“Our research in building and facilities covers smart construction techniques, energy-efficient buildings, and advanced facility management systems.”
Advanced facility management systems
As the principal link between China and the international community, it is essential for Hong Kong to develop as a diverse and inclusive multicultural society which strengthens our international credentials. In this context, our people are our most valuable resource.
As we promote Hong Kong and seek to attract top talent from around the world, it is crucial to maintain a strong focus on nurturing and expanding our local talent pool, recognising it as a valuable asset and essential resource.
In this respect, there is a widespread belief that talented people within our ethnic minority communities are not being fully nurtured or adequately integrated into society. In 2021 they numbered around 300,000 people, or 4.1 per cent of the population, excluding foreign domestic workers. Many were born and grew up here but continue to struggle to integrate.
There is an urgent need to dismantle barriers preventing these people from fully participating in society and breaking free from a persistent cycle of poverty. We must do more to address the areas of language proficiency, social integration and employment prospects.
Hong Kong’s
competitive edge
To maintain and develop Hong Kong’s competitive edge, it is imperative that everyone is allowed to develop the skill sets to match the changing employment landscape. There is an urgent need for Hongkongers to reskill and upskill. However, abundant opportunities lie ahead as we embark on a new development phase amid geopolitical and economic uncertainties.
It is important to remember that Hong Kong’s journey towards inclusion and diversity is relatively recent. In 2012, the government changed policy and people of different ethnicities were allowed to join the civil service. Since then, the administration has been active and introduced policies to support these communities, including counselling and translation services in many dialects to ease access to services.
