JCI North District conducts 'Milestone to Success!' programme to identify untapped talent in Hong Kong

The programme focused on raising awareness about untapped talent resources (especially from diverse backgrounds and rehabilitated youth) in the city.

Junior Chamber International (JCI) North District, one of the 21 chapters under the Junior Chamber International Hong Kong, has completed this year's edition of its 'Milestone to Success!' programme, with the aim to identify untapped talent in Hong Kong.

It did so by exploring the considerations of businesses when hiring talent in Hong Kong, and raising awareness about untapped talent resources (especially from diverse backgrounds and the upward mobility needs of the youth) in the city through lectures, visits, and workshops.

Speaking on how to address the talent shortage in Hong Kong, President of the JCI North District, Raymond Lai, emphasised it is important to not only rely on importing foreign labour but also tap into the potential of young locals and vulnerable communities as valuable talent resources.

He added: "By providing them with adequate learning opportunities and suitable job placements, in collaboration with relevant organisations, we can pave the way for Hong Kong's future. By nurturing the key talents of the next generation, we will be better equipped to tackle the current and future social challenges that lie ahead."

The programme has involved interviews with various company owners, and identified that among the industries affected by the labour shortage, the construction sector stands out.

This comes as a June survey conducted by the HKSAR government found that the number of job vacancies in private organisations has surged by 45% or 24,050 positions compared to the previous year. As a result, there is a growing demand for foreign labour across different sectors.

Dixon Kwok, Managing Director of York Joint (Hong Kong) Limited, noted the labour shortage plaguing his sector, and shared: "By hiring rehabilitated youth, we can cultivate fresh talent for the construction industry, enhance workplace competitiveness, and encourage them to acquire skills qualifications and construction industry licenses."

He added a success story: "We have witnessed the growth of a rehabilitated youth who initially started in a clerical role but, through further education and training, has been promoted to a managerial position within our company, leading a team of 30 to 100 workers. This success story proves that anyone can change if they are willing to do so."

In addition, publicly listed companies have their unique perspectives on talent requirements.

Jeffery Tsang, Assistant to the Chairman of Neway Group Holding, noted: "When considering the hiring of young adults from different backgrounds, our company does not discriminate based on past experiences or personal backgrounds. The most crucial factors in our hiring decisions are the values, self-confidence, life goals, and effective communication skills of the job seekers." 

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Photo / Provided by JCI North District (caption, from L-R: Lai Ming Kong, President of the JCI North District; Dixon Kwok, Managing Director of York Joint (Hong Kong) Limited; Jeffery Tsang, Assistant to the Chairman of Neway Group Holding)