Manpower shortage seen narrowing to 130,000 by 2028

However, shortages remain tight in industries such as innovation and technology.

The overall manpower shortage in Hong Kong is now projected to narrow to about 130,000 by 2028, from an earlier estimate of 180,000, according to the Labour and Welfare Bureau’s (LWB) Mid-term Update of Manpower Projection.

The bureau attributed the improvement to economic restructuring, wider artificial intelligence (AI) adoption, and the admission of talent and workers.

However, manpower remains tight in industries such as innovation and technology, aviation, construction, city operations, and healthcare.

Skilled technical workers and services and sales workers are projected to account for about 60% of the overall manpower shortage over the next three years.

"Whilst these roles, which rely on interpersonal interaction and complex craftsmanship, are harder for AI to replace, manpower shortage persists due to workforce ageing, coupled with difficulties in attracting youth entrants," the bureau said.

In contrast, clerical support workers are projected to record a manpower surplus of approximately 25,000 to 30,000 by 2028.

Meanwhile, the number of job vacancies suitable for fresh graduates has fallen by about 60% compared with 2022, as companies increasingly use AI and automation for some tasks.

About 70,000 middle-aged clerical support workers aged 45 to 54 without post-secondary education are also facing pressure to transition to other roles, according to the report.

LWB secretary Chris Sun said the government would adopt a “multi-pronged approach” to help workers prepare for the AI era.

Measures include stronger employment support for young graduates, incentives for employers and employees to undertake on-the-job retraining, and expanded retraining and flexible skills-conversion programmes for middle-aged and older workers.