Talent acquisition gaining momentum

June 26, 2026

Chief Executive John Lee:
The talent policy works and it is working in the right direction.

Voiceover:
In an interview with news.gov.hk marking his fourth year in office, Chief Executive John Lee highlighted Hong Kong’s strong progress in drawing global talent, noting that more than 290,000 professionals have arrived through various talent schemes in recent years, surpassing the Government’s target.

Mr Lee also pointed to Hong Kong climbing to fourth place in global talent competitiveness as proof of success during his tenure, while emphasising the substantial economic value the initiatives continue to deliver to the city.

Chief Executive John Lee:
This is important because talent will be positive for us if the talent joins me, but will probably be negative to me if it goes to my competitor because he becomes more competitive (and) I become less (competitive). So that is this contrary effect.

Some study has indicated it will contribute around 1.2% gross domestic product to Hong Kong. But I think it is more than that because they will also come with their family members and they also contribute to the overall economy of Hong Kong.

Voiceover:
Mr Lee singled out the Top Talent Pass Scheme, which recruits graduates from the world's top 100 universities. The influx is boosting key sectors, including innovation and technology, finance, trading and shipping.

Looking ahead, he underscored that retaining this global talent is just as vital as attracting them in the first place.

Chief Executive John Lee:
They are really talent whom enterprises are willing to pay a lot to attract them.

That is another challenge because a talent will continuously be offered very attractive terms by other places, even though he is already in Hong Kong.

But I am glad to see at least 50% (for extension of stay), and it is getting up there, I think more than 50%, towards 60%.

Voiceover:
The Chief Executive added that the post-pandemic acquisition target of 35,000 professionals a year is no longer sufficient. To maintain its competitive edge, Hong Kong must aim higher.

Chief Executive John Lee:
But I think we should continue to attract more talent, and we will make sure that they will become an integral part of Hong Kong's workforce.

Talent engagement has been one of the core policies of the current-term Government.

In an interview with news.gov.hk marking his fourth year in office, Chief Executive John Lee highlighted Hong Kong’s strong progress in drawing global talent, noting that more than 290,000 professionals have arrived through various talent schemes, a figure that readily surpasses the Government’s targets.

In the International Institute for Management Development’s World Talent Ranking 2025, Hong Kong advanced to fourth place worldwide and ranked top in Asia.

Mr Lee described this rise in talent competitiveness as a success story under his leadership, and proof that the Government’s talent policy is working in the right direction.

“This is important because talent will be positive for us if the talent joins me, but will probably be negative to me if it goes to my competitor because he becomes more competitive and I become less competitive.”

Mr Lee also emphasised the substantial economic value the talent schemes continue to deliver for the city.

He cited studies indicating that talent is expected to contribute around 1.2% to Hong Kong’s gross domestic product, but stressed that the actual figure is likely to be higher, as individual talents bring in their family members and contribute to the broader economy.

Mr Lee singled out the Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS), which recruits graduates from the world’ top 100 universities, for recognition. The influx of personnel via the TTPS is boosting key sectors, including innovation and technology, finance, trading and shipping.

Looking ahead, he underscored that retaining these high-achieving individuals is just as vital as attracting them in the first place.

“That is another challenge because a talent will continuously be offered very attractive terms by other places, even though he is already in Hong Kong.”

Mr Lee expressed satisfaction that the TTPS has recorded an extension rate of at least 50%, and added that he expects that to grow towards 60%.

The Chief Executive remarked that the post-pandemic acquisition target of 35,000 professionals a year is no longer sufficient. To maintain its competitive edge, he said, Hong Kong must aim higher.

He added that the Government will continue to strive to attract more talented individuals and ensure that they become an integral part of the city’s workforce.