You don't get a more recession-proof industry than funeral services, and Joyce Yun likes it that way. Yun was among 70 students who completed the city's first course on the business organised by a private company, 7749, which aims to train and bring in new recruits. 'No matter how well-organised a funeral, it is not as important as letting the deceased depart peacefully and properly,' said Yun, who wants to become a funeral parlour cosmetician because she likes the work and the potential of the industry. 'I just want to try our best to help them as they go on another journey.' Managing director Kyla Yuen Ng-fung said the company received more than 100 applications for its programme, which comprises two courses at HK$7,749 and HK$9,789. The courses teach basic knowledge of rituals and burial procedures, as well as how to run funeral homes. Joe Li Kit-chun, who works in estate management, said he originally thought the industry was linked to dark taboos and triads. But after taking the courses, he believed it was a profession that helped people. The company hopes to work with universities to open another programme in February. It wants the government to recognise the courses and introduce a licence scheme to practitioners to lift the industry's standing.
