Hong Kong, 26 September, 2023 – In a significant milestone, the Financial Services Development Council (FSDC) announced the launch of the FSDC Career Festival 2023. This first industry-wide initiative in Hong Kong aims at empowering the next generation of financial services professionals – university students and young talents through valuable insights, knowledge, and networking opportunities with industry experts.

Going with the theme “From Classroom to Boardroom: Empowering Tomorrow’s Financial Leaders,” the two-month FSDC Career Festival 2023 aims at prioritizing the cultivation of skilled professionals and empowering individuals to realize their full potential.

“Something about this kick-off event electrifies and excites me like never before – and that is the overwhelmingly vibrant spirit of youth,” said Mr Laurence Li SC, Chairman of the FSDC, who welcomed the young talents attending the event. “This year, we have transformed the former FSDC Career Day into a full-spectrum Career Festival, exponentially increasing the opportunities for students and young graduates to explore the myriad options available in the financial services industry. We are also incredibly proud of the formation of our first-ever Student Advisory Group, comprised of student representatives from local universities, which provides insights and perspectives on the interests and needs of students. This ensures that our initiatives and programs at the Career Festival align with the evolving expectations and aspirations of the student community.”

Fostering human capital development and nurturing talent growth within the industry stands as a paramount mission of the FSDC. Working with 10 esteemed local universities and 12 industry partners across sectors such as asset management, banking, securities, fintech, insurance, and professional services, the initiative underlines the FSDC’s commitment to promoting the further development of Hong Kong's financial services industry and charting its strategic direction with talent development as a key focus.

The kick-off ceremony brought together over 240 university students, young talents, as well as financial services leaders and veterans, featuring notable speeches by Mr Joseph Chan, Under Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, The Government of the Hong Kong SAR, and Ms Diana Cesar, Convenor of the Human Capital Committee, the FSDC, and Executive Director and Chief Executive of Hang Seng Bank Limited.

“Nurturing a diverse and dynamic talent pool is not simply a goal. It is an absolute imperative for our continued growth and for the success of Hong Kong as the international financial centre,” said Mr Joseph Chan. “The Government has launched a series of measures to nurture local talents, including the Pilot Programme to Enhance Talent Training for the Asset and Wealth Management Sector, a Fintech internship scheme for post-secondary students, and the Pilot Green and Sustainable Finance Capacity Building Support Scheme, among others. I am delighted to see the continuous efforts of the FSDC towards the government's mission of nurturing talent to foster the development of the financial sector. I hope the FSDC Career Festival will empower aspiring young professionals to join the financial services industry and explore the diverse opportunities and possibilities that await them in this dynamic sector.”

“The career aspirations of the modern workforce are evolving. It’s not just about salary anymore, there’s growing desire for meaningful work, personal growth, and flexible working conditions,” said Ms Diana Cesar in her speech to address the attendees. “You’re not just searching for a job – you’re seeking a mission. This new perspective is our call for our industry to evolve, fostering an environment that resonates with your values, encourages innovation, and promotes a healthy work-life integration.”

During the kick-off event, the FSDC held activities that put young talents to interact with industry leaders at the forefront. These activities included an engaging InstantChat with Industry Leaders session, where seven top-level representatives from different sectors provided students with an invaluable face-to-face opportunity to ask questions, such as how to enter the industry and debunking common misconceptions; and an industry-focused career clinic that was set up for industry advisors to provide practical career advice and guidance, aiming to equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed in their chosen fields.

Going beyond the kick-off event, the FSDC Career Festival 2023, held from September to November, will host a seminar series and talks as a comprehensive “tour” of industry knowledge and insights. Collaborating with different local universities, the festival serves as a platform for experts from diverse financial sectors to share their expertise on a wide range of topics, and providing networking opportunities for students to gain valuable industry insights, stay abreast of emerging trends, and enhance their knowledge base.

Other resources such as CV writing skills and interview tips specifically tailored for the financial services industry were also offered on the FSDC website. By equipping students with essential career development resources, the FSDC aims to empower them when navigating the competitive job market with confidence and success.

Through this holistic approach, the FSDC is committed to equipping the emerging workforce with the necessary knowledge, skills, and capabilities to thrive in a rapidly evolving financial landscape. By nurturing and investing in talent, the FSDC strives to contribute to the overall competitiveness and resilience of the industry, fostering innovation, and ensuring a prosperous future for all stakeholders.

For details about the FSDC Career Festival 2023, please visit:
https://www.fsdc.org.hk/en/career-festival/2023/