Think tank considers threshold for talent recruitment scheme ‘very high’

The threshold for the first phase of Macau’s new talent introduction program is “very high” compared to the neighbouring region, according to Andy Loi, vice-chairman of the Collective Wisdom Policy Center.

According to the official from the think tank, around “three to four of every 10 applicants were admitted” in the first phase.

The Talent Development Committee has announced that the first phase of Macau’s new talent introduction program has received over 1,000 applications.

As the special administrative region looks to optimize its programs to attract more professionals, Loi, also a committee member, has discussed the standards and differences compared to other regions.

Loi explained the initial phase focused on talent demands and is avoiding “vicious competition in human resources.” For outstanding talent and senior professional categories, the committee targeted people who are “definitely needed” in Macau’s four major industries – finance, technology, tourism, and creative.

“The people we need are more important than the people we can accept,” Loi stated, as cited in an Exmoo report.

Using finance and technology as examples, he said Macau has done well developing those industries so the standards protect local jobs while introducing professionals to support industry growth.

In total, 1,107 applications were deemed valid with 387 candidates gaining recommended talent status as of April 30. This included 22 high-end talents, 83 outstanding talents, and 282 senior professionals.

Loi said the figures from the first phase achieved the desired results. As certain results are realized, the next phase of the plan will relax and focus on optimization. However, he emphasized Macau’s program standards differ from other regions.

The SAR government has launched a new phase of the talent introduction program, which will accept applications for three categories of talent until November 20, for a total of nine programs. The authorities also announced that there was a total of 1,107 valid applications for the first phase of the talent introduction plan, and 387 people have been included in the list of recommended talents.

For the committee member, there is a clear gap between the results of this data and Hong Kong’s efforts to attract more than 100,000 people to Hong Kong through various talent programs.

Loi added that some scholars have pointed out that there are differences in the talent introduction plans of Macau and Hong Kong, emphasizing that Macau has formulated talent introduction standards for the development of four major industries and that, during the implementation process, it focuses on preserving local employment.

The differences demonstrate how Macau tailors its talent introduction to strategically support identified industry needs as the special administrative region continues optimizing programs to attract top global professionals.

The talent assessment entity will review the documents and information submitted by applicants in accordance with the applicable talent introduction plan and based on each applicant’s contribution to improving the innovation, competitiveness, international reputation of the Macau SAR or promoting moderate economic diversification.

Staff Reporter