Editorial | Support of Beijing just the job in Hong Kong talent hunt
- As campaign to attract young professionals to city gathers pace, the backing of the central government may yet make all the difference
Hong Kong’s plans to become an international talent hub appear on track. The recent two-day Global Talent Summit was a timely opportunity to review efforts to attract young professionals under schemes aimed at reversing a brain drain during the pandemic and helping drive economic recovery.
Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu presented impressive figures at the summit.
Nearly 180,000 applications under various talent entry schemes had been approved as of the end of last month and more than 120,000 people, or 66 per cent, had arrived in Hong Kong so far under various initiatives. This exceeds the target of settling more than 35,000 every year.
Separately, labour chief Chris Sun Yuk-han said two-thirds of incoming talent were aged 40 and below and many had brought young families, injecting vitality into an ageing population.
They include about 47,000 people under the Top Talent Pass Scheme. Most approved applicants are from the mainland.
