Calls to refine talent-search approach

Members of the Legislative Council expressed their backing for the government's strategy to transform Hong Kong into a premier destination for exceptional talent. Deputy Abbot Chan highlighted that international students are increasingly considering Hong Kong as a study destination, not only for its prestigious institutions but also due to the city's broader opportunities.

He proposed that the government's efforts to recruit researchers from the world's top universities should focus on specific research areas where institutions excel, rather than casting a wide net. This approach would result in attracting even more elite talents. Education sector representative Tang Fei emphasized the government's commitment to boosting talent attraction through initiatives like increasing University Grants Committee-funded postgraduate research places and scholarship quotas for international students.

Tang cited examples such as expanding post-secondary education's internationalization, enhancing the 'Study in Hong Kong' brand, and increasing quotas for scholarships like the Belt and Road Scholarship and Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme. Lawmaker Christine Fong suggested the development of a one-stop tourism booking platform using AI and real-time data management to streamline processes like expense charges and crowd control.

Meanwhile, Jonathan Leung, from the catering industry, noted an 8.5% year-on-year increase in mainland visitors during the National Day Golden Week holiday, but expressed concern that most tourists were flocking to popular destinations. He urged the Tourism Board to leverage key opinion leaders and social media influencers to attract visitors to less saturated areas, benefiting restaurants in those regions as well.