Core Insights - The latest Bloomberg survey indicates that students in the Greater Bay Area are enthusiastic about cross-border fintech careers, with a growing demand for AI-related skills, highlighting the region's attractiveness as a hub for fintech talent development [2] Group 1: Student Interest and Skills Demand - Over 160 students participated in the survey, with nearly three-quarters (74%) expressing a strong willingness to engage in cross-border fintech careers [2] - Key advantages identified for pursuing fintech in the Greater Bay Area include "cross-border opportunities" (76%), "access to a large and diverse market" (76%), and "proximity to tech and financial hubs" (65%) [2] - AI and machine learning are the most sought-after skills among young fintech talents, with two-thirds (66%) of students wishing to further their studies in this area, a significant increase from last year's 54% [2] Group 2: Forum and Government Support - The Greater Bay Area Fintech Talent Summit, held on November 26, sparked lively discussions on cross-border collaboration and how AI innovation is reshaping the talent landscape in the world's most dynamic financial region [2] - The summit featured key figures such as the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury of the Hong Kong SAR, who emphasized the importance of talent in driving innovation, particularly in fintech [4] - The Hong Kong Monetary Authority's Deputy Chief Executive highlighted the establishment of an innovative financial ecosystem in Hong Kong, focusing on talent development and collaboration with the Greater Bay Area [4] Group 3: Program Development and Employment Preferences - The Greater Bay Area Fintech Talent Development Program, launched in 2022, has become a key initiative for cultivating financial talent in the region, now including students from Shenzhen for the first time [4] - Students showed a significant increase in preference for large, established financial institutions (60%), up from 47% last year, while interest in startups and innovation labs remained at 13% [5] - The program provides essential support through fintech training courses (77%), internship opportunities (76%), and mentorship (71%) [5] Group 4: Program Objectives and Partnerships - The Greater Bay Area Fintech Talent Development Program, a collaboration between Bloomberg, the Hong Kong Youth Association, and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, aims to help university students understand cross-border financial projects and fintech trends [8] - The program offers professional training, career guidance, and opportunities for students to connect with industry leaders and experts [8] - It is also part of Bloomberg's global corporate philanthropy initiative, focusing on helping students acquire the skills and experiences necessary for employment and entrepreneurship [8]

Core Viewpoint - The Greater Bay Area Financial Technology Talent Development Program aims to cultivate the next generation of fintech leaders in the Greater Bay Area, with a focus on AI applications in finance and technology services [2][3][5]. Group 1: Program Overview - The program will return in 2025 and expand to Shenzhen for the first time, responding to strong demand from students and the industry [2]. - This year's theme is "Empowering the Greater Bay Area: Moving Towards an AI-Driven Future," focusing on equipping participants with AI skills and insights relevant to the finance and technology sectors [2][3]. - A total of 20 leading financial and technology institutions will participate as corporate partners, including four new additions: Bank of East Asia, Fubon Bank (Hong Kong), Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia), and Infinity Capital Management [2][3]. Group 2: Participation and Impact - The program will include 50 undergraduate students from top universities in Shenzhen, who will join Hong Kong students for cross-border training and activities [2]. - Over the past two years, the program has provided professional training, employment guidance, and practical opportunities in the fintech industry to more than 600 university students in Hong Kong [4]. - The total number of participants this year will reach 350, marking the program's third year [3]. Group 3: Institutional Support - The Hong Kong Monetary Authority emphasizes the program's role in establishing a sustainable fintech ecosystem in the region and enhancing digital connectivity [3]. - The Hong Kong Youth Association highlights the program's importance in helping youth acquire cutting-edge skills and expand their networks in the rapidly evolving fintech sector [3]. - Bloomberg's Asia-Pacific President underscores the significance of collaborative ecosystems and strong talent pools for the future development of the Greater Bay Area [3].