SME human resource executives shared experience

Some fifty human resource executives from small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) gathered for the first time today (Friday) to share practical experience in labour relations matters in a forum organised by the Labour Department.

 "We are encouraged by the highly positive response from participants who took part in the lively discussions and exchanged views on issues of common concern in individual trades and industries," the Commissioner for Labour, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung said after opening the forum marking the launch of the Small and Medium Sized Enterprises Human Resource Executives Club.

The setting up of the Club was the Labour Department's latest initiatives in promoting harmonious labour relations, effective communication between employers and employees as well as good human resource management among SMEs in Hong Kong.

 "According to the June 1999 figures published by the Census and Statistics Department, there are some 280,000 enterprises employing with an employment size of less than 100 people. They are the Labour Department's promotion targets as they make up more than 1.5 million of our workforce, forming a backbone of Hong Kong's economic development," Mr Cheung said. 

"We are now forming three regionally based human resource executives' clubs on Hong Kong Island, in Kowloon and the New Territories for these SMEs. They will provide useful vehicles for fostering harmonious employer employee relations, and enhancing employers' knowledge of labour laws and the best practice in human resource management. The clubs will also enable the Labour Department to keep its pulse on and identify the needs of SMEs," he added. 

"We will regularly organise meetings for these executives' clubs and brief participants on newly introduced labour legislation. Consultants, academics and veteran practitioners will be invited to talk on the latest development in human resource management," Mr Cheung said.