Hong Kong Talent Engage kicked off a talent volunteer program on Tuesday to help integrate newly arrived talent into the local community.

Talented professionals can participate in a variety of volunteer activities, such as teaching Mandarin or providing advice to new arrivals. They can also volunteer for roles at major events, such as cycling races and marathons, according to Director of Hong Kong Talent Engage Anthony Lau Chun-hon.

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The program will gradually be expanded to include more types of volunteer service.

Lau said the program is entirely voluntary, and the number of participants will depend on the needs of the cooperating volunteer organizations. He estimates that a few hundred volunteers will participate in the initial stage.

Lau said that in the past, Hong Kong Talent Engage mainly provided routine services such as helping incoming talent find jobs and schools for their children.

By inviting newly arrived talent to engage in social service through the volunteer program, Lau believes participants will find it easier to integrate into Hong Kong society more quickly, and this will be mutually beneficial.

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Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun Yuk-han said that many talented individuals hope to establish connections with the local community when they come to Hong Kong, and the volunteer program is aimed at facilitating this.

He said he believes that, through participating in volunteer activities, new arrivals will be able to engage more successfully with local communities.

Every talented individual who comes to Hong Kong possesses unique skills, and through volunteering, they can contribute their strengths to Hong Kong society, Sun said.

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The volunteer program will collaborate with the Agency for Volunteer Service and numerous charitable organizations.

Chairman of the Agency for Volunteer Service Melissa Kaye Pang said that Hong Kong has a longstanding tradition of volunteerism, and the various talent programs are expected to provide additional support for the city’s volunteer activities — which will be appreciated by her teams.

Pang added that the agency will continue to assist with the city’s volunteer activities and is eager to foster collaboration with the talent volunteer program.

Contact the writer at fangxue@chinadailyhk.com