Star-studded cast of advisers to help Hong Kong ‘ditch old way of thinking’ and stay competitive
Entrepreneur Allan Zeman is among the business titans and captains of industry tasked to help the government develop right policies to groom talent and boost innovation
As Hong Kong seeks to fortify its position as an international financial centre, a high-level group comprising captains of various industries has been mobilised to chart new drivers of economic growth and help the city stay competitive.
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“I think all industries need to accept that we are falling behind, and we can’t just continue to protect certain industries just because they have a long history in Hong Kong.
“It is important that we must be very open-minded and progressive, including the government itself,” said the man known as the “father of Lan Kwai Fong”, the city’s popular entertainment district.
After the government released names on the Chief Executive’s Council of Advisers on Innovation and Strategic Development on Wednesday, Lam said the group’s first meeting would take place next week.
“The members have a wealth of experience in the Hong Kong community,” she said. “Through their vast business and corporate networks I will be able to better promote the city, and connect with the international community.”
Earlier this week, the government also announced a human resources planning panel with 20 private sector leaders, including business chiefs from the city’s pillar industries, union leaders and academics.
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Their job is to advise the government on how to provide opportunities for Hongkongers and equip them with skills for the future economy, while looking at the touchy issue of managing the supply of talent from overseas and mainland China.
Members include Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing chairman Chow Chung-kong; Securities and Futures Commission chairman Carlson Tong Ka-shing; CLP Power vice-chairman Betty Yuen So Siu-mai; and Federation of Trade Unions chairman Stanley Ng Chau-pei.
Additional reporting by Ng Kang-chung