How AI can help Hong Kong deepen its talent pool

Hong Kong faces a critical challenge as it repositions itself as an innovation and technology hub: a projected workforce shortfall of 180,000 by 2028. This shortfall spans technical workers, digital skills and core competencies such as language proficiency, communication, problem-solving and teamwork.

The latest Future of Jobs Report from the World Economic Forum reveals that 39 per cent of existing skill sets will be transformed or become outdated by 2030. Artificial intelligence (AI) and big data are emerging as the fastest-growing skills, alongside analytical thinking, resilience, flexibility and agility. Skill gaps remain the biggest barrier to business transformation.

The Hong Kong government has launched several initiatives to attract global talent, but what does “talent” mean today? We are witnessing sweeping changes in work patterns, from the gig economy to remote work and globally distributed teams. A fast-changing business environment also means that traditional talent acquisition based on experience, job titles or academic background is no longer sufficient.