Major Tech Firms to Upskill Hong Kong Workers Under 'AI for All' Programme
SCMP · 1 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago1 MIN
Summary
Hong Kong is set to launch a major artificial intelligence training initiative as the city's Employees Retraining Board partners with leading technology firms to roll out the 'AI for All' programme starting in November. Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po announced the HK$50 million scheme, which aims to equip 50,000 residents with AI skills through over 200 activities within two years.
Key Points
- The HK$50 million (US$6.4 million) programme was announced in the February budget and targets employees, students and the general public
- Cyberport, Hong Kong Science Park and the Productivity Council will lead the initiative, partnering with major tech firms
- A survey found nearly 70 per cent of Hong Kong residents are proficient in using AI, with about 20 per cent highly proficient
- If SMEs match large corporations in AI adoption by 2035, it could generate up to HK$65 billion in economic value
- The Productivity Council has mobilised nearly 30 enterprises to showcase AI solutions at the Hong Kong Computer and Communications Festival
Why It Matters
The programme addresses concerns that frontier technology adoption could disrupt the job market, particularly for young people and small businesses. With Hong Kong's SMEs representing a significant portion of the economy, widespread AI adoption could unlock substantial economic growth and help the city remain competitive in the digital era .
The programme addresses concerns that frontier technology adoption could disrupt the job market, particularly for young people and small businesses. With Hong Kong's SMEs representing a significant portion of the economy, widespread AI adoption could unlock substantial economic growth and help the city remain competitive in the digital era .