The job market for fresh graduates in Hong Kong is currently a challenging landscape, with artificial intelligence (AI) playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of work. The story of Ivan Cheung, a data science and analytics graduate, is a microcosm of the struggles faced by many recent graduates in the city. Cheung's journey, which involves filing over 200 job applications since March, highlights the growing uncertainty in the job transition from university to career. The advent of AI has disrupted the once predictable path, making it crucial for graduates to possess AI literacy skills to stand out in the competition.
Cheung's observation that those who have found jobs consider themselves lucky underscores the stark reality of the current job market. The data supports this sentiment, with job vacancies in Hong Kong plummeting by 55% from 68,728 in 2024 to 30,798 in 2025, according to the Joint Institution Job Information System. This decline is the steepest in the past five years, indicating a significant shift in the employment landscape.
The impact of AI on the job market is profound. As Cheung notes, "Artificial intelligence literacy is perhaps the most important skill to have to be able to secure a job now." The ability to provide specific and directed prompts to AI is becoming a critical differentiator for graduates. This skill set enables individuals to leverage AI to address business pain points, rather than relying on general answers, which are often readily available.
The challenge for graduates like Cheung is twofold. Firstly, they must navigate a highly competitive job market where the number of applicants far exceeds the available positions. Secondly, they need to develop the necessary skills to work effectively with AI, a skill that is increasingly becoming a prerequisite for many roles.
The implications of this shift are far-reaching. It suggests a future where AI literacy is not just an advantage but a necessity for securing employment. It also implies a need for educational institutions to adapt their curricula to better prepare students for the AI-driven job market. As AI continues to evolve, the skills required to work alongside it will become even more specialized and in-demand.
In conclusion, the story of Ivan Cheung and the broader trend of declining job vacancies among fresh graduates in Hong Kong highlight the urgent need for graduates to adapt to the changing job market. AI literacy is not just a skill to possess but a necessity for those seeking to secure a job in the future. As the job market continues to evolve, the ability to work effectively with AI will become a key differentiator for graduates, shaping their career trajectories and the future of work in Hong Kong.
