Policy Address

40. Second, to enlarge the I&T talent pool to create strong impetus for growth, with additional measures focusing on attracting I&T talents. We will:

1. attract leading I&T talents around the globe – By collaborating with the OASES, we will provide special facilitation measures in a targeted manner to attract top-notch I&T talents to bring with them their business or R&D outcomes to Hong Kong;

2. enhance existing technology talent schemes – We will enhance the TechTAS by lifting the local employment requirement, extending the quota validity period to two years and expanding the coverage to more emerging technology areas. In addition, we will increase the subsidies provided for research institutions and I&T enterprises for employing research talents under the Research Talent Hub Scheme by about 10%. Research talents with a doctoral degree will be further provided with a living allowance;

3. enhance accommodation support – We will build more accommodation facilities for I&T talents, including to explore the development of a new InnoCell near Science Park and accommodation facilities for talents at the HSITP. In support of the development of San Tin Technopole, we will allow greater planning flexibility to provide additional accommodation for I&T talents; and

4. expand the STEM Internship Scheme – We will offer local I&T internship opportunities to university students studying STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) programmes overseas or at GBA campuses established by designated local universities.