Key facts
- AI adoption is narrowing the salary gap between university and sub-degree graduates in Hong Kong.
- Graduate job vacancies have fallen by approximately 60 percent.
- Clerical roles are most exposed to automation, with 20-30% facing restructuring.
- Hong Kong anticipates a manpower shortage of 130,000 by 2028.
Artificial intelligence is increasingly impacting fresh graduates in Hong Kong, as a narrowing pay gap between degree and sub-degree holders suggests. A survey by Baptist University found the salary disparity decreased by 17 percent, or HK$500, to HK$2,500. This trend aligns with government projections indicating a significant fall in graduate job vacancies, estimated at around 60 percent since 2022, due to AI adoption. The Labour and Welfare Bureau's updated manpower projections highlight that AI is reshaping employment demand, particularly affecting entry-level and routine administrative positions. While businesses are managing the transition through natural attrition, 20 to 30 percent of clerical roles are expected to be restructured due to automation. Despite these changes, Hong Kong anticipates an overall manpower shortage of about 130,000 by 2028, with shortages expected in technology, aviation, construction, and healthcare. Conversely, a surplus of clerical support workers is projected.