The government has launched a programme to make it easier for non-local professionals who have come to Hong Kong through talent schemes to join volunteer services. Speaking to reporters after the launch ceremony on Tuesday, Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun said the initiative aims to help new arrivals integrate into the local community and allow them to contribute. "With the platform in place, we expect more of the talents to join us, join hands with Hong Kong local people," he said. "So together, we believe they can contribute to our society as volunteers, and we also can benefit from their expertise and also their passion towards Hong Kong." On a separate note, Sun confirmed that he has received a proposed list of members for a disciplinary panel under the Social Workers Registration Board. The confirmation came after local reports said social worker Jackie Chen, who is involved in a rioting court case, had been removed from the list. "If I, as the Secretary, am satisfied with the list, we're going to publish it in the Gazette. I can confirm we have received the recommended list from the board. So after vetting the list, we're going to publish the list in the Gazette as part of the legal requirement," he said. In July, the Legislative Council passed a bill to reform the board, raising the number of government-appointed members.
