Major tech firms to help upskill Hong Kong workers under ‘AI for All’: Paul Chan

Hong Kong's Financial Secretary, Paul Chan, announced in his Sunday blog that the city's employees retraining board will collaborate with major tech firms to launch an AI training programme called "AI for All" in November. The HK$50 million initiative aims to benefit 50,000 people over the next two years through more than 200 activities.

Chan emphasized the need to address the challenges posed by the rapid development and application of frontier technology in the job market, particularly for young people and SMEs. His survey found that nearly 70% of Hong Kong residents are proficient in AI use, with around 20% leveraging AI agents for daily task automation. The Productivity Council has already supported SMEs during the Hong Kong Computer and Communications Festival, showcasing solutions in cybersecurity and AI chatbots.

The Employees Retraining Board, which coordinates market-oriented training courses, will be renamed Upskill Hong Kong as part of an institutional upgrade aimed at promoting continuous learning and upskilling for the entire workforce. The government has also launched 30 AI projects across 13 departments to boost efficiency in various areas, such as licensing approvals and traffic signal adjustments.

Chan highlighted that AI's role in Hong Kong's economy will continue to grow, driven by global demand for advanced electronics and AI-related products.