World Cultural Diversity Day 2021 Videos Launch

Culture is an important part of one’s identity. It defines us and influences our behaviour. Culture is a broad term that encompasses beliefs, values, norms, behaviors; it is our “way of being.” On World Cultural Day for Diversity for Dialogue and Development (or World Cultural Diversity Day), let us celebrate the beauty of diversity, the many “ways of being” that together create ideas and solutions far beyond what homogeneity can achieve.

Let us remind ourselves that every person can make a unique and positive contribution to society because of, rather than in spite of, their differences.

To commemorate this important day, the EOC is releasing a series of videos of conversations we have had with some of the Charter signatories on their D&I principles and practices.

(1) Driving Racial D&I in the Workplace with the Charter

To commemorate the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development 2021, the Equal Opportunities Commission has lined up curated conversations with some signatories of the Racial D&I Charter on their workplace practices. Representatives from American Express Int’l, Inc., HKP Corporation Limited, Lewis Silkin and Pacific Basin Shipping (HK) Limited share their thoughts on the importance of having racial D&I in the workplace, what does a truly diverse and inclusive workplace looks like and their expectations from signing the Charter.

(2) Embedding D&I into Organisational Policy, Practice and Culture

(3) Providing an Inclusive and Supportive Environment

To commemorate the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development 2021, the Equal Opportunities Commission has lined up curated conversations with some signatories of the Racial D&I Charter on their workplace practices. Tayyeb Mohamed, Manager in International Tax and Transaction Services of EY shares his story of finding a job as an ethnic minority in Hong Kong and Alex Lai, EY Hong Kong & Macau D&I Leader shares tips on how organisations can provide inclusive and supportive environments.

(4) Embracing Differences to Foster Inclusion

To commemorate the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development 2021, the Equal Opportunities Commission has lined up curated conversations with some signatories of the Racial D&I Charter on their workplace practices. Representatives from KPMG talk about the importance of onboarding practices such as the buddy system and interest groups they have in place that help a new employee feel welcome and settle into the job and culture. They also shed light on their collaborations with local NGOs as part of their CSR efforts which aim to engage with local ethnic minority students to help them expand their career options and aspirations. It is also a long term investment to create a talent pipeline, enhance inclusion and be seen as an employer of choice.

(5) Removing Bias in Recruitment

To commemorate the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development 2021, the Equal Opportunities Commission has lined up curated conversations with some signatories of the Racial D&I Charter on their workplace practices. Paul Arkwright from HR Magazine (Excel Media Group Ltd.) and Chinali Patel from the British Consulate-General Hong Kong explain the how and why of “blind recruitment”, a practice that is slowly gaining ground as a means to reduce bias in hiring. By ensuring that you are picking a candidate based on more objective criteria without allowing for unconscious bias, the organisation benefits from getting the best talent from the pool.

(6) Fostering Creativity, Connection and Business Growth through D&I Practices

HandsOn Hong Kong, Justice Centre, Feliz Consulting and KPMG speak to the EOC about the importance of diversity and inclusion practices in fostering creativity, connectedness and business growth. They also share their thoughts on the EOC’s Racial D&I Charter as an important commitment towards promoting diverse and inclusive workplaces.

(7) Celebrating Differences in the Workplace

EOC’s conversations around racial diversity and inclusion with various organisations continue with Enrich HK, China Aircraft Services Ltd., Pathfinders and Kids4Kids sharing their thoughts on what D&I means to them. They speak about what a diverse and inclusive workplace looks like. “It is all about celebrating differences.”