​Following is a question by Professor the Hon Priscilla Leung and a reply by the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, in the Legislative Council today (May 13):

Question:

     It has been reported that the number of full-time job vacancies for university graduates in Hong Kong fell from approximately 15 000 in the fourth quarter of 2021 to around 7 500 in the same period last year, a sharp decline of nearly 50 per cent, indicating a more challenging employment environment for university graduates than before. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(1) as it is learnt that basic tasks previously performed by junior staff are gradually being replaced by AI tools, whether the authorities have analysed the impact of AI tools on the number of jobs; if so, of the details; if not, whether they will carry out an analysis;

(2) how the authorities will guide university students to enter sectors with ample job vacancies, but that are non-traditional and less popular; and

(3) whether the authorities will encourage enterprises to assume their corporate training responsibilities and increase the recruitment of local university graduates, so as to improve the employment environment for university graduates as soon as possible?

Reply:

President,

     In consultation with the Education Bureau and the Census and Statistics Department (C&SD), the reply to the Member's question is provided as follows:

(1) Based on the results of the General Household Survey conducted by the C&SD, the number of employed persons aged 15 to 29 with degree or above educational attainment (excluding foreign domestic helpers) in 2025 was about 268 000, comparable to about 270 000 in 2024.

     The development of AI is advancing rapidly in recent years. Various studies have indicated that while such automation technologies as AI could replace part of existing jobs, they would also create new employment opportunities at the same time. Their impact on the labour market is far-reaching, spanning across all trades and industries as well as jobs at different levels.

     Regarding the local employment market for higher education graduates, the widespread application of AI has begun to have impact on the demand for entry-level positions. According to statistics from the Joint Institution Job Information System, the number of full-time job vacancies suitable for university graduates dropped from around 80 000 in 2022 to around 31 000 in 2025. Among them, roles more affected by automation technology, such as administration and information technology/programming, recorded more pronounced drops of nearly 90 per cent and 80 per cent respectively.

     In fact, all major global economies are facing similar structural challenge amid the popularisation of AI. A survey by the International Data Corporation suggests that over 60 per cent of the surveyed enterprises around the globe have indicated that they would reduce the hiring for entry-level positions within the next three years due to the introduction of AI automation technologies.

     The Government places high importance on the situation, and has been closely monitoring the changes in the local labour market. To keep abreast of the latest trends, the Labour and Welfare Bureau is currently conducting an analysis on the impact of AI on Hong Kong's overall labour market as well as various industries and occupations. The findings of this analysis will be incorporated into the mid-term update of the Manpower Projections, which is expected for release in the fourth quarter of 2026, to provide a more comprehensive basis for future policies.
 
(2) and (3) Through the triennial Planning Exercise, the eight University Grants Committee-funded universities will review and launch new programmes. In the 2025-28 triennium, in response to the government's policy steer, as well as market demand and industry trends, the universities will introduce 30 new programmes to meet Hong Kong's developmental needs. These programmes cover emerging sectors which have developed rapidly in recent years and are widely popular among young people, such as AI, cybersecurity, creative industries, sustainable development and data science. This can bolster Hong Kong's development in innovation and technology as well as the "eight centres", while creating opportunities for young people to develop their strengths.

     On employment, respective faculties and student affairs offices of the universities in Hong Kong provide relevant information and support services for graduates in planning their career development, which include recruitment seminars, job-seeking training workshops, career counselling and consultation services, and mentorship programmes. They will also contact alumni associations and employers of different industries to provide employment and internship opportunities for students.

     Besides, the Labour Department (LD) provides diversified employment services and implements various employment programmes to assist job seekers of different backgrounds (including university graduates) to secure employment. The LD's Interactive Employment Service website features the Dedicated Webpage on Higher Education Employment to facilitate university graduates and job seekers with higher education to search and apply for suitable job vacancies. Apart from employment services, the LD operates two Youth Employment Resource Centres named Youth Employment Start (Y.E.S.) in Mong Kok and Kwai Fong to provide one-stop integrated support services on employment and self-employment for young people aged 15 to 29 (including university graduates).

     In 2023, the LD also regularised the Greater Bay Area Youth Employment Scheme (GBA YES), encouraging enterprises to employ Hong Kong young people to work in the Mainland cities of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Starting from 2025, the eligibility requirements for joining the GBA YES have been relaxed to include young people aged 29 or below with sub-degree or higher qualifications, and the allowance limit for employers has been increased to $12,000 per month, so as to further promote the career development of Hong Kong young people.

     The Government will continue to closely monitor changes in the economy and employment market, and review and adjust measures in a timely manner with a view to assisting university graduates in securing employment.

Ends/Wednesday, May 13, 2026
Issued at HKT 12:48

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