Human Resources Planning Commission convenes eighth meeting

     The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, chaired the eighth meeting of the Human Resources Planning Commission this afternoon (November 25).  

     At the meeting, members were briefed on the existing measures to attract technology talent. The Government is committed to promoting the development of innovation and technology (I&T). To cater for the rising demand for I&T talent, Hong Kong is taking a proactive approach to attract more qualified personnel to pursue I&T careers in Hong Kong. Members noted the package of proactive measures introduced to pool together technology talent. These include targeted initiatives on attracting and retaining technology talent, such as the introduction of the pilot Technology Talent Admission Scheme (TechTAS), listing of technology-related professionals in key areas under the Talent List to facilitate immigration under the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme, and enhancement to the Researcher Programme (RP) and the Postdoctoral Hub (PH). 

     Members further noted that enhanced measures were announced in the 2019 Policy Address to help pool together more technology talent, including extension of the applicable technology areas of the TechTAS from seven to 13, extension of the TechTAS' coverage to all companies undertaking research and development (R&D) activities in 13 areas in Hong Kong, and expansion of the scope of the RP and the PH to cover all technology companies conducting R&D activities in Hong Kong. 

     The Government is also endeavouring to invest in and improve the local I&T ecosystem by enhancing I&T infrastructure and strengthening R&D facilities in Hong Kong to help open up more opportunities for talent.

     Looking ahead, the Government will continue to improve its existing measures, as well as continuously upgrade Hong Kong's I&T ecosystem, by stimulating growth areas and enhancing infrastructure so as to enhance the city's attractiveness as a preferred place for technology talent to build their careers.  

     Automation is a key strategy to enhance productivity in the face of shortage in the labour force. As a valued solution partner, the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) briefed the Commission on its support measures to help local enterprises and industries to undertake transformation through innovation and adoption of technology. 

     Members noted that the HKPC offers support services to local businesses, ranging from development of applied technology solutions to assistance and advice in product innovation and technology transfer as well as serving as an implementation agent for a number of government funds dedicated to local businesses, particularly the small and medium-sized enterprises. The HKPC has been rendering assistance to support local industries including food and beverage, logistics, manufacturing, professional services, retail and tourism. 

     In addition, the Commission was briefed on the latest progress in the development of the Manpower Information Portal, which is a one-stop portal developed by the Commission to provide consolidated human resources information to the public to facilitate decision-making in respect of their career, training and development pathways. Members noted that preparation of the portal has reached the final stage and it is set to be launched in early December 2019. The development of the portal is a new initiative announced under the 2019 Policy Address.