and LWB announcements, safe driving tips, snapshots of KMB and LWB activities and notices of forthcoming events. Staff can check duty roster information and make annual leave arrangements through the internal application, OPS1933, and the internal portal, as well as using the e-learning training platform. The corporate magazine, KMB Today , provides another means of keeping employees up to date on KMB and LWB news and industry developments. We make use of media and online platforms to share up-to- date information with our staff. Several online activities and programmes, including online health talks, interest classes and financial seminars, were held on the KMB Staff Facebook page, Teams and Zoom platforms to maintain our connection with staff members. Senior Management Visits KMB and LWB Senior Management members visited bus termini, depots and offices during the year to support and engage with our colleagues. These visits provided an excellent opportunity for staff members to share their views about operational matters and workplace-related issues with the Management team members. KMB Safety and Green Awards aims to recognise the outstanding and safe driving performance of our bus captains