‘I kept crying’: Hong Kong grads struggle to find jobs as AI takes over - South China Morning Post

Hong Kong university graduates are facing their bleakest job market in years, with entry-level vacancies plummeting by a staggering 61% since 2022, largely due to the rapid integration of artificial intelligence across industries. This precipitous decline, which saw roles in administration and IT/programming nearly vanish, is leaving fresh graduates in despair, forcing a recalibration of career expectations in a city traditionally seen as a ladder for upward mobility. The crisis underscores a global pivot where AI is not just augmenting, but actively displacing, human roles, particularly at the crucial initial rungs of the professional ladder. This isn't merely a cyclical downturn; it's a structural upheaval driven by AI accelerating capabilities to automate repetitive tasks, from data entry to customer service and even analytical roles previously considered safe. While Hong Kong overall unemployment rate remains relatively stable at 3.7% in April 2026, the youth unemployment rate for those aged 20-29 stood at 6.8%, significantly higher and highlighting a persistent challenge for young job seekers who often lack the 'AI literacy' now deemed critical. The government, through Financial Secretary Paul Chan, has responded with a HK$2 billion allocation for AI education in schools, HK$50 million for public AI courses, and the rebranding of the Employees Retraining Board into 'Upskill Hong Kong,' alongside plans for new university programs and an AI+ Committee. However, these initiatives contend with an existing 'talent exodus' where professionals are seeking opportunities elsewhere, particularly Singapore, due to various factors, complicating Hong Kong efforts to cultivate a competitive, AI-ready workforce. The immediate future for Hong Kong graduates hinges on their ability to adapt and acquire specialized skills that complement, rather than compete with, AI, such as advanced data science, cybersecurity, and AI ethics. Authorities are preparing a full report on AI impact on the labor market in Q4 this year, which will likely inform further policy adjustments. Globally, while AI is projected to displace 92 million jobs by 2030, it is also expected to create 170 million new ones, suggesting a net gain but demanding a massive, rapid workforce transformation that Hong Kong must navigate to prevent its graduates from being left behind in a rapidly evolving global talent landscape. The city's success will depend on how effectively its education and retraining initiatives can bridge the growing skills mismatch and retain its young talent amidst this technological revolution.