The Innovation and Technology Commission today (March 2) announced that in order to enlarge the pool of innovation and technology (I&T) talent in Hong Kong and allow more flexibility for employers to engage talents to conduct research and development (R&D) work, the eligibility for the Research Talent Hub would be extended with immediate effect to holders of a bachelor's or master's degree in a science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)-related discipline awarded by a well-recognised non-local institution. "Well-recognised non-local institution" refers to one of the top 100 institutions for STEM-related subjects in the latest Quacquarelli Symonds World University Rankings, the Academic Ranking of World Universities and the Times Higher Education World University Rankings.

     In the past, the Research Talent Hub provided funding support for eligible companies or organisations to engage up to four graduates with a doctoral degree in a STEM-related discipline from a local university or a well-recognised non-local institution, or with a bachelor's or master's degree in a STEM-related discipline awarded by a local university to conduct R&D work. With the extension of the eligibility, employers may also engage non-local graduates with a bachelor's or master's degree. All participants must be Hong Kong permanent residents or persons permitted to work in Hong Kong.

     The Research Talent Hub aims to encourage university graduates to pursue careers in the I&T field and nurture more I&T talents. The scheme provides maximum monthly allowances of $18,000, $21,000 or $32,000 for research talents with a bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree respectively. The maximum engagement period for each research talent is 36 months. All technology companies conducting R&D activities in Hong Kong, and organisations undertaking R&D projects funded by the Innovation and Technology Fund (ITF), are eligible to apply.

     Details of the scheme are available on the ITF website (www.itf.gov.hk/en/funding-programmes/nurturing-talent/research-talent-hub/index.html). For enquiries, please contact the ITF Secretariat (Tel: 3655 5678; email: enquiry@itf.gov.hk).

Ends/Tuesday, March 2, 2021
Issued at HKT 11:45

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