Hong Kong has introduced a four-step strategy to help graduates and emerging professionals navigate the evolving job market amid increasing adoption of artificial intelligence (AI). The initiative aims to position AI as a catalyst for career development rather than a threat to entry-level employment.
Kelvin Choi Kit-ming, Permanent Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, highlighted concerns over an “entry-level shock,” noting that AI systems are increasingly capable of performing routine tasks that traditionally formed the foundation of early-career roles, such as basic coding and frontline customer service. Speaking at the Global Youth Powerhouse Summit, Choi emphasized the government’s focus on enhancing digital literacy across the population instead of shielding young people from AI technologies.
Choi outlined the four stages of the proposed “talent ladder.” The first step involves removing cost and accessibility barriers to AI tools while implementing large-scale educational programs to encourage adoption among students, researchers, and professionals. The second step seeks to convert active learners into practical innovators by offering higher education and talent development initiatives. The third stage focuses on fostering a collaborative ecosystem that bridges research and industry, followed by the fourth step dedicated to developing infrastructure and policies that support innovation alongside responsible governance.
A recent local report cited by Choi indicated that 70 percent of Hong Kong residents are proficient AI users, with 20 percent classified as “super users” who integrate AI agents into their daily activities. This data suggests the city has a strong foundation to manage the workforce transition driven by AI.
Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu, also speaking at the summit, reiterated the importance of refining Hong Kong’s AI governance framework. He announced government plans to address AI-related crimes, establish clearer liability frameworks for technology-generated disputes, and examine a regulatory approach for AI agents. Lee stressed that these developments are becoming increasingly critical as mainland China advances rapidly in the global AI landscape.
Lee also underscored the opportunities arising from the Northern Metropolis megaproject, a large-scale development near the border with mainland China designed to become an economic and housing hub. He highlighted government efforts to support youth career development, including internship schemes providing 30,000 placements for university students and recent graduates over two years, with 10,000 positions focused on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.
The summit featured input from experts including Ilaria Chan, founding chairwoman of the Tech for Good Institute, who called for AI development to prioritize social well-being alongside technological progress. She advocated for balanced public-private partnerships to ensure responsible AI adoption and encouraged young people to maintain human connections beyond digital environments.
Cindy Chow, executive director and CEO of the Alibaba Hong Kong Entrepreneurs Fund, stressed the importance of exploring AI’s practical applications while engaging in governance and ethical discussions. She argued against discouraging experimentation with AI tools, describing such efforts as potentially damaging to organizational and individual growth.