Although this tech boom is expected to create many opportunities, there remains a stereotype that the world of technology is exclusive to specialists working in a laboratory. The reality is different. Dora Wu, R&D alliance manager at Trinity Photonics, a company based at the Hong Kong Science Park, graduated with a degree in journalism and communications but was attracted to the dynamic I&T sector, which promised new discoveries and a chance to make an impact on society.

“You don’t need to be a techie to work in tech,” she says. “My role in the workplace is to act as a bridge between clients and our company’s technical staff, who provide solutions for optical networks. I would leverage my communications skills to translate customer solutions into business language, essential for managing client relationships.”

As a young professional herself, she advises young people from a non-STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) background wishing to pursue a career in I&T to explore roles that require specialities outside tech. As the tech sector has a high demand for talent, businesses are most interested in people from diverse backgrounds who are open to continuous learning and are highly motivated. In most tech companies, accountants, marketers, graphic designers, salespeople, communication specialists and project managers play crucial roles in creating shared value.

Indeed, a huge draw for working in the tech industry is the work itself, where people can live and work on the cutting edge. I&T focuses on breaking new ground, encouraging a culture of growth and advancement. The industry can offer a wide range of career paths across various sectors; professionals can pursue opportunities within the fields of biotech, fintech, artificial intelligence and robotics, working for either a start-up or a well-established corporation.

Kyle Wong is CEO and co-founder of PanopticAI – a start-up company also based at the Hong Kong Science Park that provides artificial intelligence technology to assist healthcare providers in remotely monitoring patients’ vital signs and other indicators. Wong has a PhD in bioengineering, and one of the most significant rewards for him in heading up an I&T start-up is improving people’s lives.

“Our technology solutions have the potential to improve patient outcomes, reduce costs and increase the accessibility of healthcare services,” he says. “We started PanopticAI with a mission to provide everyone with an equal opportunity to live a healthy life.

“Aside from the city’s low tax rate, supportive government policies and funding, Hong Kong serves as a strategic gateway to mainland China and other Asian countries, giving it a unique advantage in accessing the world’s largest markets. Its unique ‘East-meets-West’ culture will play a pivotal role in helping it become a city of innovation.”

Another perk of a career in I&T is the potential for high earnings, with the industry continuously listed among the highest payers, even in graduate positions. According to a survey by Hong Kong Baptist University and the Hong Kong Personnel Management Association, information technology graduates can expect the second-highest average starting salary in Hong Kong.

With technology and innovation being an increasingly attractive career path for graduates and career switchers alike, Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) will be launching Hong Kong’s largest I&T Career Expo, from March 18 to April 17.

“HKSTP is a ‘super-connector’ of talents from all over the world,” says Fanny Wong, head of talents and human resources at HKSTP. “The 2023 career expo will provide I&T companies with the opportunity to meet talents and create the space for potential hires to have personalised discussions with cutting-edge company representatives, who can shift the narrative around available career opportunities within the innovation sector.”

The career expo, an all-in-one virtual job-matching platform for employers and jobseekers around the globe to connect, is part of the “Talent Game On 2K23” programme, which features a series of gamified, tech-inspired challenges combining virtual and physical activities – putting a unique spin on career fairs and recruitment.

With over 2,700 I&T job opportunities from over 250 tech companies on the career expo platform, jobseekers will have the opportunity to explore employers’ online booths and discuss with company recruiters to find out more about the company and the opportunities for which they are best suited.

“Following on from Talent Game On 2K23, we invite talents from all backgrounds and disciplines to register for the 2023 career expo,” adds Fanny Wong. “As a crucible of innovation, we are passionate about being the conduit to help talents transition into successful I&T careers. People joining our park companies are not only joining as an employee, but will also become part of the most vibrant I&T ecosystem in the world.”