Every effort must be made in Hong Kong’s hunt for top academic talent
- Amid intense global competition, hiring specialists is hard enough, but there is also a need to persuade them to stay in the city
Hong Kong’s global search for talent must succeed if the city is to thrive in the aftermath of the pandemic. The campaign to attract specialists from around the world, involving multiple schemes and funds, is especially important in the field of innovation and technology.
Among top talents needed are internationally renowned academics to drive research. Local universities have made some impressive hires, securing the services of distinguished professors in the field.
This is encouraging, at a time when perceptions of Hong Kong overseas have suffered amid political changes and isolation during the pandemic. It shows that top academics are prepared to objectively assess the city’s prospects and recognise its appeal.
Baptist University has recruited a highly regarded chemistry professor who earned his doctorate at Oxford University and enjoyed a distinguished career in Britain. City University, meanwhile, hired a leading professor of mechanical engineering, who has previously worked in Japan and the US.
They, together with others secured through government or university programmes, are making a valuable contribution. But there is a need for the city to do more.
The government launched the Global STEM Professorship Scheme in 2021 to attract eminent academics in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, plus their research teams. Much-needed funding is provided to ensure universities can offer competitive remuneration packages.
It has had an impact, with 39 academics on the programme in March. Of these, 15 per cent are from overseas and the rest are mainland professors with experience in foreign universities.
But challenges remain amid intense global competition for specialists in key areas. Hiring them is hard enough, but there is also a need to persuade them to stay.
Concerns raised about possible disincentives to move here must be taken seriously. These include a shortage of high quality laboratory facilities, needed if the city is to fully develop its capacity to conduct groundbreaking research.
39 overseas academics recruited to Hong Kong; some say labs, home costs a deterrent
Universities have limited space for labs. But a solution must be found to ensure the city catches up with other parts of the world.
More broadly, efforts are needed to make the city a more appealing place to live and work.
The high price (and small size) of accommodation remains a problem. This will take time to solve.
In the meantime, further measures to help new recruits settle happily in Hong Kong, such as aid with housing or children’s education is required. Hong Kong is making progress in attracting the talent needed to fuel its innovation and technology ambitions, aided by the city’s universities.
The hiring of top academics provides a good foundation for top-level research and development. Now, the process must grow and develop.
