Dear Members,

After a year of robust recovery, Hong Kong’s economy is expected to grow moderately in 2022. Although the new Omicron variant cast uncertainty on the city’s financial outlook, the long awaited quarantine free travel bubble with the Mainland China is likely to rejuvenate local businesses impacted by COVID-19 in the future.

At the end of last year, the HKIHRM was invited to share our views on the 2022-23 Hong Kong SAR Budget Consultation. Our recommendations included measures to generate employment opportunities, strengthen Hong Kong’s green finance capability, and enhance Hong Kong’s infrastructure in support of growth. For our views in full, please visit the Advocacy section of our website.

Regarding generating employment opportunities, the HKIHRM has launched the Job Creation Scheme (the Scheme) 2.0 in collaboration with the Civil Service Bureau. Riding on the success of the Scheme 1.0, the Scheme 2.0 aims to create up to 1,000 time-limited jobs of different skill sets and academic qualifications in the private sector. Under the Scheme 2.0, eligible members of the Institute may apply for a monthly subsidy from the government for each eligible job position created. Open to any job functions paid with a fixed monthly salary, the Scheme 2.0 is on a first come first served basis. You can find out more about the scheme on our dedicated website.

Amidst the pandemic, the Pay Trend and Benefits (PTB) Seminar 2021 and the Virtual Annual Conference 2021 were held in the fourth quarter last year to support HR professionals in navigating the challenges posed by COVID-19. The PTB Seminar “Decoding the Future of C&B in a Post-COVID World” was the first physical event after a year and a half, with over 200 professionals in attendance. At the Seminar highlights from the Pay Trend Survey and the 2021 Topical Study: Emerging from the COVID-19 Crisis: HR Practices & Policies were released.

Titled “HR in the Driver’s Seat: Purpose . Sustainability . Future Ready”, the Virtual Annual Conference 2021 rounded up more than 60 star speakers from Hong Kong and overseas. The Annual Conference featured the Hon Bernard Chan, GBM, GBS, JP as Guest of Honour, and Prof Frederick Ma Si-hang, GBS, JP and NiQ Lai, Co-Owner and Group CEO of the HKBN Group as Keynote Speakers. Over 500 participants had enjoyed the two-day event.

Furthermore, this issue marks another key milestone – the HR Journal has gone digital. We look forward to engaging with you on this exciting new platform, on which latest HR news and insights are just a click away. Last but not least, may I take this opportunity to wish you and your family a prosperous and healthy Year of the Tiger.

Margaret Cheng, JP

President of the HKIHRM