HKSTP Gathers Industry Leaders at “Talent Game On” Event to Spur Action and Impact on Talent Challenge

(Hong Kong, 16 December 2022) – Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) hosted the “Talent Game On” event to bring innovation and technology (I&T) ecosystem leaders, park companies and the latest graduates of HKSTP’s Technology Leaders of Tomorrow (TLT) talent development programme to spark discussion and action on tackling Hong Kong’s talent challenge.

With markets across Asia and the globe going all-out to attract in-demand tech talent, Hong Kong must capitalise on its numerous competitive advantages to grow the critical tech talent pool needed to fuel the city’s ambition of becoming a leading global I&T hub.

Dr Sunny Chai, Chairman of HKSTP, said: “HKSTP is committed to creating new opportunities and a thriving ecosystem to establish Hong Kong as a magnet for global and local I&T talent which is crucial to realising the Central Government’s vision for Hong Kong to become an international I&T hub. The HKSAR Government’s recent policy measures have injected urgency and impetus to Hong Kong in the war for talent. We must prioritise our efforts on attracting both global talent and retaining local talent, and unite key stakeholders across all sectors to turn intention into action.”

Ms Fanny Wong, Head of Talent & Human Resources, HKSTP, said: “HKSTP works closely with different stakeholders to leverage HKSTP’s multiple talent initiatives for maximum impact within the I&T ecosystem. We provide training, workshops and extensive job experiences for talent from different backgrounds and disciplines, while building a vibrant community to innovate together and spark new ideas. We must maximise Hong Kong’s many significant advantages on the global stage, inspire local and international talent so they view Hong Kong as their ideal platform to realise their potential and succeed beyond borders.”

The “Talent Game On” event featured a fireside chat titled "Winning the I&T Talent War" with HKSTP CEO, Mr Albert Wong speaking in depth with some of Hong Kong’s most esteemed I&T industry figures: Prof Lap-Chee Tsui, Founding President of the Hong Kong Academy of Sciences; Dr Stephanie Ma, Associate Professor, School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong; Ms Fan Ho, General Manager, Hong Kong and Macau, Lenovo Asia Pacific; and Mr Patrick Yu, Vice President, People, Managing Director SE Asia, Lalamove. The speakers shared insights on how key stakeholders must build on the momentum of the Chief Executive's first Policy Address in October this year, which announced a government talent unit, new talent admission schemes and renewed focus on STEM education.

The event was also a showcase for HKSTP’s InnoAcademy signature talent programme – Technology Leaders of Tomorrow – which nurtures Hong Kong’s next generation of tech leaders. A graduation ceremony for the TLT class of 2020 was also successfully held at the event, with six high-flying entrepreneurs completing the two-year programme and now all working at world-class technology companies within the HKSTP ecosystem. Such results are proof of the city’s capacity to nurture and develop world-class tech talent. 

Rigil Yeung, Graduate, TLT 2020 Cohort: “The HKSTP TLT Programme has provided the ideal platform for me to explore ways to create life-changing discoveries and innovation through my role with ophthalmology leading pharma firm Zhaoke Ophthalmology. The interaction with industry leaders and experts provided deep commercial and R&D knowledge, critical leadership skills and know-how on working in dynamic environments which put equip me to contribute and impact the city’s biotech and I&T sectors.”

Gwinky Yip, TLT 2022 Cohort, said: “I’m excited to join the TLT programme 2022 and get the chance to work at TCL, which is a leading tech company. Science Park has a vibrant I&T ecosystem that allows me to meet like-minded peers and talent from different backgrounds. As a PhD graduate with engineering background, this programme provides huge opportunities for me to pursue my passion in solving impactful engineering challenges, while also developing my capabilities to their full potential.”  

To better equip Park companies for recruiting I&T talent, three breakout sessions were also arranged in the event, namely ‘Employer Branding Strategies’, ‘Understanding Talent Trends and Insights’ and ‘Recruitment Challenges’. These presented valuable opportunities to gather their opinions and customise support services to further enhance Hong Kong’s mission to grow the I&T talent pool.