Gov’t think tank on fostering talent

2013-11-13

From；Macau Daily Times

The Policy Research Office held a press conference yesterday to comment on its intention of establishing a long-term mechanism dedicated to training local talents, which the Chief Executive announced as part of the policy address.
Yesterday, the CE said that the MSAR would build a long-term mechanism to cultivate local talents, which includes setting up a talent development committee directly under the Chief Executive. A series of commitments – such as setting up a talent evaluation system, selection mechanism and speeding the professional certification – was also given to the public.
To follow on the proposed long-term mechanism, the Office plans to launch a series of measures targeting different types of local talent, namely elites, specialists and application-oriented individuals. When asked about the specifications of these plans, Mr Mi Jian, principal consultant of the Office, said although the proposal is beginning to take shape, he could not disclose more details at this stage of development. “Application-oriented persons should currently be listed with priority in Macau,” he noted.
In the official press release, the Policy Research Office also emphasized the need to increase the proportion of residents in managerial positions in large-scale enterprises, as well as attracting local citizens that live abroad to return to Macau.
“The type of talent that Macau needs is interdisciplinary, including those who have mastered multiple languages and possess knowledge of both trading and law,” said Lao Pun Lap, Coordinator of the Office. “The demand lies not only in the gaming and entertainment industry, but also in cultural and creative industries, Chinese traditional medicine, and middle and senior management.”
As for the earlier suggestion of allowing non-local graduates a “grace period” to stay in Macau, the coordinator stressed that guaranteeing jobs for the local workforce should be the priority. “After that, if there is still a lack of manpower, migrant workers could be introduced,” said Lao Pun Lap. He believes the mechanism already exists, but needs to be improved. Lao suggested a survey on local human resources regarding how many people are needed for the industry and how many are short of manpower. This, according to him, could reduce “unnecessary disputes.”
Lao Pun Lap also encouraged young people in Macau to explore outside the territory, attending schools or internships in the mainland or abroad.
He revealed that the government plans to finance more students to receive education outside Macau. Lau is not worried about the turnover of these students, and is confident that the MSAR government will be able to attract the reflux of elites.

Copyright@Macau Daily Times