Hong Kong Achieves Fourth Place In Global Talent Rankings For 2025 Amid Education Improvements

Hong Kong has achieved a remarkable leap in the 2025 World Talent Ranking, moving up to fourth place among 69 global economies. This improvement from ninth position last year is attributed to advancements in education and career opportunities. The ranking, issued by the Switzerland-based International Institute for Management Development, places Hong Kong as the leading region in Asia with an overall score of 80.1.

Switzerland topped the list with a perfect score of 100, followed by Luxembourg at 83.08, and Iceland at 82.18. Hong Kong excelled in several areas, maintaining its top position for the percentage of STEM graduates among all graduates. It also ranked third for finance skills availability and fifth for management remuneration and education effectiveness.

The city's progress is set against efforts to attract global talent. By the end of August, over 520,000 applications were received under various talent attraction programs, with more than 350,000 approved by the SAR government. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu highlighted that this improved ranking reflects the government's commitment to talent development.

During a summit on collaboration between Hong Kong and ASEAN, Lee emphasized the recognition of Hong Kong's academic achievements by the International Institute for Management Development. He noted that prestigious local universities have consistently ranked among the global top 100, nurturing top scientists and researchers.

Lee stated that leveraging these elite professionals' skills positions Hong Kong as a rapidly growing innovation and technology hub. Chief Secretary for Administration Eric Chan Kwok-ki echoed this sentiment on social media, noting that Hong Kong's talent programs and development prospects are drawing global elites from various sectors.

Secretary for Education Christine Choi Yuk-lin remarked that the ranking validates recent policy directions in education, innovation, technology, and talent attraction. She also mentioned efforts to promote "Study in Hong Kong" to outstanding students worldwide.

Strategic Human Resources Planning

A government spokesperson affirmed ongoing efforts to address human resources needs aligned with strategic goals across eight key areas or "eight centers." The aim is to enhance local talent training while diversifying the talent pool through various initiatives.

The Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong welcomed these developments. As the city's largest political party, it praised Hong Kong's competitive edge in attracting global talent. The party urged continued projection of human resources needs and suggested establishing a future talent list to attract essential professionals.

Top Talent Pass Scheme

The Top Talent Pass Scheme was launched in 2022 as a crucial effort to attract talent. It provides a fast-track channel for individuals who graduate from top universities worldwide to pursue careers in Hong Kong.

Lawmaker Frankie Ngan Man-yu from the Democratic Alliance stressed supporting new professional arrivals. He called on the government to offer better assistance for newcomers, particularly enhanced information services needed for starting businesses.

The city’s rise in rankings underscores its commitment to becoming a hub for innovation and technology by fostering an environment conducive to attracting top-tier global talent.

With inputs from WAM