Hong Kong's Chief Executive, John Lee, announced a series of proactive measures to attract AI-related talent as part of the city's new economic development plan. These initiatives were unveiled in the Policy Address 2026 and the First Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development (2026-2030), marking a significant step to bolster the city's competitive edge.

To address local talent shortages, the government will study the inclusion of more AI application-related professions in the "Talent List." This expansion will enrich the current list, which covers 60 professions facing local talent shortages, including experts in finance, healthcare, and innovation and technology.

In a move to support startup founders, the government will relax renewal requirements for the "Top Talent Pass Scheme." Foreign talents who establish startups in Hong Kong may face income instability during the initial business phase, making renewal applications uncertain. Under the new policy, startup operators supported by designated public institutions will be exempt from providing company income proof when applying for renewal, facilitating their continued development in Hong Kong.

The "Special Invitation Scheme" will be broadened to include Central Asian and Middle Eastern countries and regions, extending beyond its current ASEAN member base. All government policy bureaux and departments will be permitted to issue invitations under this program, fostering economic and trade exchanges.

Additionally, a new visa category will be introduced to allow non-local individuals to attend short-term training programs endorsed by government policy bureaux and departments. This initiative aims to position Hong Kong as a regional training hub, further enhancing its role in knowledge exchange and professional development.