HK requires AI talent: FS

Financial Secretary Paul Chan emphasized on Sunday that artificial intelligence would generate new job opportunities for Hong Kong while stimulating economic expansion. In his weekly online article, Chan noted that the city's exports experienced a 53 percent year-on-year increase in August, driven by the demand for AI-related products.

He expressed confidence in meeting Hong Kong's GDP growth forecast of 3.5 percent to 4.5 percent this year. Chan highlighted that AI would introduce novel job roles and prospects for the city. "We require individuals skilled in the AI sector who possess the determination to investigate AI applications, as well as those in areas where even the most advanced AI cannot replace human expertise," he wrote in the piece.

Chan underscored that enhancing AI proficiency among the workforce and promoting reskilling are essential for maintaining Hong Kong's competitive advantage in the market and enabling residents to adapt to AI advancements. The government is fully behind efforts to educate and utilize AI, with over 200 training courses and events scheduled to be offered by 2028.

Chan also mentioned that he had recently arrived in Doha, Qatar, to participate in an annual meeting of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. He stated that he would share Hong Kong's experiences in advancing infrastructure development, regional connectivity, and sustainable growth, while promoting the city's advantages in alignment with national development strategies.

Chan further suggested that Sino-US collaboration and communication would provide stability and certainty to international markets, supporting global economic growth.