Hong Kong government outlines plans to support youth employment in AI era
Hong Kong's government has detailed measures to help young people adapt to artificial intelligence-driven job market changes, including enhanced career education, a database on AI labour trends, and expanded internship programmes with a focus on 'purple-collar' roles combining traditional skills wit
The Hong Kong government has outlined a series of measures to support youth employment in the era of artificial intelligence (AI), responding to a legislative council question on 11 November 2026. The question cited a recent manpower projection update warning of a surplus of clerical workers as companies adopt AI, leading to a reduction in entry-level administrative positions. It also highlighted the emerging concept of 'purple-collar' workers, who combine traditional professional skills with AI operational abilities, a trend promoted in mainland China and internationally.
In its reply, the government said the Education Bureau has long focused on career education through a business-school partnership scheme, offering activities such as career talks, workplace visits, workshops and work experience related to emerging and innovative technology industries. Partners in the scheme include firms working in AI, 3D printing, biotechnology, testing and certification, metaverse gaming and digital art. The bureau's career planning website provides information on over 300 occupations, including those in emerging and innovative technology sectors, covering job duties, career ladders, entry requirements and training courses.
The government stated it is closely monitoring the impact of new technologies, including AI, on labour market demand and skills structures. The Labour and Welfare Bureau conducts manpower projections every five years, with a mid-term update, to assess the impact of macroeconomic and technological developments on the labour market. The most recent update, released in September 2026, specifically examined the rapid spread of AI. The government also monitors the labour market through monthly and quarterly employment and vacancy data from the Census and Statistics Department, as well as reports from local and overseas institutions. The Digital Policy Office will cooperate within existing mechanisms, providing input on manpower supply and demand in relevant industries.
To assist youth employment, the 2026 Policy Address announced a two-year, 30,000-youth job and internship scheme in partnership with the business sector. It includes four employment and internship projects covering commerce, innovation and technology, construction, and financial services. The Labour and Welfare Bureau and the Labour Department will manage the Graduate Employment Kick-start Programme, which aims to provide 10,000 full-time posts for six months or more from the first quarter of 2027, on top of participating enterprises' regular recruitment, targeting young people entering the workforce for the first time or with limited experience.
The Home and Youth Affairs Bureau will also enhance its Youth Startup Internship Programme and launch new AI experience activities under its Jockey Club Youth Career Planning Programme to strengthen secondary school students' understanding of AI applications and industries. The bureau runs various other internship schemes offering positions in AI, new energy technology and the digital economy, helping young people gain practical experience and seize opportunities from national and technological development.