Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun on Thursday said the government aimed to encourage talent to contribute to the city’s development in the long-run through building a vibrant ecosystem for them.

Delivering his remarks at the Global Talent Summit Week, Sun noted that the SAR had been luring talented professionals to the city through enhancing various admission schemes, saying that talent is the most valued and strategic asset at a time when there are constant changes and uncertainty.

"Our objective is to cultivate a vibrant ecosystem where talent is valued, supported, and inspired to contribute over the long term. But equally important is our commitment to nurturing local talent," he said.

"Investment in education, vocational training and skills upgrading, ensures that our local workforce can adapt to technological transformation and economic restructuring. By strengthening every stage of the talent pipeline from youth development to mid-career advancement, we reinforce the resilience and vitality of our manpower ecosystem."

He said fostering cooperation with the Greater Bay Area is crucial for talent development, and it is not simply an economic objective.

By doing so, it can bring share opportunities and reinforces regional competitiveness, Sun added.

Organiser Hong Kong Talent Engage's director Felix Chan told reporters on the sidelines of the event that 7,000 people were expected to join a two-day summit that concludes on Thursday, which is part of the Global Talent Summit Week.

But visitor numbers, including locals, and those from the mainland and overseas, had already reached the figure a day ago, he said, with more than 150,000 others joining the summit online, exceeding the record at the inaugural event last year.

"So I think in terms of the impact this time, in terms of international participation and also the profile of the speakers, and the fact that we have co-organised with our local, regional and international chambers and co-organisers, we have provided a very good platform for talent, and to showcase why Hong Kong is best launchpad if they want to accelerate their career [and] launch their business here in Asia," he added.

There were also two speakers from the Middle East, Chan said, and they remained determined to take part in the event despite the ongoing conflict there.


Edited by Tony Sabine