THE government announced the first list of most needed professions that will be given priority 
in the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme. As competition is keen worldwide, including Greater China, other than high pay and low tax, there must be upgraded supporting facilities to attract these people.
Hong Kong's economy needs a boost. However, there is a lack of not only land but also people, especially in some innovation and technology (I&T) fields. The government introduced the Postdoctoral Hub Programme and Reindustrialisation & Technology Training Programme to keep and train local technology talents, but the demand still cannot be met.
The government announced in May 2018 a three-year pilot Technology Talent Admission Scheme (TechTAS) that allows tenants and incubates of the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation and Cyberport to apply for admission of professionals from seven I&T areas with simplified immigration procedures. For every three imported talents, there must be one local full-time and two intern employees. It serves the double purpose of importing talent and training locals.
Shortage not limited to I&T
THE new list has more extensive coverage , in not just I&T but also finance, marine transportation, creative industry 
, etc, as well as waste treatment . A government admission scheme for 1,000 top talents every year is already in operation. Successful applicants who have become permanent residents in the limelight include pianists Li Yundi and Lang Lang and actress Tang Wei. In future, those in the listed professions will be given priority in this scheme.
Hong Kong's talent shortage is not limited to I&T. In waste treatment , for example, there is not yet a cost-effective recycling system using the latest technology resulting in all waste being sent to landfills.
The list needs to be updated regularly, like some overseas immigration entry scores to ensure local needs are met. Hong Kong has the conditions to attract talents because it is the nation's international I&T centre with supporting policies and funds. Moreover, the SAR already enjoys an active exchange of global expertise, reliable legal protection and a high degree of freedom with many colourful cultural & recreational activities and leisure venues.
Shenzhen keen to draw talent
HOWEVER, talent in some hot professions is much sought after globally, especially with areas developing fast in the mainland. Places like Tianjin, Shanghai and Shenzhen are doing whatever they can through measures such as providing resident status to draw talent. Competition from Shenzhen warrants most concern.
The city recently announced its talent admission measures. The "housing for talents" with accommodation sold at 60 per cent of the market price alone is already desirable. Overseas senior staff will be eligible for a subsidy of 1.6 to 3 million yuan. Their children can enjoy free schooling and priority to higher education. Also included are tax concessions, health care services, etc. The XRL connection with Hong Kong will make Shenzhen even more attractive.
Although Hong Kong has many traditional edges, housing is expensive. It makes many overseas talents hesitate to come. There is also a severe "shortage" of top international school places. Air quality is another problem. The air pollution index in recent days has remained critically high. Hong Kong needs to improve these supporting facilities to enhance its competitiveness.
