Launched at the end of last year, NBA and CBA basketball legend Stephon Marbury recently submitted an application to the Immigration Department through TTP Category A (i.e. annual income of HK$2.5 million or above), hoping to come to Hong Kong to promote basketball, participate in charity work and plan to start a business in the future. Marbury and Liu Zhenhan, director of the Talent Services Office, said in a meeting with reporters that he had been to Hong Kong several times, and said that he liked Chinese food very much, especially "making side stoves".
Asked if Hong Kong is not the best in Asia when it comes to basketball, Marbury thinks that if he can put some effort into it, it will be enough. Marbury said that his basketball career has encountered a lot of turbulence, but after moving to China, his career took off again, and he can continue to play basketball in Chinese professional teams, and later won multiple awards and honors in the CBA, describing China as a very important role in his life.
Marbury attended a basketball workshop in Kowloon Bay earlier, where he personally went on the court to communicate with a number of young people, and he even played a "4-on-10" friendly match with the players, laughing that there were five people guarding him at that time. He was delighted to inspire and give hope to young people about his past experiences, his growth, how he has worked hard to reach his current heights, and he said that he was satisfied to see the smiles on their faces. He said that he felt good about being able to give back to the society, and he hoped to help more disadvantaged groups in the society.
Marbury said that he has been to Hong Kong several times, saying that he likes Chinese food very much, especially "side stove", and has also tasted the local delicacy egg tart earlier, pointing out that the atmosphere and energy of Hong Kong are very similar to New York City in the United States, and he hopes to integrate into Hong Kong culture. He also believes that his understanding of Chinese culture can be used as a bridge for Hong Kong children to visit Beijing. Referring to his identity as an American, he told Hong Kong children that mainland culture is very special, and he hoped to share his experience in Hong Kong and to do business in Hong Kong one day.
When asked whether the rent is expensive, Marbury said with a smile, "Of course it is very expensive", pointing out that the units in Beijing are generally cheaper and bigger, but I believe that he can also find a suitable place in Hong Kong. He pointed out that in addition to contributing to Hong Kong in basketball and charity, he also hoped to tell the outside world that there are many development opportunities in Hong Kong, saying that he knew that many people wanted to come to Hong Kong, but they did not know that there were programs such as TTPS.
When asked why he chose Hong Kong over other Asian regions such as Singapore, Marbury said that he likes Hong Kong very much, that the atmosphere and culture of Hong Kong are very suitable for him, that the atmosphere is close to his hometown in Coney Island, New York, and that he has friends in Hong Kong, has been to Hong Kong many times, and is now a sports ambassador for local charities, which he thinks means a lot to what he wants to do. As for whether there will be a basketball academy in Hong Kong, Marbury said that becoming a coach is not in his plan.
The Director of the Talent Office, Mr Lau Chun-hon, said that Hong Kong needs talents from different parts of the world and will try to strive for them, believing that Marbury's application can reflect that Hong Kong is a very popular destination for talents, and that Hong Kong is not welcome to professionals in sports or other fields, and said that the talent list will be adjusted in due course as necessary. Mr Lau said that the Talent Office would provide all possible assistance, including providing support in areas such as food, clothing, housing and transportation through partners and networks.
For example, Lau said that he would introduce Marbury to a real estate agent and tell him how to apply for admission to local or international schools for his children. He pointed out that the purpose of the Talent Office is to provide personal and appropriate services to professionals coming to Hong Kong, with a view to ensuring that they feel as comfortable and convenient as possible before and after their arrival in Hong Kong, and ultimately enable them to stay in Hong Kong for a long time.