Hong Kong could gain $65b if smaller firms match big companies on AI

The tool could also unlock $590b in additional export income. 

Hong Kong could unlock $65b in economic value by 2035 if small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) match large firms in artificial intelligence (AI) adoption, a Google-commissioned study by Public First showed.

The report estimated that AI could help local SMBs generate $590b in additional export income by reducing the cost and complexity of selling across borders.

However, workplace potential is still in its early stages despite wider adoption by consumers, said Michael Yue, Managing Director & General Manager of Google Hong Kong.

Nearly 80% of Hong Kong workers said they would be interested in skills training to help them make better use of AI.

Users also showed interest in AI agents for administrative tasks, with 65% interested in work assistants for email, scheduling and admin, while 55% were interested in personal assistants for bookings and reservations.

Interest in time and administrative agents was highest amongst adults aged 25 to 34 at 90%, followed by those aged 35 to 44 at 81%.

“As we step into the agentic era, Hong Kong’s sophisticated user base provides the ideal foundation to bridge this gap,” Yue added.

Meanwhile, one in five residents were classified as AI “Super Users”, with more than 80% of this group using practices such as comparing tools, providing examples and reviewing AI-generated outputs.

Nearly half, or 48%, of local adults said such tools save them more than an hour a week across work and personal activities, while 47% were classified as intermediate users.