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In a demonstration of collaboration and talent development, the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) and an American financial services company saw the graduation of over 100 students from the NxTEC (Next Technologist Entrepreneurial Champion) Career Launcher programme.
This highlighted the joint efforts of these organisations to address the growing demand for tech talent in Hong Kong. The graduates completed a rigorous training programme designed to secure job placements at more than 60 HKSTP partner companies. The graduation ceremony, attended by both the graduates and their employers, as well as volunteers from the American financial services company, marked a significant milestone in their journey.
The NxTEC programme was conceived as a response to the increasing need for tech talent in Hong Kong. It sought to nurture the next generation of tech leaders by offering a comprehensive blend of upskilling workshops, internships, and mentorship opportunities.
With sponsorship from the financial services company and support from industry partners including a global non-profit organisation dedicated to fostering tech careers, as well as participation from several universities and HKSTP partner companies, NxTEC aimed to provide a bridge for young professionals eager to explore careers in the Innovation and Technology (I&T) sector.
The infusion of innovative thinking and fresh perspectives into startups has cultivated an environment where ideas flourish and boundaries are shattered. These next-gen talents are also accelerating the success of HKSTP partner companies and propelling them to new heights.
The Head of Incubation and Acceleration Programmes at HKSTP emphasised the critical role that talent plays in the thriving I&T sector, which in turn powers Hong Kong’s economic growth. He expressed HKSTP’s pride in collaborating with visionary partners like the financial services company, Generation Hong Kong, universities, and various institutions to foster the next generation of talent. According to him, the ongoing success and spirit of collaboration at NxTEC will help support the city’s burgeoning potential as a global I&T talent hub.
The Executive Director of APAC Strategy at the financial services company underscored the importance of building a skilled workforce and ensuring access to support and training for individuals from all backgrounds. He emphasised that educators, employers, and non-profit partners all play crucial roles in creating learning opportunities. Through the NxTEC Career Launcher programme, the financial services company has successfully built a diverse talent pipeline by nurturing passionate and high-calibre students from different academic backgrounds, with many of them finding placements in Science Park’s startups.
The CEO of the global non-profit organisation expressed his organisation’s delight in playing an instrumental role in the NxTEC Career Launcher programme. He highlighted the initiative’s success in matching young talent with exciting startups in HKSTP, contributing to the growth of startups in Hong Kong and enabling talented youth to embark on fruitful career journeys.
The NxTEC programme stands out for its inclusivity, welcoming students from diverse educational backgrounds, including both STEM and non-STEM fields. The primary aim is to broaden the appeal of I&T and related industries, offering an array of activities such as tech immersion, interview skills training, alumni sharing, career exploration workshops, site visits, and employer introductions. These engagements provide participants with invaluable opportunities to connect with innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders in the I&T industry.
Since its inception in 2015, NxTEC has made significant strides in advancing the tech careers of over 2,500 young talents. It has engaged with more than 550 partner companies, facilitating more than 500 successful job placements. The programme has become a cornerstone in the effort to cultivate a thriving tech ecosystem in Hong Kong.
The collaboration between HKSTP and the global non-profit organisation in the NxTEC Career Launcher programme serves as a testament to the importance of investing in the next generation of tech talent. By providing comprehensive training and support to students from diverse backgrounds, this initiative not only addresses the growing demand for tech skills but also fosters innovation and propels Hong Kong’s I&T sector to new heights.
The programme’s success is a result of the collective efforts of visionary partners, educators, employers, and non-profit organisations dedicated to creating a more equitable and vibrant future for Hong Kong’s tech ecosystem. As it continues to thrive and expand, NxTEC is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the city’s role as a global I&T talent hub.
