Stacy Shi

A Guangdong job fair aimed at attracting mainland university graduates to work across the border has drawn thousands of hopefuls for 777 vacancies offered by 20 Hong Kong firms.

The fair was jointly organized yesterday by Sing Tao Daily, sister paper of The Standard, alongside job-seeking platform JobMarket and the Labour and Welfare Bureau at Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen.

JobMarket head Fanny Chan Siu-fan said the fair received an enthusiastic response, with 97 job categories to choose from, including finance, real estate and investment.

MTRC said it is seeking to expand the admission of talent from the mainland and has not set a limit.

A recruitment officer of another company said Greater Bay Area students are familiar with Hong Kong’s life and culture, and they are competitive as they are also familiar with mainland policies and have an international vision.

A financial company’s officer said job fairs are effective for employers to keep abreast of job seekers’ values and career development needs of graduates.

Students said Hong Kong has a unique attraction due to its role in globalization, while some said the SAR is one of the core cities of the GBA and is full of opportunities.

Job seeker Wang even went on a four-hour high-speed rail journey from Hubei to reach the job fair in Shenzhen. Wang, who graduated from Edinburgh Business School in Scotland, said his credentials matched Hong Kong’s market, and he was also attracted to the city’s pop culture.

Another hopeful, Zhang, from Guangzhou – who will graduate from CUHK Shenzhen in May – echoed the view.

”[Working in] Hong Kong offers benefits from the SAR’s latest policies, and we can network with some of the world’s top talent and noted companies,” said Zhang, adding that salary levels and welfare are also a lure.

Undersecretary for Labour and Welfare Jonathan Ho Kai-ming briefed the job seekers on the Top Talent Pass Scheme and immigration arrangements for nonlocal graduates.

”Hong Kong is thirsty for talent. I am also an alumnus of CUHK, and all the students here are excellent young people. I believe you all have the potential to earn millions of Hong Kong dollars a year!” he said.

”The most important thing is to take your first step.”

stacy.shi@singtaonewscorp.com