Hong Kong Rises to Fourth in Global Talent Ranking

Hong Kong has achieved its highest-ever global ranking of fourth place in the 2025 World Talent Ranking by the International Institute for Management Development, securing the top position in Asia. The city improved across all three key talent competitiveness factors—'appeal,' 'readiness,' and 'investment and development'—rising notably to 20th in appeal, third in readiness, and 12th in investment and development. Hong Kong topped the world in the percentage of STEM graduates, ranked third for availability of financial skills, and fifth in management remuneration and education effectiveness. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu attributed the progress to the government’s enhanced efforts in education, innovation, and talent attraction policies, including initiatives like the Top Talent Pass Scheme. The government reported over 520,000 applications under various talent admission schemes, with more than 350,000 approved, helping to address labor shortages and support economic growth. Lee also emphasized the importance of regional collaboration, particularly with ASEAN countries, to sustain Hong Kong's talent competitiveness amid global uncertainties.