VTC Manpower Survey – Merchandise Trading and E-commerce Industry

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.

Real Estate Services Industry - 2025 Manpower Update Report Image

Real Estate Services
2025 Manpower Update Report

PropTech applications now span the entire Real Estate Services Industry but regulations have not yet fully kept pace with technological developments. To avoid legal ambiguities from impeding the adoption of the latest technology, it is hoped that the Government could establish comprehensive legal frameworks to govern PropTech applications, particularly those concerning privacy and security risks. At the same time, employees should proactively develop their soft skills – the irreplaceable human edge that will ensure their career resilience in the increasingly automated industry.

Automobile Industry - 2025 Manpower Update Report Image

Automobile
2025 Manpower Update Report

Outlined in the “Hong Kong Roadmap on Popularisation of Electric Vehicles”, the HKSAR Government’s commitment to achieving zero vehicular emissions by 2050 remains a central driver of industry transformation. By the first half of 2025, global electric vehicle (EV) sales surged, capturing over 25% of the total car market, reflecting a relentless global push towards electrification. In Hong Kong, EVs accounted for over 70% of new private car registrations, highlighting rapid local adoption. Despite this growth, the servicing sector remains dominated by internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, sustaining significant demand for their maintenance. For commercial vehicles, the government is advancing trials for electric taxis and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, diversifying the new energy transport landscape. The industry's evolution now demands a workforce skilled in mechatronics, digital diagnostics, etc., underscoring the need for tailored training programmes to equip students and practitioners with the required skills.

Maritime Services Industry - 2024 Manpower Survey Report Image

Maritime Services
2024 Manpower Survey Report

Employers in the maritime sector were surveyed on their expectations for the business environment over the next two years. The findings reflect a steady outlook, with some signs of optimism across the industry. A portion of respondents (3.8%) anticipated an improvement in the business climate, with 74.1% of them expecting a business volume increase of under 25%. This outlook is supported by projections of rising demand for transport and logistics services and the potential for more favourable ship acquisition costs. Meanwhile, 24.5% of respondents expected stable or moderated business activity, with 51.1% projecting a business volume adjustment of less than 25%. Factors influencing these expectations include global economic trends and evolving cost structures. Overall, the results suggest a stable business environment with opportunities for growth, particularly through enhanced demand and operational efficiencies.

Electronics and Telecommunications Industries - 2024 Manpower Survey Report Image

Electronics and Telecommunications
2024 Manpower Survey Report

The optimistic outlook for Hong Kong's electronics and telecommunications sectors is driving a pressing need for skilled manpower. The rollout of 5G technology presents significant development potential for various industries and applications in smart cities, which heightens the demand for specialised talent. Moreover, the aging population is amplifying the need for health solutions, further intensifying workforce requirements in life sciences. The explosive growth of e-commerce necessitates expertise in advanced electronic systems and secure payment technologies. In response, government initiatives are strengthening talent admission schemes to attract skilled professionals, ensuring a robust workforce and reinforcing Hong Kong’s position as a technology leader.

Catering Industry - 2025 Manpower Update Report Image

Catering
2025 Manpower Update Report

Hong Kong’s catering industry is navigating a complex and evolving landscape shaped by economic pressures, rising operational costs, and shifting consumer behaviours. With increasing competition from neighbouring regions and changing expectations among younger workers, businesses are rethinking their staffing strategies and service models. This overview explores key challenges such as recruitment difficulties, industry image, and training needs, while highlighting opportunities for innovation, cultural integration, and collaboration across sectors. As tourism and events gradually rebound, the industry is poised to embrace transformation and build a resilient, future-ready workforce.

Hotel Industry - 2025 Manpower Update Report Image

Hotel
2025 Manpower Update Report

The hotel industry in Hong Kong continues to navigate a dynamic environment shaped by economic volatility, regional competition, and shifting travel behaviours. While international tourism is gradually recovering, the rise of short-stay visits and alternative accommodations has altered traditional demand patterns, prompting operators to reassess their strategies. Labour challenges remain a key concern, with rising costs and recruitment difficulties impacting service quality. Despite the adoption of new technologies, the sector’s reliance on personalised service highlights the need for a skilled and adaptable workforce. This update underscores the importance of collaborative efforts among government, industry, and educational institutions in strengthening talent pipelines, enhancing the appeal of hospitality careers, and supporting sustainable sector growth.

Electrical and Mechanical Services Industry - 2025 Manpower Update Report Image

Electrical and Mechanical Services
2025 Manpower Update Report

Government mega-projects have long been critical drivers for the E&M services and construction industries. The industry is experiencing a shifting manpower landscape due to the completion of many large-scale projects. E&M professionals who previously specialised in on-site installations for large construction projects have transited towards E&M maintenance work. The railway sector is expanding its operations and upgrading its existing network by integrating advanced technologies, while the aircraft maintenance sector has seen substantial advancements, particularly with the launch of the three-runway system at Hong Kong International Airport. These have led to increased demand for manpower in E&M engineering services. The Multi-trade Integrated Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MiMEP) technology is gaining widespread adoption in new construction projects. Workers only need to install the complete unit, rather than assembling each system individually. This streamlined process reduces construction time and boosts overall efficiency, demonstrating great promise in improving construction performance.

Building, Civil Engineering and Built Environment Industry - 2025 Manpower Update Report Image

Building, Civil Engineering and Built Environment
2025 Manpower Update Report

The Government continues to invest in the formation of land, infrastructure works and construction of facilities required by the community, and strives to maintain steady growth in the capital works expenditure, including the development of Northern Metropolis, the Northern Link Main Line and the Northern Metropolis Highway (San Tin Section) etc. The clear prospect of the industries could enhance job security within the industries and was favourable to attracting the engagement of young generation.
The extended use of advanced tools and highly productive digital construction methods has relieved the workload of workers in repetitive, labour-dependent or potentially hazardous construction procedures. The demand for talents with expertise in I&T fields, such as robotics, computer sciences and electronics, for the development and deployment of advanced construction methods has risen.

Merchandise Trading and E-commerce

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