Letters | Though still low, Hong Kong’s jobless rate rise can’t be taken lightly
Readers discuss the challenges presented by AI and other tech advances, what SMEs can do to minimise tariff pain, and the decision to cut training hours for medical laboratory technologists
However, from a micro perspective, the narrative may be slightly different. Employees in roles that are highly replaceable by technology must not only adapt but also demonstrate their value by helping their organisation improve productivity. The words of Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang are particularly relevant: “You are not going to lose your job to AI, but you are going to lose your job to somebody who uses AI.”
The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 expects clerical, secretarial and administrative roles to see the largest declines. It also discusses how technology is seen as central to workforce planning, with 76 per cent of Hong Kong companies aiming to augment their workforce using new technologies; these companies expect 43 per cent of tasks to be completed primarily by technology by 2030.
This has significant implications for industry stakeholders. Artificial intelligence advancements present opportunities for increased efficiency but also risks of job displacement, and there is a need to upskill workers so they can keep up.