84% of fresh DSE candidates intend to choose subjects not easily replaced by AIs

The Diploma of Secondary Education (DSE) exam results will be released next Wednesday (July 17). A recent survey by the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups (HKFYG) reveals that 42% of this year's DSE candidates find it difficult to plan their further studies and career paths, with their stress levels reaching the highest range of 7 to 10, similar to last year.

The situation is even more prevalent among current F5 students, with 58% reporting the highest stress levels. The survey also found that with the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI), students are adjusting their career plans, with 84% saying that they will consider subjects related to jobs less likely to be replaced by AI when planning their further studies, and nearly 70% indicating they will consider emerging AI-related subjects.

The HKFYG's "DSE 27771112" surveyed 513 F6 students and 802 F5 students between May and June to understand their study planning. Among the current DSE candidates, 58.3% aim for a university degree, 21.2% plan to pursue a master's degree, and 5.5% target an associate degree or higher diploma, the lowest in nearly five years, reflecting an increasing number of students seeking higher education.

The survey focused on the impact of AI on the study planning of the new generation of students. Although most people consider AI when choosing a subject, more than 65% admit that they don't know much about AI, and over 60% expressed concern and confusion about their future.

The survey indicated that F5 students rated their stress levels higher than those about to receive their DSE results. Chan noted that this situation warrants attention and hopes schools will organize more career experience activities, allowing students to engage with emerging industries early, understand market trends, and explore career paths.

From Sep. last year to June this year, the HKFYG's "DSE 2777 1112" hotline received 9,312 help cases. Among them was a student hoping to study media at university. Despite not being overly concerned about grades, the student worried that AI might replace related jobs after graduation and hesitated about choosing a subject that did not match their interests but was less likely to be replaced by AI, leading to fear, anxiety, and confusion about university subject selection and the future.

To support students during the release of the results, the HKFYG will enhance its hotline services and online counseling via uTouch.hk from July 15 to 20, providing immediate study consultation and emotional support for students and parents.