YOUNG mainland pianist Lang Lang on Monday became the first new Hong Kong resident under the SAR's Immigration Department's quality migrant admission scheme, the South China Morning Post said yesterday (Nov 28).

The 24-year-old, a native of Shenyang, North China's Liaoning Province, said Hong Kong was a dazzling city and that the poor air quality was not a problem for him.

"I think Hong Kong air is clean," he said. "I come from the north, so Hong Kong's winter is perfect, although it's usually a bit more humid here."

Lang was given an entry visa allowing him an initial 12 months' residency when he next entered Hong Kong. That happened Monday night when he went to Macao for a meeting, then returned to his new home.

He said he had been offered passports by some Western countries. "But I prefer Hong Kong because it allows me to retain my status as a Chinese citizen."

By the beginning of this month, the department had received 479 applications, of which 186 have been processed and 83 approved.

Successful applicants must be under 50 years old and of good character and must usually have a university degree. They are given points for language proficiency, family background, work experience, age and qualifications, according to the paper.

Individuals with exceptional talent or skill who have outstanding achievements may choose to be assessed under a separate achievement-based points test.

Editor: Wing