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South China Morning Post

Hong Kong's robustness continues to strengthen its status as an international talent hub

Financial services, aviation, shipping, and innovation and technology are among the key industries expected to generate a new surge of growth in Hong Kong. To meet changing business needs, the city is seeking high-calibre professionals from these sectors as part of its strategic approach to talent acquisition. Advertisement In the face of keen competition for global talent, the city has adopted a proactive approach. Key initiatives include the establishment of Hong Kong Talent Engage (HKTE), a dedicated office under the government's Labour and Welfare Bureau. HKTE plays a vital role in promoting the city's growth opportunities, its unique advantages as a gateway between mainland China and the world, and its vibrant, multicultural lifestyle. The opportunity to pursue professional growth in Hong Kong is particularly attractive to international talent, exemplified by Knight Frank's chief operations officer for Greater China, Travis Huggins. In 2011, when the native Australian first considered working abroad, London seemed a natural choice. But Hong Kong had more to offer. 'I had already been working for a few years and wanted to learn more, to hone and develop my skills. I wanted to further my career in a global market, where it was relatively easy to get started,' he says. 'For me, Hong Kong just seemed to make sense; the finance, accounting and legal frameworks were similar to those I dealt with in Melbourne. And I could also see that the city's close connections with mainland China would open all kinds of new possibilities.' Travis Huggins, Knight Frank's chief operations officer for Greater China, shares his experience at the HKTE outreach programme in Australia. After completing a series of online and in-person interviews, Huggins accepted a job in Hong Kong that offered good financial incentives and promising prospects. Advertisement The city's favourable tax regime enhanced its appeal. 'It is very simple and efficient,' says Huggins, who soon realised that the city's tightly knit urban structure meant lower household expenses. 'I began to like the convenience of living in Hong Kong; you have everything on the doorstep, at your fingertips – and everything works smoothly.'