VTC Manpower Survey – Fashion and Textile

Advanced Manufacturing Industry - 2026 Manpower Update Report Image

Advanced Manufacturing
2026 Manpower Update Report

To establish Hong Kong as a leading hub for advanced manufacturing industry, a clear and cohesive strategy must be implemented. This vision depends on building a tailored ecosystem, promoting inclusive economic growth, securing strong government support, and aligning with national strategic priorities. Developing talent across three critical domains is crucial to success:
1) Deep Technical Expertise – Mastery in fields such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and data analytics, including “composite” talent capable of bridging scientific principles with practical engineering.
2) Innovation and Adaptability – The ability to drive research and development and keep pace with rapid technological change.
3) Quality and Compliance – Expertise in quality assurance and global standards to ensure seamless integration into international supply chains. Targeted talent development programmes and cross-sector upskilling initiatives must be closely aligned with these priorities for enabling Hong Kong to secure a competitive position and achieve sustainable, innovation-led economic growth.

Security Services Industry and Disciplined Services Sector - 2026 Manpower Update Report Image

Security and Disciplined Services
2026 Manpower Update Report

The security services industry is transitioning toward integrated service models that combine traditional guarding with advanced technologies like patrol robots and AI-enabled surveillance . While demand remains strong for security personnel in specialised sectors like data centers and logistics hubs, recruitment is increasingly difficult as 67.2% of security personnel permit holders are aged 51 or above . To maintain service standards, employers have been adopting flexible staffing models and utilising the Enhanced Import Labour Scheme to stabilise operations. However, industry growth is hindered by intense price competition and resident hesitation regarding biometric systems and data privacy . Future resilience depends on upgrading training to include cybersecurity and digital literacy, ensuring the workforce can effectively manage modern, high-security environments while building public trust.

Fashion and Textile Industry - 2026 Manpower Update Report Image

Fashion and Textile
2026 Manpower Update Report

Hong Kong’s fashion and textile industry is moving beyond adaptation to actively redefining its future development trajectory. Global uncertainty, geopolitical shifts and evolving consumer values are reshaping the landscape of the industry, while AI is accelerating new forms of creativity, connectivity, and competitiveness. Supported by deeper integration with the Chinese Mainland and the powerful convergence of AI, e-commerce and sustainable fashion, the industry is progressing towards a sustainability-oriented and value-driven ecosystem. With a competitive, agile, and adaptable talent pool, and enabled by innovation and cross-industry collaboration, the industry is well positioned to transform challenges into opportunities and to further strengthen Hong Kong’s role as a super connector and super value-adder.

Transport and Logistics Industry - 2026 Manpower Update Report Image

Transport and Logistics
2026 Manpower Update Report

The transport and logistics industry in Hong Kong is undergoing a paradigm shift, propelled by the convergence of AI, low-altitude economy, autonomous driving technologies and ESG. While the industry continues to face persistent manpower shortages in frontline roles, demand is rapidly pivoting toward new, tech-enabled positions. Specialised skills in AI applications, drone operations, autonomous systems, and ESG practices are now critical. This transformation underscores a pressing need to bridge the gap between emerging technologies and local talent supply. In response, concerted efforts should be made to strengthen talent pipelines, modernise training frameworks, and foster greater synergy between policymakers, educators, and industry stakeholders to equip the workforce for the demands of an increasingly technology-driven era.

Insurance Industry - 2025 Manpower Survey Report Image

Insurance
2025 Manpower Survey Report

Hong Kong’s insurance industry is undergoing a period of transformation, driven by regulatory developments, technological advancement, and strategic market expansion. The introduction of new accounting and capital regimes is increasing demand for specialised capabilities across actuarial, compliance, and data engineering functions. At the same time, digital innovation, ecosystem development, and demographic trends, most notably an ageing population, are reshaping product design and distribution, while accelerating the need for expertise in data analytics, digital health, and insurance technology.
Closer integration with the Greater Bay Area and alignment with national policy priorities further enhance opportunities for cross-border services and the development of high-quality, customer-centric solutions. To sustain Hong Kong’s position as a leading global insurance hub, a strategic approach to workforce planning is essential. Targeted upskilling in digital and analytical competencies, together with the strengthening of the talent pipeline, will be critical to supporting long-term growth, resilience, and innovation in an increasingly complex operating environment.

Banking and Finance Industry - 2025 Manpower Survey Report Image

Banking and Finance
2025 Manpower Survey Report

Hong Kong is a leading international financial centre undergoing rapid transformation driven by digitalisation, regulatory developments and deeper integration with national strategies. This Manpower Survey Report examines evolving talent needs in the banking and financial industry, identifies emerging skills in areas such as cross‑border finance, digital assets, data analytics and financial technology, and assesses potential skills gaps. It also provides targeted recommendations for the Government, industry and education providers to support manpower planning, talent development and workforce readiness, ensuring the industry remains competitive and future‑ready.

Accountancy Sector - 2025 Manpower Survey Report Image

Accountancy
2025 Manpower Survey Report

Hong Kong’s accounting sector is undergoing significant transformation driven by market growth and structural change. New international standards, together with enhanced ESG and anti‑money laundering requirements, are expanding the scope and complexity of the profession, while Hong Kong’s role as a financial gateway and family office hub is increasing demand for cross‑border services. These developments are shifting accountants’ roles from traditional compliance to advisory functions, requiring new skills in data analytics, technology application, and sustainability reporting. However, talent shortages and changing career expectations present challenges. This report analyses key factors shaping the sector’s outlook and provides recommendations for the Government, employers, employees, and education institutions to strengthen talent development and support the profession’s long‑term competitiveness.

Healthcare and Wellness Sector - 2024-2025 Manpower Survey Report Image

Healthcare and Wellness
2024 Manpower Survey Report

Hong Kong’s healthcare and wellness sector is under growing pressure as an ageing population drives higher rates of chronic diseases and increases demand on public health services. This strain is exacerbated by a persistent shortage of healthcare professionals in hospitals and by workforce ageing in settings for elderly care and rehabilitation services. Rising community stress levels, intensified by economic uncertainty, are further elevating mental health needs. Despite these challenges, significant opportunities are reshaping the sector’s future development. Government strategies are strengthening primary healthcare and shifting the system towards prevention-oriented and community-based care. Deeper collaboration within the Greater Bay Area is expanding access to cross-border healthcare services, streamlining drug approvals, and enhancing talent exchange. Rapid advancements in AI, biotechnology, and health technology improve diagnostic precision and operational efficiency, whereas gerontechnology supports ageing-in-place and enhances the elderly’s quality of life. There is a pressing need for targeted training programmes to address the talent shortages and skills gaps. Specialised training in community-based healthcare, AI applications, and soft-skills competency will be crucial for equipping professionals with the capabilities needed to thrive in this dynamic sector.

Merchandise Trading and E-commerce Industry - 2024 Manpower Survey Report Image

Merchandise Trading and E-commerce
2024 Manpower Survey Report

The Merchandise Trading and E-commerce industry is facing significant challenges, driven by global trade tensions and rising outflow of local consumer spending due to change in consumption patterns. To address these challenges, Government should continue fundings and initiatives in supporting companies to develop E-commerce businesses and recruit talents through initiatives and regularization of Vocational Professionals Admission Scheme. Training institutions should collaborate with industry partners to offer training for emerging skills in this rapidly evolving industry. Employers and employees are encouraged to leverage various government schemes for talent development and skills enhancement.

Innovation and Technology Sector - 2025 Manpower Update Report Image

Innovation and Technology
2025 Manpower Update Report

In the face of rapid technological advancements, Hong Kong’s innovation and technology sector is being fortified by national strategies and robust local policy initiatives that focus on frontier technologies. This ecosystem is further propelled by research and development (R&D) platforms. Hong Kong’s roles as a “super‑connector” and “super value-adder” underlines a strategic pathway toward deeper integration of innovation and commercialisation. The talent market signals a clear imperative to embrace emerging technologies, especially in the realm of artificial intelligence. To maintain competitiveness, coordinated efforts among the Government, training institutions, employers and graduates/ employees are essential. The Government should incentivise industry-academia collaboration to accelerate the commercialisation of R&D and expand interdisciplinary STEAM pathways. Training institutions must align their curricula with both market needs and certification requirements – encompassing both Chinese Mainland and international standards – while also enhancing reskilling and upskilling initiatives. Employers should implement robust support systems to retain incoming talent, while graduates and employees should embrace lifelong learning, cultivating soft skills and an innovative mindset. This proactive strategy not only addresses immediate manpower gaps but also equips Hong Kong’s workforce for the next wave of technological transformation.