A study conducted by a local think tank last year predicted that, by 2038, more than one million HongKongers could lose their jobs to artificial intelligence(AI). The study, which was reported in the South China Morning Post (SCMP), estimated that ‘28% of the city’s 3.7 million jobs are vulnerable to automation’. Secretaries, accountants and auditors were among the workers whose jobs were considered most at risk of being replaced by AI in the next two decades. 

In response to this potential threat to Hong Kong’s future labour market, the government decided to raise the upper limit of the funding available from its Continuing Education Fund (CEF) from HK$10,000 (£1,000) to HK$20,000 (£2,000) for each applicant. The decision was also made to increase the upper age limit for those applying to access the fund from 65 to 70. These changes have been effective since 1 April 2019.

It was also reported in the SCMP that the government expected ‘an additional 4,000 courses under 14 disciplines such as urban planning, computer science and business management would be covered by the fund, on top of the existing 7,800 courses’. 

Comments by Karen Hsu, Education Services Manager, Hong Kong

AI is one of the four focus areas of development named in the Chief Executive’s ambitious plans for Hong Kong and its role in contributing to the overall vision for the Greater Bay Area. The city urgently needs residents to understand the transformative power of AI technology and to acquire the necessary skills for successfully coping with the future challenges brought about the impending AI era.

As a result of the newly-enhanced CEF support, students will be eligible for CEF funding for a wider range courses offered by non-local course providers (i.e. transnational education providers). Courses eligible for funding will include those in subject areas such as eSports, big data, cybersecurity and health and life science. It is also believed that there will be a growing demand for transnational education partnerships with UK institutions, particularly in relation to establishing new programmes in AI-related subjects.

Sources:

• Threat from artificial intelligence sees Hong Kong education fund doubled as city workers are urged to prepare for world of the future
  www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3007071/threat-artificial-intelligence-sees-hong-kong-education
   
• One million Hongkongers could lose their job to AI over next 20 years, study finds 
  www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/2154690/one-million-hongkongers-could-lose-their-job-ai