One of Hong Kong's biggest employers has taken the lead in adopting the results of an international English test as a requirement for recruitment and promotion.
Raymond Kwok Ping-luen, vice-chairman of Sun Hung Kai Properties, said yesterday his 19,000-strong company would require applicants to meet certain standards in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
The decision comes amid employers' complaints about the declining language standards of employees in recent years.
'Our staff's results in the test will be considered for promotion in the future,' Mr Kwok said, adding that he would encourage serving staff to sit the test.
He said his company would implement the new requirement 'as soon as possible'.
In a consultation document released last month, the Standing Committee on Language Education and Research recommended that the IELTS be used to test the English standards of working adults. It assesses listening, reading, writing and oral skills, and is used worldwide for assessment of English proficiency.
Mr Kwok said it was vital that people raise their language standards if Hong Kong is to maintain its competitiveness.
