This file photo dated June 23, 2022 shows an aerial view of residential buildings in the Tin Shui Wai district in the New Territories. (PHOTO / AFP)

Interest among Hong Kong’s younger generation in developing their careers in the Northern Metropolis is growing, given emerging quality jobs in technology, retail, and education sectors in the area, according to a survey released on Tuesday.

More than 60 percent of respondents are willing to develop careers in the Northern Metropolis, a 300-square-kilometer area bordering Shenzhen, the survey by the Junior Chamber International North District — an organization focusing on the development of local youth — showed.

In mid-June, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government inaugurated the Northern Metropolis Co-ordination Office to champion and drive the mega development project on its northern border

Over 70 percent of respondents support the development of the Northern Metropolis, while 58 percent are upbeat over its potential in industrial development. More than half believe the mega project could be accomplished in 11 to 20 years, which was originally thought to take 26 to 30 years to develop.

READ MORE: HKSAR govt sets up Northern Metropolis Coordination Office

The survey was conducted from March to July. A total of 1,084 people were interviewed. 

Respondents believe the Northern Metropolis can offer them abundant opportunities in the innovation and technology sector, such as new industrialization, digital economy and financial technology. 

Retail business and education sectors in the Northern Metropolis are also expected to offer “quality and promising” career opportunities for the group, according to the survey results.

Unveiled in the 2021 Policy Address by then-Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, the planned Northern Metropolis is envisioned as a new international inno-tech hub, integrating quality life, new economies, as well as culture and leisure.

In mid-June, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government inaugurated the Northern Metropolis Co-ordination Office to champion and drive the mega development project on its northern border. 

According to the Development Bureau, the office will coordinate the project’s advances in land development, housing supply, transport infrastructure, ecological conservation, and the development of industries and government facilities.

An action agenda and an implementation plan for the Northern Metropolis will be formulated and promulgated by the NMCO this year. 

READ MORE: Overcoming housing supply hurdles by unleashing Northern Metropolis land

Witman Hung Wai-man, director of Greater Bay Area Research Center of China Silk Road iValley Research Institute and adjunct professor at City University of Hong Kong,  said: “More effort should be put to attract top universities both domestically and internationally, not just for undergraduate education, but also for industry-academia collaboration and research institutes. There should be more development in this area, such as increasing the availability of venues.”

Kenneth Yu Sau-yin, president of the Junior Chamber International Hong Kong, said that the Northern Metropolis should build an innovative base with a global vision to provide international opportunities and inspire young entrepreneurial spirit through organizing exchange activities, training programs, and forums. 

“We hope that the Northern Metropolis can play its role as a bridge connecting Hong Kong and (other cities) of the Greater Bay Area to offer multidimensional development opportunities for young people and inspire innovative thinking. This will enrich the international perspectives of the younger generation and promote interaction and cooperation between Hong Kong and (the rest of) the Greater Bay Area.” Yu said.

Contact the writer at evanliu@chinadailyhk.com