Hong Kong lawmakers on Wednesday called on the city to step up cooperation with Guangdong province to cultivate technology professionals, better align cross-border research, business and vocational training resources, and work toward matching local skills with regional industry needs.
They made the remarks while discussing a motion by labor sector legislator Ken Lee Kwong-yu during a Legislative Council meeting.
Lee said the motion sought to address a growing challenge: Hong Kong is projected to face a shortfall of 130,000 workers by 2028.
However, a labor shortage “does not mean a job for everyone”, he said, citing official findings that the wider adoption of artificial intelligence tools is hitting entry-level and clerical jobs hard.
He called on the special administrative region government to assess Guangdong-Hong Kong talent training annually, and publish a scoreboard that includes the outcomes of official joint laboratories, cross-border institutional partnerships, and internship programs. Authorities should also track indicators such as post-training employment in both places and the number of Hong Kong jobs generated through the commercialization of related research.
Lee also suggested establishing a joint teaching case library outlining the practical experiences of educational institutions and innovation and technology companies in Guangdong and Hong Kong.
The material, based on real challenges and testing experience in cross-border collaboration and AI applications, would help teachers and industry mentors in both places guide students together, Lee said.
Legislator Michelle Tang Ming-sum agreed that Hong Kong requires a strong talent base for future growth. She proposed improving regional standards for technology professionals in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and promoting mutual recognition of qualifications across the border.
Chan Pok-chi, who represents the agriculture and fisheries sector in the legislature, suggested stronger coordination in technology talent cultivation and the establishment of a joint platform with Guangdong to pool educational and industry resources. The platform can help train professionals to carry out digital upgrades and higher-value activities across Hong Kong’s industries.
Financial sector legislator Robert Lee Wai-wang highlighted fintech as a focus for joint talent training between Hong Kong and Guangdong. Hong Kong has over 1,100 fintech-related companies, and Guangdong cities, such as Shenzhen and Guangzhou, offer substantial scope for applications and commercialization, he said.
“The two sides can make the most of their complementary strengths, focusing on fintech,” he said.
Robert Lee proposed that the two places jointly cultivate multidisciplinary talent in AI, blockchain and other financial technologies through cross-border exchanges and training programs. He also encouraged financial institutions and technology companies across the Greater Bay Area to help universities design courses, prepare teaching materials, and conduct research.
Lawmaker Priscilla Leung Mei-fun said the city’s talent policy should place greater emphasis on matching skills with demand amid growing AI use.
“There is a mismatch between education and market demand,” she said. “More precise matching is the direction we should take.”
Leung suggested setting aside time in fourth-year university courses for students to train with prospective employers.
Contact the writers at wanqing@chinadailyhk.com
