2024 Policy Address: Gov’t to promote HK as international talent hub

This is to cover a shortfall of around 180,000 workers over the next five years.

The government will set up a Committee on Education, Technology and Talents, led by the chief secretary, to promote Hong Kong as an international talent hub.

In his 2024 Policy Address, Chief Executive John Lee Lee said it is imperative to reform talent admission initiatives to cover a shortfall of around 180,000 workers in different sectors over the next five years.

Hong Kong Talent Engage will promote its online platforms by expanding its network of partners, holding online and in-person job fairs, organising another international talent forum, and conducting overseas promotion.

In the education realm, Lee said the government will set up a Hong Kong Future Talents Scholarship Scheme for Advanced Studies, offering scholarships each year to 1,200 local students. 

Under the Top Talent Pass Scheme, 13 universities will be added bringing the total to 198. The validity period of the first visas awarded to successful applicants will extend to three years.

The chief executive also introduced the ‘Study in Hong Kong’ brand which will host international education conferences, enhance collaboration between local post-secondary institutions, and attract overseas students through scholarships and incentives.

Following the recognition of the Hong Kong Metropolitan University as the city’s first university of applied sciences (UAS), the government allocated a startup fund of $100m for collaborations with UAS institutions.

Moreover, the government will allocate $2b for the Teacher Professional Development Fund to support the long-term development of the profession. $470m will be used for the learning and teaching of English, Putonghua and other languages.