AI opportunities bloom: HKSTP fuels Hong Kong’s tech talent hub

Amidst speculations and fears of artificial intelligence (AI) taking over the job market, the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) inaugurated an AI-focused recruitment drive to show that opportunities abound for genuine talents.

Rallying AI talent on Career Day

Leading the way for industry growth, HKSTP hosted an AI-centered Career Day “AI in Action” and assembled over 150 companies and startups to offer more than a thousand in-demand roles in an array of fields, such as software development, data analysis and large-scale model algorithms. They provided potential applicants with industry knowledge and information on job openings. Additionally, a number of career development workshops were held. Some 3,000 visitors were in attendance, many of whom being young career starters from Hong Kong, the mainland and overseas.

“In this era of rapid technological evolution, HKSTP is committed to bridging the gap between technological innovation and top talent. Going forward, we will continue to adapt proactively to market dynamics, leveraging thematic recruitment initiatives to address specific talent needs,” said Albert Wong, CEO of HKSTP.

Navigating the industry in tech startups

To build a pipeline of talent, the Hong Kong Science Park has long been providing job opportunities to local and overseas graduates. Sandy Hla, a young professional from Myanmar, did an internship at the Park before graduating in Integrated Bachelor of Business Administration Programme at CUHK last year. Hla is now working full-time as a digital marketing specialist at GL technologies, a startup specialized in wireless technology and communication networks.

“The reason I decided to stay in Hong Kong after graduation is really the opportunities the city offers,” said Hla. “During my internship in the I&T ecosystem, I got to explore various directions outside of my major, which opened my eyes to the diverse possibilities in the field.” Her experience at the Park not only deepened her understanding of the industry but also sparked her passion for I&T, motivating her to apply for, and eventually, work at GL Technologies.

Alfie Zhao, CEO of GL Technologies, said that the company hopes to hire talents with professional knowledge and a passion for AI in the city. “Our Hong Kong branch comprises mostly non-local staff. As AI start-ups tend to lack channels to reach local students, I believe that HKSTP can bring in more young career starters who are willing to step out of their comfort zone and invest their career paths in I&T.”

Connecting talent, universities and industry

In collaboration with Engineering and Computer Science faculties from six local universities – The Chinese University of Hong Kong, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Baptist University, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, and The University of Hong Kong – HKSTP has launched the Talent Foundry initiative to nurture young talents, linking them up with the tech industry. An additional 1,000 Engineering and Computer Science students will be engaged this year, with hundreds of job opportunities offered by tech ventures in the Park.

“Through offering students and graduates valuable opportunities to engage directly with enterprises and startups, HKSTP will bridge the gap between talent, universities and the I&T industry. We look forward to working hand-in-hand with the next generation of innovators and academic institutions to establish Hong Kong as a key global hub for technological innovation,” said Fanny Wong, Head of Talents and Human Resources, HKSTP.

On the rapid development of AI technologies, Wong believes developing adaptability and acquiring practical experience are more important than trying to get up to speed on the ever-evolving AI. “University education is there to teach students fundamental concepts, but in a time of such phenomenal technological advancements, the curriculum may not be able to adopt all the new developments quick enough,” she said. “The importance of enabling students to adapt and continue learning cannot be overstated.”

Opening doors for global I&T talent

To further expand Hong Kong’s I&T talent base and solidify its position as a global hub for top-tier professionals, an HKSTP delegation will embark on a talent engagement journey to the United Kingdom in March. The delegation will engage with prestigious universities and research institutions, including five QS Top 50 Universities: Imperial College London, the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, University College London, and King’s College London. 

The delegation will introduce local students to Hong Kong’s dynamic I&T ecosystem, highlighting diverse internships and high-growth career pathways. They will also meet face-to-face with Hong Kong students studying in the UK, encouraging them to return to Hong Kong for development after graduation for the city’s thriving innovation landscape.