2025 World Talent Ranking Released: Hong Kong Rises to No. 1 in Asia

On September 9, the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) released the 2025 World Talent Ranking Report. Hong Kong has made a remarkable leap from ninth place globally last year to fourth place this year — its highest ranking ever — and now stands as Asia’s leader.

The report evaluates three key factors of talent competitiveness, all of which rose across the board for the second consecutive year. Hong Kong’s ranking in “Appeal” climbed to 20th place, while its “Readiness” and “Investment & Development” indicators surged to third and 12th place globally, respectively. These results affirm the effectiveness of the government’s talent attraction policies, which have already shown significant impact.

In addition, the report highlights Hong Kong’s continued global leadership in the proportion of graduates in science disciplines, ranking first worldwide. It's ranking in financial skills advanced to third place globally, while both management remuneration levels and management education effectiveness were ranked fifth worldwide.

A government spokesperson emphasized that Hong Kong’s top position in Asia demonstrates the effectiveness of its policy direction in education, innovation and technology, and talent attraction. Hong Kong’s higher education sector is highly internationalized and diverse, hosting five universities among the world’s top 100 and outstanding research talent. This has established the city as a key hub for international talent exchange and collaboration.

The spokesperson further noted: “We will continue to align with the manpower needs arising from Hong Kong’s ‘Eight Center’ strategic positioning, optimize policy measures in a timely manner, strengthen the cultivation of local talent, and enhance both the diversity of our talent pool and the effectiveness of talent schemes.”

As of the end of August this year, over 520,000 applications had been received across various talent admission schemes, of which more than 350,000 have been approved. Over 230,000 talents have already arrived in Hong Kong under these schemes during the same period. This reflects Hong Kong’s strong appeal to global talent and the significant results of its talent attraction policies, with both applications and approvals maintaining high levels.

Conclusion

Hong Kong’s substantial rise in global talent competitiveness rankings not only underscores its strengthening position as an international talent hub but also highlights international recognition of the government’s sustained investment in talent strategies and the quality of higher education.

Looking ahead, with the further implementation and refinement of talent policies, Hong Kong is expected to continue attracting high-end global talent, injecting fresh momentum into economic and social development, and solidifying its role as Asia’s leading talent center.