Empowering Abilities in a Changing Environment: A Summary of The Hong Kong Jockey Club Community Project Grant: CareER Thriving Grass Career Development Programme 2025 (Thriving Grass)
Amidst a rapidly evolving economic landscape and shifting workforce dynamics in Hong Kong, individuals with disabilities and special educational needs (SEN) continue to face unique challenges and opportunities. Rising psychological pressures, sectoral transformations, and advancing technologies are reshaping how inclusion is realised in the workplace.
In this article, Walter Tsui, Co-Founder and CEO of CareER, shares candid reflections on how the Thriving Grass Programme 2025 is responding to these changes. Drawing from frontline experience, Walter discusses the programme’s new initiatives, recent trends in diversity and inclusion (D&I) recruitment, and a hopeful vision for a truly inclusive future.
📌What were the key highlights of Thriving Grass 2025? Are there any new activities provided to support CareER members’ growth?
Thriving Grass 2025 introduced meaningful new initiatives to address the evolving needs of members amid a challenging economic climate. Recognising increased psychological pressures faced by people with disabilities entering the workforce, the programme expanded its services to support them with a strong focus on mental well-being. This includes dedicated workshops centred on stress management to help members transition smoothly into the workplace.
Alongside regular training in employment readiness and disability self-identity, workplace social etiquette has become a prioritised area for development, with tailored workshops and casual Friday evening peer networking sessions (FRInights) where alumni and members share practical advice on communicating disability needs and reasonable accommodations. These activities nurture self-acceptance and vital social skills, supporting members’ holistic growth and resilience.
📌How has the landscape of Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) recruitment evolved in recent years, and what trends did 2025 reveal?
Hong Kong’s D&I recruitment landscape has noticeably shifted over recent years, with 2025 seeing marked diversification and sectoral transformation. While inclusive hiring in financial services and industry slowed down slightly under the current economic climate, growth emerged in many local industries and sectors: property management, logistics (including air and sea transport), IT, and real estate development sectors, providing valuable opportunities for candidates with disabilities.
This year, we observed challenges among partner NGOs and social enterprises, which impacted recruitment volume. In response, our team intensified efforts to broaden partnerships and actively encouraged local large enterprises to participate in the Thriving Grass Programme, yielding new pathways for employment.
Employers in the service industry are increasingly recognising the value of hiring people with disabilities, prompted by demographic changes and the growing need to meet diverse customer demands. Many of these employers have also invested in inclusive service and reception training to foster a more accessible and welcoming environment.
📌What message would you like to share with individuals with disabilities and employers as the Thriving Grass Programme looks to the future?
Looking ahead, we will continue to place focus on empowering our members in various areas: job and career readiness through workplace culture familiarisation, fostering self-acceptance of their disabilities, and social skills development for effective networking and workplace interaction. Hence, our programme’s walk-in counselling and coaching services, as well as our support team, play an indispensable role in navigating members through evolving challenges, especially in the post-pandemic era marked by increased digitalisation and social complexities. The commitment of these professionals warrants heartfelt recognition.
Employers are strongly encouraged to embrace diversity by recognising the extensive talents of individuals with disabilities, many of whom hold advanced degrees across disciplines, including engineering, law, finance, and marketing. Despite ongoing market challenges that could affect hiring decisions in some industries, the overall number of internship placements has remained steady, and the aspiration remains for a diversified workforce that fosters mutual prosperity. We envision inclusive hiring as a pathway to enrich businesses and empower individuals, underscoring that in daily life, shared success depends on valuing varied abilities and experiences.
For CareER members, it is essential to recognise that each job placement is a meaningful opportunity made possible through the dedication and collective efforts of multiple stakeholders. While honing your technical skills during internship placements is crucial, it is equally important to value the soft skills and connections you develop throughout the program. Every job placement not only reflects your personal success but also embodies the collective spirit of Hong Kong’s disability community. We encourage all CareER members to keep moving forward with confidence, serving as an inspiration to the broader network and paving the way for greater inclusion and possibilities in society.