Hong Kong ranks top in Asia as talent schemes bring in 290,000 professionals

The city ranked fourth globally.

Hong Kong has brought in more than 290,000 professionals through various talent schemes, exceeding government targets, according to Chief Executive John Lee.

This comes as the region ranked fourth globally and first in Asia in the International Institute for Management Development’s World Talent Ranking 2025.

Lee said the rise reflects the government’s policy, adding that talent schemes have economic impact.

He cited studies indicating talent may contribute about 1.2% to gross domestic product, adding that the figure may be higher due to wider household effects.

The Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS) recruits graduates from the world’s top 100 universities and supports sectors including innovation and technology, finance, trading, and shipping.

“That is another challenge because a talent will continuously be offered very attractive terms by other places, even though he is already in Hong Kong,” Lee said, referring to retention as a continuing challenge amidst intensifying global competition.

At least 50% of TTPS participants extend their stay, with expectations this could rise to 60%.

He added that the post-pandemic target of 35,000 professionals a year is no longer sufficient and will need to rise.