Manulife MPF Collaborates with Share for Good to Pioneer One-Stop Employment Support Programme

(30 April 2024, Hong Kong) Manulife MPF has recently introduced the first “Future Mumpowered” employment enhancement programme in collaboration with Share for Good of the New World Development, designed specifically for women in Hong Kong. This programme offers a one-stop solution that includes pre-employment training, job matching, and household finance management. It has received full support from 14 local companies, which have created various flexible positions and a family-friendly work culture to encourage full-time mothers to reenter the workforce.

Social Welfare Department champions business-led family-friendly initiatives.
Manulife introduces MPF employment rewards

The inauguration ceremony of the “Future Mumpowered” employment enhancement programme was held last Thursday (25 April). Among the ceremony attendees were distinguished guests, including lawyer Dr. Elsie Leung; Director of the Social Welfare Department, Ms. Charmaine Lee; Inspectors at Level 2, Coordination Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR Ms. Chen Tie-ying; Director of Share for Good Mrs. Jennifer Yu Cheng; Director of Share for Good, Ms. Fiona Wan; Head of Asia Retirement, Manulife Investment Management, Mr. Calvin Chiu; Head of Hong Kong and Macau Retirement, Manulife, Ms. Jeanie Ho; and Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Provident Funds Trust Company, Mr. Wong Tak Chi.

In her speech at the ceremony, the Director of the Social Welfare, Ms. Charmaine Lee said, “The Government is committed to promoting three-way collaboration among itself, the business sector, and the community to provide services to the underprivileged, ensuring that they receive the essential support. I am pleased to see that the business sector is actively promoting a family-friendly environment, which encourages more women to enter the workforce and helps to unleash the potential of the female workforce.”

Ms. Jeanie Ho, Head of Hong Kong and Macau Retirement, Manulife said, “We are honoured to have the opportunity to support this meaningful ‘Future Mumpowered’ programme. Aligned with our very own Impact Agenda at Manulife which outlines our key social and environmental commitments, this programme aims to advocate for a friendly and diverse work environment, underpinned by our commitment to driving inclusive economic opportunities and accelerating a sustainable future. Through this social responsibility initiative, Manulife further strengthens partnerships with Hong Kong people on their career journey, demonstrating our commitment to engaging with women and the community to co-build a more diverse, equal, and inclusive society. We encourage providing compassionate support to women in the workplace and empower them to return to work with confidence and peace of mind. We have also introduced MPF rewards to motivate full-time mothers who should develop their potential beyond the family. Eligible participants can receive MPF rewards upon the completion of a job matching and programme activities.”

Flexible work arrangements help women re-enter the workforce, adding new manpower into businesses

Mrs. Jennifer Yu Cheng, Director of Share for Good said, “Women form a crucial part of the workforce. However, many women who took a career break due to caregiving responsibilities are anxious about re-entering the labor market due to the pressure of juggling employment, childcare, and daily household demands. We hope to collaborate with businesses to establish a healthy and inclusive workplace, and promote a family-friendly corporate culture that affords women the confidence to re-enter the labor market. We also aim to empower women with job options, providing them with opportunities to broaden their horizons and connect with others. In addition to helping women keep pace with the market, we also support women with career development resources to help their transition to employment, giving them an extra sense of purpose and confidence to return to the workforce.”

The “Future Mumpowered” programme has received full support from various parties, including 14 local companies and six non-profit organizations (see attached list). The initial phase of the programme targets 100 women. Participants will receive flexible job matching, customized employment training, retirement planning guidance, and corporate experience to equip them for workforce reentry.

The “Future Mumpowered” programme, with the 14 supporting companies including Manulife, has introduced multiple family-friendly measures, such as Pacific Coffee’s “Mum Shift” positions, which offer alternative working hours outside of the traditional 9-to-6 schedule. Women may choose to work three to four hours per day, between their household chores in the morning and picking up their children from school, creating more flexibility in their schedule. Another participating company Clement Shield Security Limited is providing free security certificate training courses, allowing women to obtain a security license even before applying for security jobs, in order to equip them with valuable life skills, and enhance their ability to earn a living.

Other participating companies have also implemented a number of friendly measures, including hybrid work modes that allow women to work from home, providing family care leave for unexpected child or family-related matters, and offering new incentives such as local employment and parent-child activity allowances. These measures further alleviate concerns for women reentering the workforce and, in the long run, create an ideal work environment for women. This helps businesses attract and retain suitable talent, enhance their competitiveness, and allows women to contribute to society, creating win-win situations.

“Future Mumpowered” Programme Details