Hong Kong to launch AI training programme for workforce in November
Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po announces HK$50 million initiative to boost AI literacy among 50,000 residents
Quick Look
- Hong Kong's Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po announced a HK$50 million 'AI for All' training programme launching in November.
- The initiative aims to upskill 50,000 residents over two years to help the workforce adapt to technological shifts.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The 'AI for All' programme was initially announced in February with a budget of HK$50 million. It aims to address the challenges posed by frontier technology to the local job market.
Hong Kong will partner with major tech firms to launch an AI training programme for the working population in November, the city’s finance chief has said.
In his Sunday blog, Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po said the HK$50 million (US$6.4 million) “AI for All” inclusive programme announced in February would feature more than 200 activities and was expected to benefit 50,000 people within two years.
“The development and application of frontier technology will pose challenges to the job market. We must speed up our response, helping young people master the skills and giving them opportunities to apply them in the workplace,” he said.
“Hong Kong is home to many small and medium-sized enterprises whose agility, adaptability, and innovative spirit have seen them through past tech shifts and economic cycles. As we navigate this current paradigm shift, we will fully support them in adapting, preparing, and continuing to grow.”
Chan cited a survey finding that almost 70 per cent of Hong Kong residents were proficient in using artificial intelligence (AI), while about 20 per cent were highly proficient and leveraged the technology to automate daily tasks.
He said the report further estimated that if Hong Kong’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) could catch up to large corporations in AI adoption by 2035, it could unlock up to HK$65 billion in economic value for the city.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Launch of AI training programme in November
Very likely · Within months
Open Questions
- Which specific tech firms will partner with the government?
- What is the curriculum structure of the training?
