Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks (HKSTP) and China Resources (CR) jointly launched a new talent recruitment program on Friday, offering subsidies of up to HK$10,000 ($1,285) per month to returned overseas talents.

Under the “Beyond Dreams – Global Talent Ignite” initiative, eligible returnees will receive the subsidy for a period of six months to one year.

“The program lays out the ‘red carpet’ for talent, encouraging more Hong Kong professionals currently overseas to return and seize the tremendous opportunities arising from Hong Kong’s I&T development,” said Fanny Wong, head of talents and human resources at HKSTP.  

Overseas talents, who are currently residing abroad and holding Hong Kong permanent resident status, or who have lived, worked, or studied in Hong Kong for at least three years, are eligible to apply for the subsidy. Candidates must also possess relevant academic qualifications and experience in I&T.

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“Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks has over 2,000 companies, 40 percent of them are related to artificial intelligence, and over 10 percent of them are related to biotechnology,” Wong said.

In collaboration with several leading universities, HKSTP has already received over 2,700 applications from outstanding overseas students this year. Wong said she believes this underscores the global appeal of Hong Kong’s I&T ecosystem and strengthens the resolve to propel the city as a world-class I&T hub.

“Overseas talents are attractive for us,” said Tony Yung, chief commercial officer of Advanced Biomedical Instrumentation Centre, a biotechnology company in HKSTP. “They have advantages in languages, a broad international perspective and understand the latest industry news and relevant laws and regulations in different countries.”

And for the overseas talents, Hong Kong is their hometown or a place with emotional connection, and has many international conferences, which is good for expanding their academic vision, said Yung.

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“We will provide more resources if the plan works well to attract qualified overseas talents to come back to Hong Kong,” said Qian Jian, vice president of CR Enterprise, China Resources Venture.

The “Global Talent Ignite” plan is under the series of initiatives called “Beyond Dreams”, supported by a HK$100 million donation from the China Resources Charitable Fund and jointly planned by HKSTP and CR.  “Hong Kong owns world-class scientific research facilities, an open and inclusive environment for innovation, and vast market opportunities. China Resources will fully support the development of Hong Kong’s scientific and technological innovation,” said Qian.

Contact the writer at thor_wu@chinadailyhk.com