Migrant scheme lures varied talent
Apart from bringing in Olympic medalists and renowned pianists, the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme has attracted talented people with unusual skills since it was launched by the Immigration Department 14 months ago.
'When I talk to people here, telling them what I do, they will often give me a weird look as if people who move here should be bankers,' said Jordan Potash, an art therapist who arrived in January.
Mr Potash, who is in his early-30s, was trained in the United States.
He is working for the non-profit St John's Cathedral Counselling Service and saw the change as a good career move.
'Hong Kong people are driven. When they find something they want they will go after it,' he said. 'Sometimes it can be very intense.'
The art therapist said he wished to promote mental health through his expertise. 'Making art is good for people. It can let you express yourself through colours or objects to create the visual representations of inner thoughts,' Mr Potash said.
Mark Gandolfi, of St John's, said the admission scheme was attracting the right human capital. 'Counselling and mental health are becoming a heavy concern. We need more overseas professionals to contribute to the mental health system,' he said.
Paper-cutting artist Lu Xue was another successful applicant, qualifying through the achievement-based points test. Born in Shandong, Ms Lu has enjoyed the folk art since she was six. She has staged solo exhibitions overseas, in Switzerland, South Korea and the US.
'It is like a dream come true,' the 36-year-old said, adding that she had always been an admirer of the city but had heard of the many obstacles preventing mainlanders migrating.
