Secretary for Labour & Welfare Chris Sun today concluded his trip to Chengdu which covered a visit to a university, a youth programme dinner and meeting welfare officials.

Mr Sun began his visit yesterday at Sichuan University to meet its Vice President Prof Zhao Changsheng to exchange views on deepening talent co-operation.

The labour and welfare chief stated that the Government is actively building Hong Kong into an international hub for high-calibre talent.

Since Sichuan University was included in the aggregate list of eligible universities under the Top Talent Pass Scheme last November, over 800 graduates from the university have been approved to come to Hong Kong under the scheme.

Mr Sun welcomed Mainland youths to pursue career development in Hong Kong through suitable talent admission schemes.

In the evening, he attended the welcome dinner of the Sichuan Study & Exchange Tour under the Strive & Rise Programme to show support for the participating mentees.

Apart from expressing gratitude to the Sichuan Provincial Government for the full support of the visit, Mr Sun thanked the co-organiser and sponsor for their support which included funding for the implementation of the third cohort of the programme and the Sichuan Study & Exchange Tour, and arranging for staff to participate as mentors, which broadened the mentees' horizons, enriched their knowledge, and boosted their confidence.

At the dinner, Mr Sun also engaged in dialogues with mentees, where they shared their insights on life and work. 

He also listened to the sharing of mentees on their experiences and insights gained during their engagement in the programme.

They were encouraged to fully embrace the exchange opportunity and to draw knowledge across various fields within Sichuan's culture, technology and history.

Mr Sun assured them that such experiences would serve as a valuable asset in their future growth, thereby strengthening their sense of identity and pride towards the motherland.

This morning, he first called on Deputy Director General of the Sichuan Provincial Department of Civil Affairs Li Lian to exchange views on policies covering social welfare, child protection and elderly care services, to establish a foundation for interaction.

Mr Sun later called on Director-General of the Sichuan Provincial Department of Human Resources & Social Security Liu Huiying, and held discussions covering labour, talent and social security policies between the two places to explore further collaboration opportunities.

He will return to Hong Kong this afternoon.