[Employer’s Story] Empowering the Future: Innovative Solutions for Tech Talent Shortages

As Hong Kong strives to become an innovation hub for technology, a talent shortfall has emerged as the most significant challenge across various industries. Roy Lim, the CEO of Robocore Technology , not only recognizes this issue but has also taken action to address it. Through the collaboration with Generation Hong Kong (Generation HK), he has addressed his company’s talent needs while pioneering a groundbreaking career development model for the entire industry.

Identifying Market Gaps

“We identified a gap in the market for talents dedicated to handling the daily operations and maintenance of robots, ”Roy explains.“Previously, our sales team had to train clients on how to use the robots after selling them, while engineers were diverted to handle basic repairs. This approach was neither professional nor efficient.” That prompted Roy to seek solutions.

 

 

Generation HK’s curriculum development methodology begins by prioritising employer needs. In 2021, Roy connected with Generation HK through Hong Kong Young Industrialists Council and took on the role of enterprise advisor. At that time, Generation HK was preparing to launch a new programme.  Roy contributed extensively by sharing industry challenges and co-designing a curriculum aligned with real-world demands. This employer-led approach ensured that the programme was fully responsive to market needs.

The launch of the “Robot Support Assistant” programme exemplifies the power of collaboration between businesses and training institutions. Beyond technical skills, the programme integrates coding, robot operations, and customer service, cultivating specialists who are tailored to meet industry needs.

During the programme development, the team identified a unique alignment between the Robot Support Assistant role and the strengths of Special Educational Needs (SEN) youths. “This role requires individuals with a strong interest in programming, excellent logical thinking, and the ability to focus intensely on tasks,” Roy explains. These traits are often strengths that many SEN individuals possess.

Unlocking Potential, Exceeding Expectations

The programme’s outcomes surpassed expectations. One of the graduates, Sunny, stood out during an industry sharing session with his insightful questions and fresh perspectives. “He raised considerations even our team hadn’t explored, revealing his technical passion and potential,” Roy recalls. Impressed by his performance, Roy hired Sunny as a Robot Support Assistant at Robocore after graduation.

“Typically, new hires need one to two months of training, but Sunny was able to start work almost immediately, which proves the programme’s practical relevance.” Sunny not only mastered scripting skills but he also optimised workflows, completing 45-minute tasks in 30 minutes, significantly boosting team efficiency.

Roy was especially impressed with Sunny’s performance during a complex project at Kowloon Bay that underscored his growth. Managing multiple robots across departments, he demonstrated exceptional problem-solving and communication skills. “He single-handedly oversaw the entire project and excelled under pressure,” Roy shares.

Breaking Barriers and Redefining Inclusion

This experience transformed team perceptions of SEN colleagues. Initially, staff questioned whether Sunny needed special support. Roy advised, “Treat him normally—he’s no different.” Over time, Sunny’s integration into the team became seamless. Initially less vocal and focused solely on his work, he evolved into a collaborative colleague, joining lunches and actively participating in team activities. These small acts reflect his transformation within the team. Over time, the team has also come to recognize that everyone is a unique individual, emphasizing the importance of appreciating one another and complementing each other’s strengths and weaknesses.

Recently, Sunny even assisted in training teachers at a special school on how to use robots, becoming a role model for students. “Seeing Sunny succeed in this role not only surprised the teachers but also inspired the students,” Roy shared. “This clearly demonstrates that with the right opportunities and platforms, everyone can shine bright.”

Creating Future Possibilities

This successful experience has left Roy optimistic about the future. “This is an innovative attempt that not only addresses the industry’s talent needs but also opens up new development pathways for SEN youths,” he states. “In this era of digital transformation, we require not just traditional IT talent but also specialists like Sunny who can apply technology practically in everyday life. I frequently share this experience with other robotics companies to inspire more businesses to provide similar opportunities.”

Generation HK has successfully developed programmes that meet market needs through close collaboration with businesses. This story not only highlights the importance of cooperation between educational institutions and businesses, but it also reveals a crucial insight: when we are willing to think outside the box, society can create a win-win situation—businesses gain skilled talent, and individuals unlock their potential. Such innovative thinking is a vital driving force to propelling Hong Kong’s tech ambitions forward.

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