On October 16, Hong Kong’s Chief Executive John Lee released his third policy address since taking office, firmly placing talent development on the government’s agenda. The address outlines a series of actionable policies that not only address the urgent demand for high-caliber talent in Hong Kong but also inject new vitality into the region’s economic and social development.
In an interview, Professor Teng Jin-kwong, the president of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, expressed his particular interest in the proposed establishment of the “Education, Technology, and Talent Committee.” He believes this initiative will help coordinate the integration of education, technology, and talent development, ultimately attracting international high-end talent to Hong Kong. Teng highlighted that PolyU has consistently aimed to recruit top research talent from around the world, engaging in cutting-edge research projects that contribute to the nation’s technological self-reliance and high-quality development. This year, PolyU has established a Department of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, with plans to launch a new “School of Computer and Mathematical Sciences” next year to meet the market’s demand for expertise in these fields.
Accommodation options remain a critical factor for non-local students considering higher education in Hong Kong. President of Lingnan University, Professor Leonard K. Cheng, remarked on the prevalent issue of inadequate dormitory space in universities. He welcomed the government’s pilot program, which he believes will help universities secure land and accelerate the approval process for building student accommodation. Further, he anticipates the government will consider easing land use ratios, allowing universities more flexibility to create facilities for teaching, research, and housing, thereby enhancing Hong Kong’s position as a premier global education hub and attracting more top international and mainland Chinese students.
Regarding the current accommodation challenges, Christine Wong, Executive Director and Head of Research at Colliers in Hong Kong, noted that there’s a significant shortage of student housing. According to their latest estimates, there is one university dormitory bed available for every three university students, and the shortfall could exceed 40,000 beds in the coming years. As the number of individuals coming to Hong Kong for work and study grows, she anticipates an increasing demand for rental apartments, drawing more investors’ attention to the talent and student accommodation sector.
National Committee member Ling Jun-jie pointed out that the policy address has introduced considerable improvements to talent policies, ensuring that Hong Kong can maintain its status as a global center for finance, commerce, and technological innovation amid competitive challenges. He highlighted the expansion of the “High-end Talent Pass Scheme” to include more eligible universities and the introduction of additional incentives for specific industries like fintech and biotech as significant highlights of the new address. Ling noted that the inclusion of several major universities from the mainland reflects the Hong Kong government’s commitment to staying aligned with the evolving landscape of higher education and talent cultivation in the region.
