TVB News Magazine Visits LBEDU|IQA Release|HKQF Beauty Framework Explained|Registered School

TVB "News Perspective" Visits LBEDU Luster Beauty International Education & Training Academy
Released by IQA International Qualifications Assessment | Key Insights into Beauty Qualifications Framework

Hong Kong Education Bureau Registered Institution · Qualifications Framework Courses · International Certification Systems

Recently, TVB's renowned news program "News Perspective" visited LBEDU LusterBeauty International Education & Training Academy (Institution Registration No. IC:854), a beauty education institution registered with the Hong Kong Education Bureau, for an in-depth feature shoot. The visit was coordinated by senior reporter Lai Wai Shan, and Lawrance WONG King Lun, Founding President (Management) of the IQA International Qualifications Assessment and Vice Principal of LBEDU/LBIETA Luster Beauty International Education & Training Academy, personally participated in the filming and interviews. The discussion covered the current state of Hong Kong's beauty education, the practical application of the Qualifications Framework, and industry certification issues, aiming to present the true picture of formal beauty education and address public concerns regarding qualification recognition.

Image 1: TVB News Perspective production team on location at LBEDU/LBIETA
On-site scene: Reporter Lai Wai Shan and crew documenting hands-on training and daily teaching

As Founding President (Management) of IQA, Lawrance WONG has been deeply involved in beauty education and international qualification recognition for many years, consistently focusing on "standardizing industry standards and cultivating professional talents." On one hand, he leads IQA in building bridges between Qualifications Framework students and international resources; on the other hand, as Vice Principal of LBEDU, he promotes the implementation of formal beauty education. This is the main reason TVB chose LBEDU as a case study and invited Vice Principal Wong for the interview – to leverage his professional insights to educate the public about the standards of formal beauty education and the importance of the Qualifications Framework and international certifications.

Image 2: Vice President Lawrance WONG (right) being interviewed by reporter Lai Wai Shan
Key issues addressed: Vice Principal Wong responds to industry concerns from dual roles
On-Site Highlights | TVB "News Perspective" Focuses on Three Core Areas

Unlike typical promotional features, the "News Perspective" team focused on pain points and public concerns in Hong Kong's beauty education industry. They adopted an objective, in-depth perspective, capturing authentic scenes of hands-on training and teaching assessments. The visit revolved around three core directions:

  • Promote formal education standards: Detailed understanding of requirements for Hong Kong Education Bureau registered institutions in curriculum, faculty, and teaching management – clarifying key differences between "registered institutions" and "ordinary training providers".
  • Explain the value of the Qualifications Framework: In-depth inquiry into how HKQF is implemented in beauty training and the practical impact of QF certificates on career entry and transition.
  • Regulate certification order: Address public confusion about beauty qualifications, including differences and articulation between HKQF and international certifications (e.g., ITEC/VTCT), advocating industry-wide standardisation.
Image 3: Teaching scene – students training in a fully equipped practical classroom
LBEDU practical classroom: semi-permanent makeup students practicing on synthetic skin
Key Questions Answered | Lawrance WONG Responds as Dual-Role Leader
Question 1: How does the institution decide which certification courses to offer?
Vice Principal Wong explained that formal institutions base their decisions on "market demand and student benefit." They monitor market trends, identify workforce needs from new consumer trends, technologies, and equipment, then consult experienced industry professionals and relevant enterprises. After consolidating feedback, they confirm the necessity and feasibility before launching courses, ensuring alignment with industry needs and employability.
Question 2: What are the benefits of applying for Qualifications Framework courses? What are the main challenges?

Wong summarised 4 core benefits:

  • Enhanced course quality and industry recognition (cross‑territory qualification alignment)
  • Reduced financial burden (eligible for Continuing Education Fund subsidies)
  • Better career entry (salon owners widely recognise QF certificates)
  • Increased client trust

Challenges include preparing background documentation, investing in suitable teaching environments and facilities, securing qualified faculty, financial reserves, and most critically, the course assessment process – ensuring compliance with SMART principles (reliability, measurability, achievability, relevance, timeliness).

Image 4: Semi-permanent makeup students practicing on synthetic skin
Instructors provide one-on-one guidance to ensure precision skills
Question 3: How can you tell whether an international certification is credible? Have you ever doubted certain certifying bodies?

Vice Principal Wong emphasised that credible international certifications must be widely recognised by industries, enterprises, and institutions in at least two countries or regions. He shared verification channels: ofqual.gov.uk (UK), search.dca.ca.gov (California), dos.ny.gov (New York), etc. He reminded that legitimate certifying bodies never claim "holding this certificate guarantees local employment" – certificates primarily attest to technical competence.

Image 5: Laser & IPL students undergoing equipment operation training
Instructors supervise closely to ensure safety and standard procedures
Question 4: Can institutions make mistakes when offering certification courses? What are the key considerations?
Vice Principal Wong clarified that a true "institution" must have at least one Qualifications Framework course that has successfully applied for Continuing Education Fund status and obtained an "institution number". When offering third-party certification courses, key factors include the legitimacy of the awarding body, course validity, adequate faculty qualifications, teaching facilities, and resources. Courses are only launched after all aspects are verified to be fully implementable.
Image 6: LBEDU classroom scene – instructor carefully assessing student work
Combining theory with practice, high-standard teaching management
LBEDU Core Strength | Rooted in Qualifications Framework, Aligned with International Certifications

Vice Principal Wong detailed LBEDU's core curriculum, which is based on the Hong Kong Qualifications Framework (HKQF) competency standards and simultaneously aligned with the UK/European international certification systems (ITEC/VTCT), ensuring both professionalism and international compatibility.

I. Hong Kong Qualifications Framework (HKQF) Accredited Courses
HKQF Certificate in Comprehensive Makeup Skills (QF Level 2)
HKQF Certificate in Semi-Permanent Makeup & Microblading (QF Level 3)
HKQF Certificate in Nail Technology (QF Level 3)
HKQF Certificate in Beauty Teaching and Training Instructor (QF Level 3)
HKQF Certificate in Eyelash Extension, Lifting and Brow/Lash Tinting (QF Level 3)
II. UK/European International Qualifications (ITEC/VTCT) Accredited Courses
ITEC VTCT Advanced Diploma in Laser, IPL & Light Treatments (UK & Europe QCF Level 4)
ITEC VTCT Certificate in Laser Tattoo Removal (UK & Europe QCF Level 5)
ITEC VTCT Certificate in Education and Training (UK & Europe QCF Level 5)
Image 7: LBEDU faculty team and well-equipped learning environment
Registered with Hong Kong Education Bureau, meeting highest standards
Sincere Thanks | Fulfilling the Mission with Professionalism

This TVB "News Perspective" visit is not only an affirmation of LBEDU's commitment to quality education and dedication to the beauty field but also a recognition of IQA's efforts to promote industry standardisation. IQA and LBEDU extend their heartfelt gratitude to all faculty, instructors, and students who participated in the filming – your professionalism, solid skills, and passion for beauty education have shown the public the true face of formal beauty education.

We also thank the TVB "News Perspective" team and reporter Lai Wai Shan for their careful questioning and objective documentation, helping the public understand beauty education and qualification recognition, and breaking down misconceptions for healthier industry development.

Image 8: Group photo – LBEDU faculty, students and TVB News Perspective team
Capturing a meaningful moment of in-depth exploration

As Founding President (Management) of IQA, Lawrance WONG King Lun stated that he will continue to lead IQA in its core mission of "building bridges and setting standards". IQA will not offer any Qualifications Framework courses itself; instead, it will continue to connect QF students with international and industry resources. Meanwhile, as Vice Principal of LBEDU, he will advance formal beauty education, deepen QF and international certification programmes, and nurture more high-calibre professionals for Hong Kong's beauty industry.

Image 9: Follow-up notice – Please stay tuned to IQA and LBEDU official channels
Complete coverage will be gradually released – stay tuned

Follow-up Notice
The complete content of this TVB "News Perspective" feature will be released progressively. Please follow the official channels of IQA International Qualifications Assessment and LBEDU Luster Beauty International Education & Training Academy for more professional knowledge on beauty education and qualifications, and to support the healthy, long‑term development of Hong Kong's beauty industry.

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