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READY TO SERVE: 31 ACCOMPLISHED ETHNIC MINORITIES JOIN DIRECTORY OF PUBLIC POLICY ADVISORS The Zubin Foundation unveils Diversity List & Community Connectors 2018 during event attended by Acting Chief Executive Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung 11 HKSAR government advisory bodies now include Diversity List candidates, but greater representation is needed Hong Kong, 20 March 2018 — The Zubin Foundation, a social policy think tank and registered charity, today launched Diversity List & Community Connectors 2018 in partnership with Spencer Stuart Hong Kong, a leadership and executive search consultancy. In its third year, Diversity List & Community Connectors is a directory of 31 highly credentialed ethnic minority individuals who are committed to serving Hong Kong through government advisory. From academia and social service to fintech and medicine, the 2018 List features candidates from a wide range of professional backgrounds, including from sectors crucial to Hong Kong’s future development. For the first time, Diversity List recognises high achieving individuals under the age of 35. The “Youth To Watch” category was created to channel policy ideas in response to Hong Kong’s digitally driven economic transformation and its rapidly ageing ethnic Chinese population. This year sees representation from the Indian, Pakistani, Indonesian, Filipino, Nepalese, Thai, Bangladeshi, Turkish and mixed race communities, demonstrating growing appetite among key groups for participation in public discourse. As evidence continues to mount showing the benefits of racial inclusion1, 11 HKSAR government advisory bodies have appointed candidates from the Diversity List since the initiative was first launched in 2016. Shalini Mahtani, Founder and Chair of The Zubin Foundation, said: “When we include diverse voices in debates and discussions that affect any aspect of society, it is not just minorities who benefit; we are all better off. We are therefore very pleased to see this HKSARG administration making ethnic minority inclusion a policy priority. “In addition to community service and leadership in their respective fields, this year’s candidates have strong knowledge of policy, experience in building consensus among stakeholders, and a great sense of civic responsibility. Any government, NGO or corporate board would benefit from their voices and insights.” Mr Matthew Cheung, Acting Chief Executive, said that Hong Kong’s success owes much to the ideas and contributions of some 250 000 ethnic minority residents who choose to call our city home. The Government is committed to providing equal opportunities for the ethnic minorities and facilitating their integration into our community. He thanked the Zubin
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McKinsey & Company, “Delivering through diversity”, January 2018
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