Eric Chan, Chief Secretary of Hong Kong, has announced that the city will widen its talent recruitment scheme to include applicants from universities outside the top 100 list. Chan emphasized the importance of attracting talent from mainland China, highlighting the cultural and linguistic similarities that make Hong Kong an ideal destination for adaptation.
The scheme has already received over 340,000 applications, with successful candidates bringing economic contributions worth HK$34 billion annually. The scheme aims to address the labor shortage in various sectors, with an emphasis on healthcare, technology, and finance.
While some concerns have been raised about the scheme attracting mainly mainland applicants, Chan and other officials have stressed the need for a diverse pool of international talent. With the inclusion of more mainland universities in the list of eligible institutions, the scheme is set to enhance Hong Kong’s position as a global talent hub.