John Lee unveils plans to boost workforce skills and protect local labor rights

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu announced initiatives to empower Hong Kong’s workforce through enhanced training and labor protections, including a revamped Employee Retraining Board and measures to prioritize local employment, as the city climbs to a record-high fourth place in global talent rankings.

Lee emphasized the government’s commitment to equipping the city’s workforce with new skills to keep pace with rapid industrial changes and technological advancements. 

Speaking via video at an industry awards ceremony, he outlined plans to overhaul the Employee Retraining Board to help workers stay competitive and strengthen the city’s talent pool. 

A key focus is optimizing a re-employment subsidy pilot program to unlock the potential of local labor and support workers in adapting to evolving job markets.

The government is also introducing measures to safeguard local workers’ rights, as detailed in Lee’s latest policy address.

These include cracking down on the misuse of the Supplementary Labour Scheme, increasing on-site recruitment efforts for specific job types through the Labour Department, and imposing stricter limits on the proportion of imported labor. 

Additionally, efforts to combat illegal employment will be intensified to prioritize job opportunities for Hong Kong residents. 

To address modern workforce challenges, protections for gig economy workers on digital platforms will be improved, alongside ongoing efforts to enhance occupational safety and health standards.

Lee highlighted Hong Kong’s recent achievement in the World Talent Ranking 2025, where the city jumped from ninth to fourth place, marking its highest-ever position and earning the top spot in Asia. 

He praised the professionalism, diligence, and adaptability of Hong Kong’s workforce, crediting them as a cornerstone of the city’s social development and economic growth, with their contributions felt across all sectors.