Hong Kong digital tech park Cyberport announced that the Fintech Anti-epidemic Scheme for Talent Development programme (FAST) is now open for further applications from eligible fintech companies with a physical presence in Hong Kong.

The programme aims to benefit more enterprises in need and generate more opportunities for talents locally and internationally looking to join the fintech industry.

Applicants must have commenced operations before 1 January 2022 and have not obtained subsidy from the scheme previously.

Each company can apply for one subsidised position, which should be created on or after 18 July 2022 for an employment period not less than 12 months.

The nature of the work should be directly related to the company’s core businesses, covering designated areas such as product development, business development, information technology, legal affairs, compliance, risk management, marketing and design.

The Cyberport team will assess the eligibility of companies and their newly created positions.

The results of the assessment are expected to be announced within six weeks of receipt of all required documents.

This round of FAST is open for applications until noon on 18 October 2022, and will close upon reaching the quota under the scheme.

Cyberport said that the last round of the application received overwhelming response with over 700 jobs created.

FAST offers promising opportunities for young talent as evidenced by these two new graduates who came up under the programme which helped to realise their potential.

The programme was commissioned by the Financial Services and Treasury Bureau and established under the Hong Kong government’s Anti-epidemic Fund.