The spring edition of the Innovating Hong Kong Global Talent Carnival opened today (2 April) at Kowloon Bay International Trade & Exhibition Centre, bringing together more than 200 multinational and local employers with 8,000 pre-screened professionals from 40 economies. Now in its fourth year, the fair is co-organised by Hong Kong Talent Engage—the government’s one-stop talent office—and the Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks Corporation. Exhibitors range from global banks and biotech start-ups to the Airport Authority and the Immigration Department, which is running on-site counters to fast-track applications for the Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS) and Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS).
![‘Global Talent Carnival’ opens in Kwun Tong as Hong Kong doubles down on talent drive]()
For attendees seeking expert guidance on securing Hong Kong work permits or ensuring smooth renewals, VisaHQ’s dedicated Hong Kong portal (https://www.visahq.com/hong-kong/) offers end-to-end support—from document checking for TTPS and QMAS applications to real-time status tracking—making the relocation process simpler for both talent and employers.
Opening the carnival, Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun highlighted Hong Kong’s jump to ninth place globally—and first in Asia—in the 2025-26 INSEAD Global Talent Competitiveness Report. He credited recent policy tweaks: a wider university list for TTPS applicants, online visa renewals, and relaxed dependent-work rules. Corporate attendees say the changes are bearing fruit. Fin-tech unicorn AirPay moved its Asia–Pacific headquarters from Singapore to Central in February, citing the ability to “hire software engineers in weeks, not months”. Property developers meanwhile used the fair to woo returning Hongkongers with relocation packages that bundle schooling advice and housing allowances. HR teams should note that from 30 January 2026 all TTPS holders must complete an online “talent survey” within six months of arrival; failure to do so may delay visa extension. Immigration advisers recommend incorporating this compliance step into onboarding checklists to avoid last-minute scrambles.
For attendees seeking expert guidance on securing Hong Kong work permits or ensuring smooth renewals, VisaHQ’s dedicated Hong Kong portal (https://www.visahq.com/hong-kong/) offers end-to-end support—from document checking for TTPS and QMAS applications to real-time status tracking—making the relocation process simpler for both talent and employers.
Opening the carnival, Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun highlighted Hong Kong’s jump to ninth place globally—and first in Asia—in the 2025-26 INSEAD Global Talent Competitiveness Report. He credited recent policy tweaks: a wider university list for TTPS applicants, online visa renewals, and relaxed dependent-work rules. Corporate attendees say the changes are bearing fruit. Fin-tech unicorn AirPay moved its Asia–Pacific headquarters from Singapore to Central in February, citing the ability to “hire software engineers in weeks, not months”. Property developers meanwhile used the fair to woo returning Hongkongers with relocation packages that bundle schooling advice and housing allowances. HR teams should note that from 30 January 2026 all TTPS holders must complete an online “talent survey” within six months of arrival; failure to do so may delay visa extension. Immigration advisers recommend incorporating this compliance step into onboarding checklists to avoid last-minute scrambles.
