Hong Kong launches AI talent ladder strategy to address entry-level job disruption

Hong Kong has unveiled a four-step artificial intelligence (AI) “talent ladder” strategy to counter entry-level job shock and foster industry leaders, viewing the technology as a “catalyst, not a threat”.

Permanent Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry Kevin Choi Kit-ming warned on Monday that the “entry-level shock” was real because AI performed well in many routine tasks that once made up a graduate’s first job, such as basic coding and first-line customer service.

Speaking at the Global Youth Powerhouse Summit for young technology leaders, Choi added that the government was investing in AI “at a population scale”, aiming to enhance overall digital literacy, rather than “shield young people” from the technology.

“In Hong Kong, we view AI not as a threat, but as a catalyst ... We are building a comprehensive ‘talent ladder’ to take emerging professionals from foundational literacy to industry leadership,” he said.