HKSTP and J.P. Morgan Collaborate to Boost Hong Kong’s Tech Talent Pool

(Hong Kong, 11 September 2023) – In an impressive showcase of collaboration and talent development, the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) and J.P. Morgan proudly celebrated the graduation of more than 100 promising students from the NxTEC (Next Technologist Entrepreneurial Champion) Career Launcher programme. The graduates completed intensive trainings to secure job placements at over 60 HKSTP partner companies and were honoured at a graduation ceremony together with their employers as well as J.P. Morgan volunteers.

To meet the growing demand for tech talent in Hong Kong, the NxTEC programme was created to nurture the next generation of tech leaders through a comprehensive blend of upskilling workshops, internships and mentorship opportunities. Sponsored by J.P. Morgan and supported by partners including Generation Hong Kong, a global non-profit organisation dedicated to fostering tech careers, along with a number of participating universities and HKSTP partner companies, the programme provides a bridge to young professionals eager to explore careers in the Innovation and Technology (I&T) sector.

The infusion of innovation thinking and fresh perspectives into startups has cultivated an environment where ideas flourish and boundaries are shattered. These next-gen talents are also accelerating the success of HKSTP partner companies and propelling them to new heights.

Derek Chim, Head of Incubation and Acceleration Programmes at HKSTP, said: “Talent remains a critical element to a thriving I&T sector which will help power a new chapter in Hong Kong’s economic growth. HKSTP is proud to work alongside visionary partners like J.P. Morgan, Generation Hong Kong as well as universities and various institutions to foster the next generation of talent. The ongoing success and spirit of collaboration at NxTEC will help to support the city’s burgeoning potential as a global I&T talent hub.”

Sukrit Khatri, Executive Director of APAC Strategy at J.P. Morgan, said: “Building a skilled workforce and ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background, has access to the support and training is critical to a more equitable future. Educators, employers and non-profit partners all play an important role in coming together to create learning opportunities. With the latest NxTEC Career Launcher, I am proud to say we have successfully built a diverse talent pipeline by nurturing passionate and high-calibre students from different academic backgrounds and we are delighted to see that many of them were placed into Science Park’s startups.’’

Brian Cheng, CEO of Generation Hong Kong, said, “Generation Hong Kong is delighted to have played an instrumental role in the NxTEC Career Launcher programme, helping to match young talent with exciting start-ups in HKSTP. Our expertise in transitioning those in education into employment supports the growth of start-ups in Hong Kong and allows talented youth to embark on fruitful career journeys.”

The NxTEC programme is open to students of diverse education backgrounds – both STEM and non-STEM – with the aim of broadening the appeal of I&T and related industries and offers an array of activities including tech immersion, interview skills training, alumni sharing, career exploration workshops, site visits and employer introductions. These engagements provide participants with invaluable opportunities to connect with innovators, entrepreneurs and leaders in the I&T industry. Since its inception in 2015, NxTEC has successfully advanced the tech careers of over 2,500 young talents, engaged with more than 550 partner companies, and facilitated more than 500 successful job placements.