At the recent Hong Kong-Asean Summit 2023, the Honorable Minister Tan See Leng, representing Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower, expressed a positive outlook regarding the potential for collaboration between Singapore and Hong Kong. Minister Tan conveyed that both cities are well-positioned to function as catalysts for talent development, particularly in mainland China and Southeast Asia. He stressed the significance of recognizing each other’s unique strengths and specializations, rather than perceiving one another as competitors, in order to capitalize on mutual advantages.
Minister Tan underscored Hong Kong’s strategic connectivity to the Chinese hinterland and its central positioning within the Greater Bay Area, which presents a myriad of opportunities for talent development. Conversely, he recognized Singapore’s capacity to serve as a key facilitator for talent growth within Southeast Asia. His insights served to highlight the positive and complementary nature of the relationship between the two cities.
Furthermore, Minister Tan expounded upon Hong Kong’s aspirations to engage in Beijing’s Greater Bay Area initiative, aimed at establishing a thriving global technology and economic hub within the Pearl River Delta region. By joining forces with cities such as Macau, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou, Hong Kong can attract global talent and contribute to the overall advancement of the region.
In addressing the potential for collaboration between Singapore and Hong Kong, Minister Tan emphasized the abundant opportunities for trade and knowledge exchange. He stressed the importance of implementing transparent and predictable procedures for selecting foreign talent, as well as the existence of frameworks to assess how foreign workers can complement the local workforce. Furthermore, he highlighted Singapore’s substantial investment in its domestic workforce through training programs and career development initiatives.
Minister Tan underscored the necessity of harmoniously integrating local talent with foreign expertise to ensure a sustainable and thriving workforce for both cities. He expressed confidence in this approach as a means to enhance the value of Singapore’s workforce and to support the development of Hong Kong.
Concluding his remarks, Minister Tan expressed his hope for the continued collaboration and interconnectedness between Singapore and Hong Kong. He emphasized the potential for the two cities to collaborate and elevate Asia to new heights.
The Hong Kong-Asean Summit 2023, a collaborative endeavor by the South China Morning Post in conjunction with the Hong Kong-Asean Foundation and the Our Hong Kong Foundation, provided a platform for leaders from various sectors to engage in dialogue and explore opportunities for collaboration.
In summation, Minister Tan’s assertions at the summit underscored the potential for Singapore and Hong Kong to synergize their strengths and unique specializations for mutual gain. His emphasis on collaboration, transparency, and investment in local talent underscored the significance of a sustainable and inclusive approach to talent development and workforce enhancement. As both cities continue to navigate their respective roles in the global economy, the prospect of collaboration presents an exciting opportunity for collective growth and success.
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