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68 ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL AND GOVERNANCE REPORT 2020 CONTRIBUTING TO STAKEHOLDERS 69

continue instilling the essence of MasterCraft culture
Innovative Training Approaches Diversity, Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination
in these technicians, we uploaded innovative tools
In 2020, we launched new e-learning platforms in developed by colleagues on our MasterCraft As an equal opportunity employer, we value diversity at the workplace and support anti-discrimination and the fair
Hong Kong and mainland China which allow learning Culture website, prepared m-learning courseware treatment of all staff. In 2020, there were no incidents of discrimination reported at Towngas.
to take place through a computer or mobile device. and organised a MasterCraft Christmas e-card design
Many training programmes were conducted through competition.
video conferencing or online courses uploaded on
the e-learning platforms, which was particularly useful We also held special training in 2020 on dealing Empowering
during the pandemic. Over 350 courses are currently with the economic downturn due to COVID-19, with Male : Female Women
offered on these platforms, covering topics including talks designed to reinforce positive thinking and find 3.6 : 1
engineering, customer service, safety risks and human inspiration. Another programme, which was especially (Hong Kong) The nature of our business is such that our workforce has traditionally
resources. More than 17,000 people participated in relevant during COVID-19, focused on professional 2.2 : 1 tilted towards male employees. We are attempting to redress this
the course for over 215,000 learning hours in 2020. and personal challenges faced by managers in a (Outside Hong Kong) imbalance by taking steps to attract more women to our industry. We
changing world. will continue to make a strong effort to hire, develop and retain women

For frontline staff, contractors and apprentices, within our ranks.
m-learning courseware on refresher training was
specifically prepared to ensure their competencies
when face-to-face training could not be held. To

Hiring the
Disabled
New Training Programmes
13 People
• Potential General Managers Programme: • Graduate Trainee Programme for Mainland with disabilities hired We seek to employ the disabled and are working with four non-
governmental organisations (NGOs) in Hong Kong to support disability
a programme designed to attract talent with Utility Businesses: a 12-month attachment with hiring. Special facilities for accommodating people with disabilities
management potential to our mainland utility our businesses in mainland China. The objective of in our workplace include automatic doors, adjustable office desks
businesses. After rotating attachments in Hong this programme is to build a succession pipeline for and washrooms for wheelchair users. We have also implemented
Kong and various business units, our expanding businesses in specialised emergency evacuation procedures and improvements
regional offices or JVs in mainland mainland China. Four trainees to the fire alarm system. In 2020, we had 13 people with disabilities
China, the participants will become were recruited. working in various roles, including a customer service officer and an
general managers in our mainland assistant engineer.
utility businesses.

• Towngas Management Programme (TMP): • The NewGen Programme: the first-of-its-kind
O
ered
a programme to enhance the management skills of cross-corporate talent development programme 6 internships Rehiring Retired Employees/
our team leaders and managers. It covers 27 topics, co-organised by Towngas, New World Hiring Older Workers
including business skills, leadership and execution. Development Company Limited, Fung Group and Recognising that older workers have knowledge and skills that are
The first series was launched in McDonald’s Hong Kong. This valuable to Towngas, we approach employees nearing retirement to
mainland China and attended by programme helps young see if they are willing to continue working after retirement age. We also
645 participants, of which 43 will professionals become more support the Post-50 Internship Programme organised by the Employees
become trainers for similar intrapreneurial, innovative, Retraining Board and offered six internship opportunities. Three
programmes in their JVs. TMP inquisitive and impactful candidates of the group were hired as permanent part-time assistants
was extended to Hong Kong in through a series of workshops, because of their outstanding performance.
2020. visits and business case
presentations.