TJI's Recipe for Loyalty: Investing in Staff by Uplifting Families

HONG KONG – January 21, 2026 – By Jack Patterson

As Tam Jai International Co. Limited (TJI) marks a decade of its unique education support scheme, the renowned restaurant group has awarded a record HK$1.6 million in scholarships to 49 students, the children of its employees. The milestone celebration highlights a program that has evolved far beyond simple financial aid, becoming a cornerstone of the company's strategy to foster loyalty and develop talent in Hong Kong's notoriously challenging food and beverage sector.

Since its launch in 2015, the "TJI Education Support Scheme for Employees' Children" has disbursed nearly HK$9 million, supporting over 270 students in their undergraduate studies. This year's record-breaking award underscores the growth of an initiative that is now a comprehensive support system, reflecting the Group's core philosophy of "Uplifting People."

A Strategic Edge in a Competitive Market

In an industry grappling with severe labor shortages and high staff turnover, TJI's long-term commitment to its employees' families stands out as a significant competitive advantage. While many companies in the F&B sector offer standard benefits, TJI's scheme is a notable differentiator. Research into benefits at other major Hong Kong conglomerates and restaurant groups, such as Swire Pacific and Jardine Restaurant Group, shows a common focus on direct employee training, upskilling, and wellness programs. However, TJI's targeted approach of covering up to 80% of university tuition fees for employees' children is a rare and powerful retention tool.

This investment goes beyond a line item in a benefits package; it directly addresses the financial pressures faced by many frontline workers, fostering a deep sense of loyalty and a 'family' ethos within the large corporation. By investing in the next generation, TJI sends a clear message that it values its staff not just as employees, but as integral members of a wider community whose family well-being is a corporate priority. This approach is a strategic response to a market where attracting and retaining skilled, dedicated staff is paramount for sustainable growth.

'GAME Changer': More Than Just Financial Aid

What began as a scholarship fund has matured into the multifaceted "GAME Changer" programme, an initiative launched in 2024 to provide holistic support through four key pillars: Grant, Advice, Mentorship, and Experience. This evolution transforms the scheme from a simple bursary into a comprehensive talent incubator.

The mentorship and advisory components are particularly impactful. TJI staff from various divisions, including senior management, volunteer their time to act as mentors and career advisors. They offer one-to-one guidance, providing students with invaluable real-world insights that bridge the gap between academic theory and professional practice.

Mentee Sally, a Data Science major, shared her experience. "I often felt uncertain about my future career prospects," she said. "I am glad to have connected with TJI's Group Chief Marketing Officer, Mr Ronald Wong, through the programme's career advisor sessions. Since his expertise is directly related to my major, he provided me with real-world industry insights and valuable career guidance."

This hands-on support extends to practical career preparation. The program hosts workshops for final-year students, equipping them with job application skills, conducting personality assessments to identify strengths, and providing formal reference letters to facilitate their entry into the workforce. For students like Macy, the impact was personal. "Before joining the 'GAME Changer' programme, I was shy and passive," she admitted. "Thanks to the guidance of my mentor, Heidi, I learned that stepping out of my comfort zone is more important than being perfect."

Experience as a Pillar for Growth and Empathy

The "Experience" pillar of the programme is twofold, focusing on both professional exposure and community engagement. A standout feature is the 72-hour internship offered to awardees at the Group's TamJai SamGor or TamJai Yunnan Mixian restaurants. This unique opportunity allows the students to experience their parents' work environment firsthand.

"The workplace is vastly different from the classroom, which significantly enhanced my adaptability and interpersonal skills," said mentee Claudia. "It also gave me a deeper appreciation of my mom's dedication to her work and inspired me to take better care of her at home." This internship not only provides valuable work experience but also strengthens family bonds and fosters mutual respect—an intangible but powerful outcome.

Beyond the workplace, the programme instills a sense of social responsibility. TJI has partnered with established local charities, including the Hong Kong Christian Service and the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Hong Kong, to create meaningful volunteer opportunities. In the past two years alone, students and their mentors have contributed over 2,830 volunteering hours, engaging in activities that have benefited more than 530 people in need. These have included designing activities for newly arrived children and providing career planning support for secondary school students.

Macy found this aspect of the program profoundly rewarding. "It was rewarding to see the smiles of those we served during our volunteer work, making me realise that even small contributions can make a positive impact."

A Blueprint for Corporate Responsibility

As TJI celebrates this ten-year milestone, the education scheme is clearly positioned as more than an act of corporate philanthropy; it is a strategic pillar of the company's talent and community engagement strategy. The program has garnered the company multiple accolades for its employee experience and training initiatives, underscoring its success in creating a thriving workplace culture.

Mr Daren Lau, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of TJI, reflected on the program's journey. "I am immensely proud to witness the transformation of the 'TJI Education Support Scheme for Employees' Children' over the past decade," he stated. "The Scheme has evolved into a more comprehensive initiative, offering not only educational grants but also career guidance, volunteering experiences and internship placement to foster the holistic growth of our employees' children. This reflects our commitment to uplifting young people and creating shared value for our workforce."

With a network of over 240 stores and ambitious expansion plans, TJI's investment in people remains central to its operational philosophy. As the 'GAME Changer' programme continues to develop, it serves as a powerful model for how corporations can address business challenges like talent retention while simultaneously creating a positive, lasting impact on their employees, their families, and the wider community. As the program enters its second decade, it stands as a testament to a philosophy where uplifting people—from the restaurant floor to the next generation—is considered the most vital ingredient for success.