Policy move lauded for bringing down manpower shortage

Hong Kong's manpower shortage is projected to decrease to approximately 130,000 by 2028, according to the city's Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Chris Sun. Speaking at a press conference, Sun revealed that an updated manpower projection, released recently, indicates a reduction of 50,000 from the 180,000 shortage estimated two years ago.

This narrower gap is attributed to shifts in the economic structure, the effectiveness of policies in attracting talent, and the impact of rapid artificial intelligence development on manpower demand. If left unaddressed, the shortage could have reached 300,000 by 2028. Sun also announced that authorities would continue updating Hong Kong's Talent List to include professions in fields aligned with national development priorities, such as artificial intelligence.

The current list comprises 60 professions across various industries facing manpower shortages. The next round of review will focus on incorporating more AI-related talents into the list, with trade and individual proposals welcome. The Labour and Welfare Bureau will consider these suggestions during the common review. Additionally, the government will collaborate with the business sector to create 10,000 additional full-time jobs for young people entering the workforce, funded by a subsidy program. These roles, lasting at least six months, will be rolled out starting in the first quarter of 2027.