Miss Jenny Chiu (Left); Mr Teddy Liu (Right)

Following the trends of an everchanging era, what the younger generation is pursuing today are not only stable jobs but also platforms that allow them to fully unleash their potential and enhance their personal potential. Forward-looking enterprises now expect their staff to possess more than just a diligent work attitude. In fact, employees also need to know how to apply the latest technologies along with possessing an aggressive sense of entrepreneurship. To this end, New World Development's human resources and talent development strategies have been reflecting this positive yet, at times, disruptive trend.

Founded in 1970, New World Development Company Limited (NWD) was publicly listed in Hong Kong in 1972. Its core business areas include property development, infrastructure and services, retail, as well as hotels and serviced apartments across Hong Kong, Mainland China, Macau and various other international cities. In recent years, the Group has been expanding its horizons, powered by its unique corporate brand personality - The Artisanal Movement.

Recruiting and Developing Talent Via the 'Hackathon'

NWD has initiated a series of breakthrough solutions for talent recruitment and development. "We launched the A•Entrepreneur Adventure programme last year to attract talents with strong entrepreneurial mindset," says Jenny Chiu, Chief Talent Development Officer and Director, Human Resources for the Group. "Through a two-day 'Hackathon' programme instead of traditional interview procedures, candidates will work closely in teams to develop their ideas into innovative business proposals over a short period of time under guidance provided by the senior management of our Group." She emphasises that today's talents should be able to overcome challenges and showcase their creativity, business mindset, communication skills as well as passions for new projects; all of which comprise the basic skills set for successful entrepreneurs.

The best performing candidates selected by the judging panel, formed by New World's senior executives and external entrepreneurs, are then invited to become key members of project teams, which will put their own business proposals into practice. In fact, this recruitment programme has also fostered the establishment of A • Entrepreneur Park, a community comprising Hackathon participants, internal high flyers and other young elites in order to help build a greater sense of cohesiveness towards NWD.

Equipping Staff with Latest Digital Skillsets

To encourage current staff to reach toward new horizons, NWD inspires everyone to think 'outside the box' and pursue 'disruptive innovation.' "Through the development of the WeCreate programme, NWD has inculcated the DNA of 'entrepreneurship' among our colleagues through a series of exchange sessions with start-up leaders," says Teddy Liu, General Manager - Corporate and Talent Development for the group.

The rapid advancement of online media platforms, software, big data analytics and artificial intelligence are transforming today's business operation models. The DigiTalent programme launched by NWD has provided a wide range of workshops on web design, video production and editing, social media marketing, and many other areas. "More than 1,100 workshop attendees and over 3,000 training hours have been logged for both the WeCreate and DigiTalent programmes," adds Liu.

While the new generation seeks a greater work-life balance, the Group has responded by proposing 'work-life integration'. "To this end, we provide a platform for our staff to continue learning and make progress while also reinforcing their positive mindsets and personal values," he explains. "Under the work-life integration system, our colleagues can put what they have learned to good use into their workplace environment and achieve greater satisfaction with the effective outcomes."