The recent "OpenClaw craze" ignited by OpenClaw has created a buzz within the AI community, while quietly transforming Hong Kong's local labor market. With artificial intelligence (AI) deeply infiltrating various industries, it is reshaping job structures and altering talent demands across the board.
At today's (March 12) media briefing during the Cyberport Career Fair, TalentLabs Limited expert representative Terrance Lok analyzed the current state, trends, and strategies for job seekers in HK's AI-driven job market. Lok highlighted how AI's deep penetration into industries is driving significant changes in workforce demands and job structures.
Lok revealed that there are currently over 2,200 job openings in tech-related and professional fields in HK, with 53% of these roles requiring AI-related skills or being directly linked to AI. In terms of industry distribution, the IT and services sector accounts for the largest share at 28%, followed by professional services and financial services. AI is no longer limited to traditional fields such as programming and research; its influence is expanding into finance, management consulting, accounting, marketing, law, and other industries.
When it comes to skill requirements, the market is moving away from favoring specialists in singular fields. Instead, there's a growing need for well-rounded, multidisciplinary talent. Job seekers today need to master three key skills:
- Analytical thinking– the ability to interpret and validate AI-generated results.
- Resilience and flexibility– to adapt to workplace changes brought about by AI.
- AI workflow integration skills– this is set to become a core competency by 2026. Job seekers must learn to use AI tools to significantly enhance workplace efficiency, compressing time-consuming tasks into streamlined processes.
Lok stated that AI is actively replacing certain roles, with entry-level positions facing the greatest challenges. Jobs in basic programming, translation, administrative support, and entry-level software engineering are seeing decreased demand. Similarly, demand for traditional data scientist roles is also cooling off.
Conversely, demand for positions such as AI engineers and AI architects is surging. Over the next year, the local job market will exhibit a trend toward "senior-level transformation," with companies preferring to hire experienced professionals capable of decision-making and supervision. Additionally, cybersecurity is expected to become an essential skill for the workforce.
Lok advised young people not to feel disheartened by the reduction in entry-level job opportunities. Instead, they should proactively cultivate qualities suited for senior roles, stepping beyond purely execution-based tasks. By developing systematic thinking and defining clear career goals early on, they can position themselves for future success.
In light of the growing demand for AI engineers and cybersecurity expertise, young people are encouraged to acquire relevant skills and obtain certifications as soon as possible. Lok emphasized that while AI can handle 90% of repetitive tasks, human creativity, ethical judgment, and interpersonal skills remain irreplaceable core values.
The Fair is set to take place from March 20 to 21 under the theme "Set Sail Towards Your Digital Future." This year's event offers over 2,000 tech-focused job opportunities and provides participants with an in-depth look at the employment prospects across 21 cutting-edge industries, including AI, big data, and the low-altitude economy.
For the first time, the event will introduce multiple interactive experiences, allowing attendees to engage directly with cutting-edge technology applications.
(Reporter: Zhang Yunfei; English Editor: Zoey SUN)
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