According to World Talent Ranking 2025 released by International Institute for Management Development (IMD) last year, Hong Kong ranks 4th in the world and 1st in Asia. Richard Fung and Tony Zhou, two professionals were admitted to Hong Kong via the Talent Admission Scheme, both expressed their confidence in Hong Kong’s position as global financial hub and the bridge between China and the world.
As Account Delivery Director of DayOne, a Singapore-based data center company, Tony Zhou first came to Hong Kong for business to support project operations. During the business trip, he learned about Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS) Category B. In October 2023, he received the permission of TTPS, his wife and son also moved to Hong Kong as accompanying dependants. “Living in Hong Kong is completely different from just travelling here,” Tony says. Before applying for TTPS, Tony has seriously discussed with the family about whether building a life in Hong Kong is practical. The main reason of moving to Hong Kong, according to him, is pursuing more diverse and international education for his son.
The biggest obstacle Tony and his family met when they first came to Hong Kong is language. In order to get used to local life, Tony has taken some Cantonese courses. At first, he cannot speak Cantonese at all, and dared not speak it in front of people.
“Now I can speak Cantonese without fearing making mistakes,” Tony says, “actually, I find local people are encouraging toward us Mainlanders learning Cantonese and they have even given me some compliments.”
Three months before coming to Hong Kong, Tony has strengthened the English training of his son as it is important in Hong Kong schools. His son also took the Startup Course and the Adaptation Course targeting the newly-arrived children organized by Hong Kong Education Bureau. With a certain knowledge of Cantonese and English, his son successfully enrolled into an International school, his wife also found a job here after a period of job hunting.
For future, Tony says that he and his family will apply for Permanent Residence when they meet the requirements. He expresses his appreciation towards the clear application guidelines on Immigration Department website, which can provide him timely feedback and the requirements are very transparent. “I live here longer, my love to Hong Kong goes deeper,” Tony tells the reporter, “now I have more confidence in staying here.”
The Hong Kong Immigration Department recently announces that starting from March 1, 2026, persons approved to come to Hong Kong under various Talent Admission Schemes and their dependents will be able to submit applications for extension of their stay up to three months before their expiration date. Tony says that this change is very friendly and gives more confidence and flexibility to him and his family.
Tony also actively takes part in various activities organized by the Talent Office in Hong Kong to expand his network and help each other integrate into local life. “We talents should not just enjoying the benefits, instead, we should make contributions to Hong Kong,” Tony says.
Richard Fung, General Manager of Venustech Hong Kong, he submitted his first application for for Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS) was submitted in January 2024, which received approval in March 2025. Richard says, the first reason of moving to Hong Kong is to help Venustech, a Beijing-based cybersecurity technology company, to expand Hong Kong market.
Richard recalls that he tried to prepare all the materials on his own at the very beginning, however, as there are too many materials dating back many years, he has sought assistance from the assistance from a professional agency to finish the application. “The requirements of QMAS are listed on the website, which is very transparent and reasonable,” Richard says. He also appreciates the recent Talent Admission Schemes optimization that can let him make full preparation before the expire date.
“Before working in Hong Kong, I thought local people were indifferent,” Richard talks about his impression about Hong Kong, “but now I find they are very warm-hearted.” He remembers when he came here to expand the market at the beginning, he did not know where to start and knew no one but many people from Inner Mongolia Fellowships Association of Hong Kong, InvestHK, The Hong Kong Chinese Enterprises Association and other organizations offered him help proactively, which enabled Richard overcame the initial loneliness and maladjustment to both private life and work.
Richard has been actively participating in various activities including charity activities held by local associations since moving to Hong Kong. To overcome language barrier, he keeps learning Cantonese and English, and now he can basically handle the business communication.
When talking about the future, Richard says he and his wife are planning to apply for Hong Kong Permanent Residence is on the plan, which is mainly to pursue a more internationalized education for their unborn child. “I think Hong Kong still has great potential, its position and unique advantages remain unshaken,” says Richard, “Hong Kong offers advanced education and medical treatment.”
Photo source: reference image
