​Following is the speech by the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, at the International Talent Forum of the Global Talent Summit Week this morning (March 19):

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

      A very good morning to you all. It is a privilege to join you at the International Talent Forum of the Global Talent Summit Week.

      Yesterday's programme provided a broad and strategic perspective on the forces reshaping our world. Through thoughtful exchanges among leading academics and industry leaders, we examined the future of work in a rapidly evolving global landscape, the transformative impact of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, and the shifting relationship between education, innovation and talent development.  

      I think many of you still remember the keynote address delivered by the Nobel Laureate Professor Christopher A Pissarides highlighted the importance of skills development, strong institutions and forward-looking manpower policies in an era shaped by technology and global mobility. Mr Winfried Engelbrecht‑Bresges, CEO (Chief Executive Officer) of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, shared how a purpose‑driven organisation can attract, develop and retain world-class talent in service of our society. The fireside chat and three panel discussions on education, technology and talent further explored how enterprises and universities are adapting to artificial intelligence and global change, strengthening partnerships and building resilient talent pipelines.

      The Day One programme reflected on how economies must respond to structural change, technological disruption and new expectations of the manpower landscape, and deepened our understanding of the global context in which talent strategies must now operate.

      Today, we turn from global and theoretical perspective down to earth on a very practical front: it is about the delivery.

      If Day One explored the "why" and the "what" of change, Day Two focuses on the "how", a key which we are all good at. Today's programme demonstrates how Hong Kong translates strategy into action. It reflects our determination to build a resilient and forward-looking manpower ecosystem capable of contributing to our country's high quality development under the National 15th Five-Year Plan.

      Moving beyond conceptual discussions, today's programme highlights implementation. It brings together your leadership, cross-boundary collaboration, industry-academia-research partnership and organisational talent strategies into a coherent narrative. It shows how early engagement, institutional co-operation and enterprise practice can converge to create a sustainable and globally connected talent ecosystem.

      This morning, we will witness an important milestone as Hong Kong Talent Engage (HKTE) signs a Cooperation Agreement with Junior Chamber International Hong Kong, China. This agreement marks the launch of a strategic partnership aligned with Hong Kong's priorities in innovation, sustainability and collaboration in the Greater Bay Area.

      Through this partnership, we aim to foster new cross‑boundary initiatives and deeper industry connections, while strengthening our youth talent ecosystem. By empowering young professionals with international exposure and meaningful engagement, we invest in the next generation of leaders who will shape Hong Kong's future.

      Another key theme running through today's programme is collaboration across boundaries and sectors. During the 15th Five-Year Plan period, Hong Kong will further align with national development strategies and deepen our role and contribution in supporting our country's development. Leveraging our dual role as an international talent hub and the country's gateway for talents, together with our strengths in education and innovation, Hong Kong is uniquely placed to connect global talent with the Chinese Mainland.

      Enhancing synergy within the Greater Bay Area is not merely an economic objective; it is a strategic imperative for talent development. By facilitating mobility, fostering joint initiatives and encouraging complementary strengths, we unlock shared opportunities and reinforce regional competitiveness.

      We recognise that sustainable talent development ultimately depends on what happens within organisations. Enterprises must anticipate future skills demand, invest in continuous learning and cultivate inclusive workplace cultures. Professional bodies and institutions play an important role in promoting standards, supporting lifelong learning and strengthening professional mobility. These practical efforts ensure that our manpower ecosystem remains agile, resilient and future‑ready.

      Talent development must deliver tangible outcomes. It must create an enabling environment in which individuals can realise their aspirations, enterprises can innovate with confidence and society can advance with stability and resilience. Attraction, integration and retention are interlinked processes, and success requires co-ordination, commitment and sustained effort.

      In recent years, the HKSAR (Hong Kong Special Administrative Region) Government has enhanced the talent admission schemes to attract talents and professionals from around the world. Through HKTE, we provide one-stop support services to facilitate settlement and integration, strengthening the connection between policy vision and lived experience. Our objective is to cultivate a vibrant ecosystem where talent is valued, supported and inspired to contribute over the long term.

      Equally important is our commitment to nurturing local talent. Investment in education, vocational training and skills upgrading ensures that our local workforce can adapt confidently to technological transformation and economic restructuring. By strengthening every stage of the talent pipeline from youth development to mid‑career advancement, we reinforce the resilience and vitality of our manpower ecosystem.

      Hong Kong's enduring strengths provide a solid foundation for these efforts. Our internationally recognised universities, robust intellectual property protection, rule of law, simple and competitive tax system, and deep global connectivity position us uniquely to bridge global expertise with national opportunity. These advantages enable Hong Kong not only to attract talent, but also to serve as a dynamic platform for collaboration, innovation and enterprises.

      Ladies and Gentlemen, in an era defined by accelerated changes and uncertainty, talent remains our most valued and strategic asset. The transition from conceptual dialogue and global insight yesterday to deliberations on practical action today reflects our shared resolve to ensure meaningful and successful implementation.

      Later today, we will also convene a closed‑door symposium bringing together senior officials from the Central Government, as well as representatives responsible for talent affairs from major Chinese Mainland cities and Macao. This high‑level exchange will enable candid dialogue on policy co-ordination, institutional alignment and practical collaboration. Through focused discussions on standards convergence, professional qualification recognition, the cross-boundary flow of innovation resources, and exchange of experiences, we seek to deepen co-operation and inject new momentum into the talent territory in a national context.

      Before I conclude, I wish to express my heartfelt appreciation to all organisers and partners who have contributed to the satellite events throughout the Global Talent Summit Week. Your vision, professionalism and steadfast support have significantly enriched the scope and substance of this Summit. Through your collective efforts, the Summit has evolved into a vibrant platform for dialogue, partnership and forward-looking action.

      The achievements of this week stand as a testament to what can be accomplished when government, industry, academia and professional communities work all together in concert. It is this spirit of collaboration and shared purpose that will continue to propel Hong Kong forward.

      By working together to strengthen our manpower ecosystem and reinforce Hong Kong's role as an international talent hub, we will contribute with confidence and determination to sustainable development for the city and our country.

      Thank you.

Ends/Thursday, March 19, 2026
Issued at HKT 12:43

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