Over 50 top STEM scholars move to SAR - with dozens more on way

Wallis Wang

More than 50 top scholars from around the world have started new academic positions in Hong Kong under the government's Global STEM Professorship Scheme, with a few dozens more arriving in the city in the future, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said.

A sustainable talent pool is crucial to the city's technology development and the government aims to nurture, attract and retain talent, he said.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Hong Kong Laureate Forum - an academic exchange event attended by over 20 Shaw Prize laureates and 200 young scientists - at the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks yesterday, Lee said Hong Kong is the only Asian city with as many as five universities in the world's top 100

The city also ranked first in "graduates in science" in the World Talent Ranking of the International Institute for Management Development, he said.

"To maintain our competitive edge, the government endeavors to enlarge the I&T talent pool by nurturing, attracting and retaining talents," Lee said.

"Under our Global STEM Professorship Scheme, over 50 top-notch scholars from around the world have taken up their new research and teaching roles in Hong Kong, and a few dozen more will arrive gradually."

Lee said the authorities also strive to promote science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics education in schools and offer internship opportunities to students.

He said the SAR has also successfully attracted 30 major enterprises in life science, AI, Fintech, advanced manufacturing and new-energy technology to move to Hong Kong or expand their business in the city.

"These companies alone will invest nearly US$4 billion here, and create 10,000 jobs in the coming years," he said. "This development, ladies and gentlemen, is set to revolutionize our industry structure and firmly establish I&T as a key driver of the economy. This, in turn, will form a sustainable science and innovation ecosystem for our next generation."

Lee said Hong Kong "is bestowed with the unparalleled advantage of having the strong support of national strategies and global connectivity" under the "one country, two systems" principle, and the development of the Greater Bay Area will bring more opportunities in the advancement of science.

"With a combined GDP equivalent to that of the world's tenth-largest economy, the cluster city development converges our complementary strengths in research and development, advanced manufacturing, and business and trade," he said.

Lee has announced to further boost the I&T sector in the October policy address, including AI development, promoting cross-boundary data flow and digitization of government services.

"The message is clear: we are sparing no efforts and resources in boosting I&T. And we are confident the targeted measures will further enhance our I&T ecosystem and create a strong impetus for the growth of this sector," he said.