• Media and Communications
• 2023 Manpower Update Report

AI technology is revolutionising the media and communications industry in various ways. Personalisation of information delivery, analysing consumer data and predicting behavior are significant applications that allow media outlets, marketers and advertisers to target their audience more effectively. AI tools are also utilised in digital media production, advertising, public relations, and marketing to generate design proposals, storyboards, scripts, and articles. While AI can enhance creativity and efficiency, there are also potential copyright and legal concerns. It is important to recognise the value of human creativity, originality, emotional intelligence, and empathy, which AI cannot fully replace. Education institutes and training providers should be aware of the issues and risks, such as local ethical standards and regulations, to be encountered by industry practitioners and address them in AI training programmes. Practitioners should initiate self-directed learning and stay updated with the latest AI developments in the media and communications industry.

• Electronics and Telecommunications
• 2023 Manpower Update Report

Digital transformation in businesses has been remarkably speeded up across industries especially in the electronics and telecommunications industries. Many companies have strengthened their efforts in leveraging new digital tools and accelerated the application of digital technologies in their operations, products and services. In the light of the increasing clients' requests on data analytics services, tailor-designed AI and IoT solutions, etc., some telecommunications companies have expanded their core business “from telcos to techcos” (i.e. from a telecoms operator to a technology company). The new business model would facilitate the digital transformation of other industries as well as create new business opportunities and values of the services of the electronics and telecommunications industries.

• Transport and Logistics
• 2022 Manpower Survey Report

The transport and logistics industry was badly hit by the pandemic with an overall decline of manpower of 5.5% when compared with that of 2018. In particular, the passenger transport sector has a negative change of 19.6% though the freight sector is relatively stable with a mild increase of 2.7%. Over 60% of the respondents reported that they had been facing recruitment difficulties at all job levels in the past 12 months. On the other hand, most respondents tended to emphasise on reducing operation costs and streamlining the organisation structure in their future plans while Hong Kong is moving along the path to normalcy.

• Maritime Services
• 2023 Manpower Update Report

Insufficient new blood, in particular those of the ocean-going and local vessel sectors, and the lack of experts in high-ended maritime services are still big concerns of the industry. As the 2023-24 Budget announced the injection of an additional $200 million into the Maritime and Aviation Training Fund (MATF), the industry and training providers are encouraged to propose new schemes under MATF to attract more students to study maritime programmes and encourage young employees to obtain higher qualifications with a view to building up a stronger talent pool.

• Fashion and Textile
• 2023 Manpower Update Report

When the world gradually picks up its step to normality after the pandemic years, international fashion brands and manufacturers are eager to resume sales and production to prepare for the bounce back. Hong Kong as a global sourcing hub should have its practitioners well equipped for the digital technology application in design and production, consumers’ expectations on ESG, and e-commerce development that further drives the fashion and textile industry. The young generation who aspire to join the industry should also develop a global perspective and understand the Greater Bay Area for the opportunities of the huge market and demand for quality products.

• Advanced Manufacturing
• 2022 Manpower Survey Report

The manufacturing technology industry has been facing a significant shortage of industrial talent. The challenge has become even more pressing due to the emigration wave, which is causing an outflow of professional and technical talents. Meanwhile, new blood is scarce in the manufacturing talent pool as young people have low interest in joining and staying in the industry. As traditional manufacturing strives to drive digital transformation, advanced and smart manufacturing is the future industry trend. It is imperative for the industry and training institutions to join hands and promote advanced manufacturing and relevant vocational and professional education and training pathway so to attract young talents. Employers and employees are highly encouraged to utilise the government resources in talent development and skills upgrading. Equipping themselves with high-end technology and becoming advanced manufacturing professionals will be essential for the industry to thrive in the long run.

• Security and Disciplined Services
• 2022 Manpower Survey Report

The number of employees in the security services industry increased from 121,988 in 2018 to 129,921 in 2022, with a growth of 6.5% or 7,933 persons; the highest growth was in security companies (+6.6%; +7,640 employees). In terms of job level, security guards and technicians experienced the greatest growth (+3,110 employees) and a significant percentage increase was recorded at the managerial/professional level (+82.1%). The vacancy rate of the industry was 5.7%, an increase of 1.3% from the last survey. In addition, 62.4% of employers who recruited within the past 12 months encountered difficulties due to labour shortages. There have been long-term manpower shortages and recruitment difficulties in the industry.

• Print Media and Publishing
• 2023 Manpower Update Report

With rapid technological advancement, coupled with the explosion of information, the print media and publishing industries have to revamp their business strategies, implement digital transformation and nurture a tech-savvy team specialising in digitalisation, Industry 4.0, e-commerce and information technology system, so as to improve the competitiveness and enhance sustainability. To cope with the latest digital trend, the government, enterprises and training institutions are encouraged to actively engage and nurture manpower to support this development. As new technology continues to be adopted in the print media and publishing industries, it's important for employees and young graduates to develop relevant talents and a business mindset in order to seize opportunities in this rapidly evolving field.

• Real Estate Services
• 2022 Manpower Survey Report

The rise of property technology has changed the real estate market towards more tech-enabled buildings and work offerings. It significantly improves client experience and makes informed investment and property management decisions. Artificial intelligence, immersive technologies, internet of things (IoT), big data and analytics, blockchain and drones are the major property technology trends today. The use of these technologies in the real estate market is still in infant stage, however with rapid innovation taking place. This is an indication of future growth with enormous opportunities and a quest of talents with advanced data analytics skills for insight generation, strong competence in applying property technologies for delivering business solutions and customer experiences with agility and creativity in the future.

• Automobile
• 2022 Manpower Update Report

Announced by the Government, "Hong Kong Roadmap on Popularisation of Electric Vehicles" has set out the way to zero vehicular emissions for Hong Kong by 2050.  Despite the rapid emergence of electric vehicles in the local market, there is still a huge demand for the maintenance of mainstream internal combustion engine vehicles.  In terms of commercial vehicles, local franchised public bus companies are gradually introducing electric buses and hydrogen buses to diversify the development of new energy vehicles in Hong Kong.   The automotive industry needs mechatronic talents to sustain the development of new energy vehicles in Hong Kong.  Training programmes should be tailored to meet the needs of the industry so that practitioners can effectively grasp the professional skills involved.