The powerful trend of globalization, combined with Hong Kong’s
ageing population and its unique type of economy, is prompting
Hong Kong to reach out to other countries, like Canada, to
collaborate in education and the nurturing of talent.
 “In
a small, externally-oriented economy such as ours, it is the
vitality, entrepreneurship and hard work of our people that keeps
us competitive in an increasingly competitive world,” said Mr.
Michael Suen, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR)
Secretary for Education, during a recent visit to Toronto.
Renowned for their ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit, Hong Kong
people have created an attractive environment for international
business. As of mid-2008, almost 4,000 overseas enterprises have
established regional headquarters or regional offices in Hong
Kong. “These companies contribute a deep and broad pool of
expertise that has helped to furnish the city with a world-class
financial services sector, highly developed telecommunications
infrastructure and all the home comforts you would expect from an
international city,” said Mr. Suen.
Creating the right conditions to stimulate creativity and
innovation is a priority. The Chief Executive of the HKSAR, Mr.
Donald Tsang, once stated “global competition means that we have
to compete for markets as well as talent. Hong Kong’s future
development requires more talent from the Mainland and overseas.”
This recognition represents great potential for Canadians and
other foreigners interested in pursuing careers in Hong Kong. Mr.
Suen pointed out, “We are opening the door wider to overseas
talent including students, business people, investors and those
with special talents such as musicians, sports people and creative
talent.”
The HKSAR Government has taken important steps to expand the
talent pool in Hong Kong, with such programmes as the "Quality
Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS)", "Entry for Employment as
Professionals Scheme", "Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and
Professionals", and "Capital Investment Entrant Scheme", as well
as the newly-introduced "Immigration Arrangements for Non-local
Graduates" scheme.
 The
Vancouver-born former National Hockey League star Barry Beck is
one of the 500 people who have been admitted to Hong Kong under
QMAS since its launch in June 2006. Other high-profile names
include world-renowned pianists Lang Lang, Li Yundi, and legendary
gymnast Li Ning who performed at the opening of the Beijing
Olympics. Li has also set up a company in Hong Kong to develop
sports product designs.
“At the same time, Hong Kong is actively encouraging Canadian
students to experience Asia’s world city by involving them in
internships,” said Ms. Maureen Siu, Director, Hong Kong Economic
and Trade Office (Canada). “Our ultimate goal is to attract great
talents to Hong Kong.”
The emphasis on students is very much in line with the goals of
the Hong Kong Government. “Education accounts for the largest
share of government expenditure,” said Ms. Siu. “Overseas students
in Hong Kong enjoy a rich and exciting learning experience, and in
turn these students help to broaden the horizons of our local
youth.”
Broadening opportunities for students and professionals to work
and thrive in Hong Kong will see Hong Kong welcome many additions
to its considerable talent pool. As Secretary Suen remarked,
students and professionals both “contribute to our multicultural
society and the unique mix within our community that strengthens
Hong Kong’s status as an international city.” |
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