The successful conclusion of CareER’s three-year pioneering job matching programme from 2021 to 2023 marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter. The Hong Kong Jockey Club Community Project Grant has propelled CareER’s signature Thriving Grass Career Development Programme (Thriving Grass) into a fresh journey starting in 2024. The imperative for diversity and inclusion (D&I) in employment resonates more profoundly in Hong Kong society than ever. Through customised support structures, precise job matching, and holistic empowerment initiatives, Thriving Grass steers individuals with disabilities and special educational needs (SEN) towards personalised success in a rapidly evolving professional landscape.
In this article, Walter Tsui, Co-Founder and CEO of CareER, shares valuable insights on the dynamic market trends and sheds light on the programme’s strategic focus for the upcoming three years.
With the new sponsorship format now in place, is there any difference from previous years in running the programme?
Our strategy at CareER remains steadfast, centring on the evolving needs of our members with disabilities. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact and the changing economic landscape, we have dedicated ourselves to understanding and addressing the unique challenges faced by our beneficiaries. Our approach involves personalised support for each member: from membership registration to employment readiness assessment, ensuring a tailored path for each member guided by our Member Engagement Team. Job matching is finely tuned to align with each individual’s strengths, career interests and physical capabilities, facilitated by our Recruitment Team. Our Corporate Engagement Team collaborates closely with a diverse range of industries and employers on the know-how to kickstart the employer’s disability hiring journey, in turn creating valuable internship and employment opportunities in response to the rapidly evolving economic climate.
The pandemic has highlighted the importance of social connections, prompting us to launch initiatives to strengthen the sense of community and shared experiences among our members. Alumni and peers are invited to share their journeys and insights on navigating disability-related challenges within the CareER peer support community. Additionally, activities in our annual Inclusive Leadership Training Summer Camp have been designed to encourage inclusivity and empower students with diverse conditions to embrace their abilities and uniqueness. These initiatives aim to create a supportive environment where our members can leverage their peers’ strengths for collective self-development.
How have the rapidly changing circumstances influenced the perspective on D&I employment in Hong Kong?
In response to the evolving economic landscape post-pandemic in Hong Kong, it is evident that industries are undergoing significant transformations. While Thriving Grass has attracted multinational corporations and financial institutions, this year we have seen a shift. Market fluctuations have influenced hiring dynamics, prompting a re-evaluation of recruitment strategies by multinational entities. Concurrently, local companies are increasingly embracing the concept of D&I employment, leading to a diversification of our partnerships with local conglomerates. Alongside traditional financial sectors, there is a surge in engagement from insurance firms, real estate developers, property management companies, and engineering enterprises. Collaborations with new NGOs and small to medium-sized social enterprises have enriched our offerings, providing members with a wider array of career pathways.
Amidst Hong Kong’s current economic challenges and talent outflow, there exists a compelling incentive for employers to prioritise hiring individuals with disabilities and SEN. As conventional recruitment practices face hurdles, organisations are turning towards diverse talent pools, including youth with disabilities and varied capabilities. Our role in facilitating suitable job placements, coupled with tailored corporate training, fosters an environment where inclusivity is embraced. This not only heightens awareness but also creates tangible opportunities for our members within the evolving professional landscape.
Looking ahead, is there anything special that you would like to share with individuals with disabilities and employers?
For CareER members, our empowerment involves a three-fold approach. First, we aim to facilitate their readiness for the workforce by familiarising them with workplace culture, career directions, and preferred professional paths. Second, we encourage self-acceptance of their disabilities, recognising that authenticity fosters genuine acceptance in the workplace. Lastly, we prioritise social skills development, essential for seamless interaction with industry professionals. Through Thriving Grass, we guide members towards continuous advancement in their personal and professional capacities.
On the other hand, in our pursuit of a more inclusive workforce, we urge employers from all sectors to consider hiring individuals with disabilities and SEN. Our tailored corporate training, advisory service and the CareER Disability Inclusion Index framework equip organisations with the tools to uncover exceptional talent, nurturing an inclusive culture within the workplace.
We genuinely encourage employers to recognise the diverse talents of individuals with disabilities, many of whom hold advanced degrees across various fields. Their strengths far outweigh their disabilities, offering a wealth of expertise in disciplines such as engineering, law, finance, human resources, marketing, and more. Given the opportunity, we are poised to contribute meaningfully, enriching the workplace and society at large.