HKUST Survey: 72.7% of Hong Kong Workers Use AI, Double Global Average
On.cc · 5 SOURCES26 minutes ago3 MIN
Summary
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) Business School has published a landmark survey titled "A New Era in the Workplace: Hong Kong Employees' AI Awareness, Preparedness, and Future Direction." The study reveals that 72.7% of Hong Kong's working population uses AI tools daily or weekly—more than double the global average of 31% . Conducted from March to April 2025 through a major online platform, the survey collected 3,722 valid responses from employees across various industries, job levels, and enterprise sizes .
More than 60% of respondents were aged 30 to 49, representing Hong Kong's core workforce, with nearly half working in financial services, information technology, construction and engineering, accounting and auditing, as well as healthcare sectors . Professor Tam Ka-yin, Vice President for Administration and Chair Professor of Information Systems, Business Statistics and Operations Management at HKUST, led the research team .
Key Points
- Generative AI tools such as ChatGPT, Copilot, and Gemini are the most commonly used, with 81.66% of respondents using them daily or weekly, primarily for document writing, data summarization, and creative brainstorming
- Nearly 80% of respondents believe AI brings positive impacts to their work, particularly in improving efficiency, productivity, and work quality
- 49% of respondents worry their existing skills may be devalued by AI, while 40% feel AI has reduced their job security, with legal, media, and marketing sectors showing the highest concern at 60-70%
- About 60% of respondents have never received AI training despite over 70% expressing interest in upgrading their AI-related skills, revealing a significant gap between demand and training supply
- Large enterprises significantly outpace SMEs in AI investment, with 26% of small business employees reporting no AI usage at all
Why It Matters
Nearly 60% of respondents believe AI-driven workplace transformation has already begun or will occur within the next five years . Professor Tam emphasized that while AI currently automates specific tasks rather than entire job positions, companies need to redesign workflows and provide targeted training for different roles . The findings underscore an urgent need for government, businesses, and educational institutions to collaborate in narrowing the AI capability gap and ensuring different groups of workers can benefit from this technological transformation .
Furthermore, 73% of respondents were unaware of government-issued AI-related policies, laws, or guidelines, and 79% expressed a desire for clearer AI frameworks and regulatory guidance from their employers or the government .
Nearly 60% of respondents believe AI-driven workplace transformation has already begun or will occur within the next five years . Professor Tam emphasized that while AI currently automates specific tasks rather than entire job positions, companies need to redesign workflows and provide targeted training for different roles . The findings underscore an urgent need for government, businesses, and educational institutions to collaborate in narrowing the AI capability gap and ensuring different groups of workers can benefit from this technological transformation .
Furthermore, 73% of respondents were unaware of government-issued AI-related policies, laws, or guidelines, and 79% expressed a desire for clearer AI frameworks and regulatory guidance from their employers or the government .