Fourth-term Human Resources Planning Commission convenes sixth meeting
The sixth meeting of the fourth-term Human Resources Planning Commission was held today (June 22).
At the meeting, the Office of the Government Economist briefed members on Hong Kong's latest economic performance and labour market situation. Members noted that Hong Kong's economy expanded robustly in the first quarter of 2026, growing by 5.9 per cent over a year earlier, marking the strongest economic growth in nearly five years. The labour market showed moderate improvement in recent months, with the latest seasonally adjusted unemployment rate (for March 2026 to May 2026) dropping from 3.9per cent to 3.7per cent compared with the period from November 2025 to January 2026. Looking ahead, Hong Kong's economic outlook remains largely resilient, with the real Gross Domestic Product growth forecast for 2026 projected at 2.5per cent to 3.5per cent.
In addition, the Security Bureau briefed members on the various immigration facilitation measures for the public and businesses. These included measures facilitating the southbound and northbound two-way flow of talent, and visa and immigration facilitation measures. Through the immigration facilitation measures for the public and businesses, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government will actively align with the National 15th Five-Year Plan and fully leverage Hong Kong's unique role as a "super connector" under "one country, two systems" to better integrate into and serve the overall national development. Members welcomed the enhancement measures, noting that they would further enrich Hong Kong's talent ecosystem and inject new momentum into the city's long-term economic development.
Members also noted that the Health Bureau had commissioned the Hospital Authority (HA) to carry out a new round of healthcare manpower projections this year. The purpose of the projection exercise is to ensure that there are sufficient healthcare professionals to meet the ever-evolving demand for healthcare services in society, and that the relevant training policies remain aligned with actual circumstances. The Government and the HA will further refine the methodology for this round of projection and promote data collection simultaneously. This includes systematically compiling relevant data such as overall service volume statistics, human resource distribution, and local training scale from the industry and various medical specialties. Views regarding future population changes and the status of technology application raised by members will be incorporated. The results are expected to be published in mid-2027. Based on the projection results, the Government will revisit the existing strategies for local healthcare manpower in tandem with the next University Grants Committee triennium, as well as the reviews of other schemes, in making further recommendations on the relevant healthcare training places. With a continuously ageing population, the demand for healthcare services is facing structural growth. Members supported the HKSAR Government's proactive efforts in conducting the healthcare manpower projection, utilising data analysis to guide policy and service planning, thereby enhancing the precision and forward-looking nature of public health policies.
Source: AI-found images
SITI commences visit to Australia
The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, began his visit to Sydney, Australia, today (June 22, Sydney time). The visit aims to further deepen exchange and collaboration between Hong Kong and Australia in innovation and technology (I&T).
In the morning, Professor Sun met with the Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading, Minister for Industry and Trade, Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology, Minister for Building and Minister for Corrections of New South Wales (NSW), Australia, Mr Anoulack Chanthivong, and exchanged views on issues of mutual concern including I&T, transformation of research and development outcomes, development of start-ups, talent nurturing, and industrial collaboration between Hong Kong and NSW. NSW has a solid foundation in higher education, scientific research and an innovation ecosystem, while Hong Kong, with its unique advantages under the principle of "one country, two systems", is an important bridge connecting the Chinese Mainland and the world in areas such as innovation, scientific research collaboration, emerging industries and talent exchange. There is potential for further co-operation in various areas between the two places.
Professor Sun visited the University of Sydney in the afternoon and met with the Vice-President (External Relations), Ms Kirsten Andrews, and the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research-Enterprise), Professor Julie Cairney, as well as several professors from the university specialising in AI, digital health, biomedical engineering, data science, and life and health technologies. They engaged in in-depth discussions on collaboration between Hong Kong and Australia in I&T, healthcare technology, scientific research collaboration, transformation of research outcomes, and talent exchange. The University of Sydney is Australia's first university and a globally leading research-intensive university.
Professor Sun also called on the Consul-General of the People's Republic of China in Sydney, Mr Wang Yu, to introduce Hong Kong's strategic positioning as an international I&T centre, and pointed out that under the National 15th Five-Year Plan, Hong Kong will actively expand co-operation with international I&T partners, including Australia, and continuously enhance its innovation capabilities and international competitiveness.
Professor Sun met with a group of Chinese Mainland scholars and scientists from different universities in Sydney. They exchanged views on strengthening academic, scientific and research collaboration and talent exchanges between Hong Kong and Australia. Professor Sun said that Hong Kong is in a golden age of I&T development and is committed to building an international hub for high-calibre talent. He welcomed Australian scientific research talent to participate in the innovation development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the country through Hong Kong.
After concluding his visit that day, Professor Sun travelled to Melbourne in the evening to continue his visit.
SITI commences visit to Australia Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
SITI commences visit to Australia Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
SITI commences visit to Australia Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
SITI commences visit to Australia Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
SITI commences visit to Australia Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
SITI commences visit to Australia Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
