Although diversity is a buzzword in the business sector today, gainful employment remains a pipe dream for many ethnic minorities (EM) in Hong Kong. According to data released by the Government last year, one in every five EM households in our city were living below the poverty line in 2016. For actual change to happen, we need companies who “walk the talk” to inspire more to remove barriers for EMs climbing the economic ladder.

In this spirit, the EOC organised on 2 August 2019 a roundtable among representatives from three signatories of the Racial Diversity & Inclusion Charter for Employers (the Charter). Joining the panel were Ms Esther BLYTHE, Deputy Consul General of the British Consulate-General Hong Kong; Mr Henry LING, Global Director, Operations, Asia Pacific of Dow Chemicals; and Mr Sudesh THEVASENABATHY, Head of Contact Centre Transformation from AXA HK. The discussion explored a range of corporate initiatives that could help to promote racial diversity and inclusion in the workplace, and was followed by a workshop on cultural intelligence building conducted by Ms Lazara CANTON, Senior Consultant of Bridge-Partnership.

Welcoming the audience which hailed from over 40 organisations, EOC Chairperson, Mr Ricky CHU Man-kin said, “The Racial Discrimination Ordinance has been in place for a decade now, but I believe equality could not be achieved solely by enforcement of the law. Equality goes further beyond that, as it is just as important for us to promote the value and principle of equality by setting up effective and practical policies and guidelines, as well as to enhance awareness by education. With our joint and diligent effort, I firmly believe that we can build a level playing field for EMs.”

One way to kickstart that effort is by becoming a signatory of the Charter. Launched by the Commission in August 2018, it suggests best practices for businesses determined to create a racially diverse and inclusive workplace. Signatories are entitled to feature the Racial Diversity & Inclusion logo in their job ads and marketing collaterals. More than 70 orgnanisations have come on board to date – join them now by clicking the link below!

• Find out more about the Charter
• Read the EOC Chairperson’s speech