The Commerce and Economic Development Bureau (CEDB) launched the Future International Talent (FIT) programme earlier this year in collaboration with 14 international chambers of commerce in Hong Kong, supporting member companies of the chambers to create full-time entry-level job opportunities for young people. So far around 170 interns have been employed and around 80 per cent of the vacancies created by FIT are in the creative industries, providing suitable job opportunities for young people.
The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau, met with over 30 participating employers and interns today (December 10) to learn about their work arrangements and experiences. Mr Yau encouraged young people to treasure and make good use of these valuable learning opportunities.
"FIT offers global perspective and wider exposure to young people through work. It also injects new blood into the industries. With the support and collaboration of the participating partner chambers and through their comprehensive networks and knowledge of the trade, the programme is operating smoothly and making very good progress," said Mr Yau.
"A majority of the job positions are provided by the creative industries, such as those related to design, architecture, advertising and marketing, which shows that the creative industries are not only a new economic driver of Hong Kong, but are also popular among young people, and will help Hong Kong become a more attractive international metropolis," Mr Yau added.
Funded by the Anti-epidemic Fund, FIT provides monthly salary subsidies at $5,610 per fresh graduate or to-be graduate with no work experience and $10,000 for young people with no more than five years of work experience, for a maximum of 12 months.
The participating partner chambers are the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong; the Australian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong; the Belgium-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong; the British Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong; the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong; the Dutch Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong; the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Hong Kong; the German Chamber of Commerce, Hong Kong; the Hong Kong Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry; the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong and Macao; the Mexican Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong; the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong; the Swedish Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong; and the Swiss Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong.
Other than FIT, the CEDB is also taking forward the Telecommunications Opportunities Programme (TOP) with telecommunications-related companies. Through the network of the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups, about 200 job vacancies have been created and the programme is achieving good progress. Working and training opportunities in the vibrant telecommunications sector in the 5G era will broaden the horizons of young people and equip them with lifelong skill sets for career development.
Follow this news feed: East Asia