With markets across Asia and the globe going all-out to attract in-demand tech talent, Hong Kong is keen to capitalise on its numerous competitive advantages and grow its critical tech talent pool needed to fuel the city’s ambition of becoming a leading global I&T hub.
Against this background, the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) gathered innovation and technology (I&T) ecosystem leaders, park companies and the latest graduates of HKSTP’s Technology Leaders of Tomorrow (TLT) talent development programme to spark discussion and action on tackling Hong Kong’s talent challenge.
The Chairman of HKSTP reiterated that the Park is committed to creating new opportunities and a thriving ecosystem to establish Hong Kong as a magnet for global and local I&T talent which is crucial to realising the Central Government’s vision for Hong Kong to become an international I&T hub.
The HKSAR Government’s recent policy measures have injected urgency and impetus into Hong Kong in the war for talent. The country must prioritise its efforts to attract both global talent and retain local talent as well as unite key stakeholders across all sectors to turn intention into action.
The Head of Talent & Human Resources at HKSTP revealed that the Park works closely with different stakeholders to leverage HKSTP’s multiple talent initiatives for maximum impact within the I&T ecosystem. They provide training, workshops, and extensive job experiences for talent from diverse backgrounds and disciplines while building a vibrant community to innovate together and spark innovative ideas.
The aim is to maximise Hong Kong’s many significant advantages on the global stage and inspire local and international talent so they view Hong Kong as their ideal platform to realise their potential and succeed beyond borders.
The CEO of HKSTP spoke in depth with some of Hong Kong’s most esteemed I&T industry figures including the Founding President of the Hong Kong Academy of Sciences, Associate Professor, of the School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong and other leaders.
The speakers shared insights on how key stakeholders must build on the momentum of the Chief Executive’s first Policy Address in October this year, which announced a government talent unit, new talent admission schemes and renewed focus on STEM education.
HKSTP’s InnoAcademy signature talent programme – Technology Leaders of Tomorrow – was also highlighted. The programme was developed to nurture Hong Kong’s next generation of tech leaders. A graduation ceremony for the TLT class of 2020 was held, with six high-flying entrepreneurs completing the two-year programme and now all working at world-class technology companies within the HKSTP ecosystem. Such results are proof of the city’s capacity to nurture and develop world-class tech talent.
One TLT 2020 Cohort stated that the Programme provided the ideal platform for the exploration of ways to create life-changing discoveries and innovation. Interactions with industry leaders and experts provided deep commercial and R&D knowledge, critical leadership skills and knowledge of working in dynamic environments, enabling the cohort to contribute and impact the city’s biotech and I&T sectors.
To better equip Park companies for recruiting I&T talent, three breakout sessions were also arranged, namely ‘Employer Branding Strategies,’ ‘Understanding Talent Trends and Insights’ and ‘Recruitment Challenges’. These presented valuable opportunities to gather their opinions and customise support services to further enhance Hong Kong’s mission to grow the I&T talent pool.
