Stacy Shi
Former NBA player Stephon Marbury has filed an application under the Top Talent Pass Scheme, saying he hopes to expand his charity work by inspiring youths in the city to realize their potential.
Marbury is the biggest name to want to sign up – and Hong Kong Talent Engage director Anthony Lau Chun-hon described it as a sign that shows Hong Kong is open to global talent.
Marbury, 46, who played in the National Basketball Association from 1996 to 2009, said he also hopes to encourage talent from around the globe to look to Hong Kong – a city suitable for talent development – as well as foster exchanges between mainland and local youngsters.
The American has filed an application under the scheme’s category A, which requires applicants to have an annual salary of HK$2.5 million or above in the year preceding the date of application. His application was expected to be approved in four weeks by the Immigration Department.
Marbury played in the Chinese Basketball Association from 2010 to 2018. He then coached the Beijing Royal Fighters for four years before leaving the team in September.
In 2015, Marbury received a green card in China.
Having lived in and visited several cities around the world, Marbury found Hong Kong to share similar vibes with his hometown Coney Island, New York.
”I want to become a part of the culture and help the development of Hong Kong,” he said.
In addition to helping local youths pursue dreams of becoming basketball players, he also hopes to encourage more people to try Hong Kong.
Marbury said Hong Kong is a bridge between China and the rest of the world and he wants to become a link for kids in Hong Kong when they visit Beijing.
”An American guy speaking to Hong Kong kids about China is unique,” he said. “Chinese culture has been changing and I can share my experiences of why I love Beijing with the kids.”
Marbury on Saturday attended a basketball workshop organized by the InspiringHK Sports Foundation at the Kai Yip Recreation Centre in Kowloon Bay, where he exchanged views with over 20 youngsters.
Coaching is also among his plans after receiving a visa to work in Hong Kong, with the possibility of working with one of the local basketball clubs.
Lau said his office will follow up on Marbury’s case. He added: “For example, we may introduce him to real estate agents to help him find an apartment. If his kids want to go to school here, we will assist him in applying to local or international schools.
”Our objective is to make sure incoming talent feel at ease and to be as welcoming as possible.”
Overseas job fairs will be held in the future, Lau also said, but the office is concentrating on online publicity through mainland social media platforms including Weibo and WeChat for the time being.
”We will send staff overseas to attract certain professionals based on the needs of the industry,” he said.
Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu has said the various talent schemes have received a satisfactory response, with 100,000 approved applications in the first 10 months of the year.
stacy.shi@singtaonewscorp.com
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