Hong Kong positions talent strategy around AI and regional integration at Global Talent Summit Week

Hong Kong’s Global Talent Summit Week brought together government officials, academics, and industry leaders to discuss how artificial intelligence is reshaping work, talent development, and cross-border collaboration.

Jointly hosted by the Labour and Welfare Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and Hong Kong Talent Engage, the event featured the International Talent Forum and CareerConnect Expo. According to the organisers, the two flagship events recorded more than 10,000 visits and 170,000 live-stream views.

AI’s role in workforce transformation

At the International Talent Forum, Professor Christopher A Pissarides, 2010 Nobel Laureate in Economic Sciences, addressed the role of artificial intelligence in shaping future labour markets.

He said Hong Kong retains strengths in finance, commerce, and education, alongside proximity to Shenzhen as a centre for innovation hardware and industrial AI. These factors place the city in a position to develop as a regional high-technology hub.

“Hong Kong possesses a vibrant service-based economy, a high-quality talent pool and productivity, proactive government policies, and a thriving entrepreneurial culture. These strengths define Hong Kong’s unique role within the GBA and will be key to its continued ability to attract international talent,” he said.

Professor Pissarides added that AI is affecting production and work across sectors, and should be applied to complement human labour. He highlighted that skills in AI development and application, including engineering and data analysis, are likely to be in higher demand in global talent markets.

Government positioning on talent and growth

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee delivered the opening address at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on 18 March, outlining the city’s approach to talent development and economic transformation.

He said Hong Kong has advanced as an international talent hub through policies that connect talent development with economic and technological priorities. The city ranked fourth globally and first in Asia in the International Institute for Management Development’s World Talent Ranking 2025.

Lee said the government will continue refining policies in education, innovation, and infrastructure, while maintaining international engagement and alignment with national development strategies. He added that human development remains central to long-term planning.

Cross-sector collaboration and talent pipelines

The summit included discussions on education, technology, and talent development, with participants from academia and industry examining how collaboration can support future workforce needs.

Speakers included representatives from Peking University, SenseTime Group Limited, LinkedIn, McKinsey & Company, and The Hong Kong Jockey Club. Panels explored how emerging demand for skilled professionals is reshaping talent development across sectors.

The event also brought together around 100 government representatives from the Chinese Mainland and Macao SAR, alongside delegates from universities, to exchange approaches to talent attraction, retention, and training.

CareerConnect Expo and regional engagement

Running alongside the forum, the CareerConnect Expo featured around 70 organisations across corporate, educational, and government sectors. The exhibition presented talent admission policies, career opportunities, and support services linked to development in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

The wider Global Talent Summit Week runs from 18 March to 29 March, with nine additional events including conferences, career fairs, and corporate ceremonies. Organisers said the programme aims to provide a platform for networking and information exchange across regions and industries.