Government Expects AI to Replace White-Collar Jobs; Skills Upgrading Agency to Aid Transition
On.cc · 2 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago5 MIN
Summary
The Labour and Welfare Bureau released its latest Human Resources Forecast Mid-term Update on 26 September, showing Hong Kong's overall manpower shortage is expected to narrow to about 130,000 by 2028, compared with the previous projection of 180,000. Labour Secretary Sun Yuhan (孫玉菡) attributed this to economic transformation, rapid artificial intelligence development, and the government's talent import initiatives over the past years. Speaking on a radio programme, Sun warned that white-collar clerical positions face the greatest risk of AI replacement, though he expressed confidence that new job categories will emerge and workers will find employment opportunities.
Key Points
- Hong Kong's projected manpower shortage has been revised downward from 180,000 to approximately 130,000 by 2028
- Sun Yuhan predicts white-collar clerical workers are most vulnerable to AI displacement in the coming years
- The government estimates Hong Kong will need 15,000 to 20,000 "AI practical experts" with both technical and industry knowledge
- The Employees Retraining Board, upgraded to the Skills Upgrading Agency, will offer AI-focused courses to facilitate worker transitions
- Catering industry recruitment events provided 5,000 job vacancies, but only about 20 candidates ultimately accepted positions
Why It Matters
This forecast signals a significant shift in Hong Kong's labour market dynamics, where AI adoption is simultaneously reducing certain job opportunities while creating demand for new skill sets. The government's proactive stance through the Skills Upgrading Agency and the proposed "30,000 Youth Jobs and Internships Scheme" demonstrates an understanding that workforce transformation requires coordinated intervention to prevent structural unemployment, particularly as the catering sector also grapples with internal mismatches between traditional role demands and evolving business models .
This forecast signals a significant shift in Hong Kong's labour market dynamics, where AI adoption is simultaneously reducing certain job opportunities while creating demand for new skill sets. The government's proactive stance through the Skills Upgrading Agency and the proposed "30,000 Youth Jobs and Internships Scheme" demonstrates an understanding that workforce transformation requires coordinated intervention to prevent structural unemployment, particularly as the catering sector also grapples with internal mismatches between traditional role demands and evolving business models .