Hong Kong Job Market Faces Six-Year Low Amid AI Expansion

Hong Kong’s job market is experiencing a significant downturn, with 69% of sectors reporting the fewest vacancies in six years. This decline is largely attributed to the increasing adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and a generally sluggish economic climate, impacting fresh graduates and experienced professionals alike.

Job Vacancies Plummet

Data from the Joint Institution Job Information System (JIJIS), a centralized platform used by eight publicly funded universities in Hong Kong, reveals a concerning trend. In 2025, 23 out of 33 job sectors – representing 69% – recorded their lowest number of job vacancies in six years. The total number of job vacancies fell to a five-year low of 30,798 in 2024, a substantial 51.5% decrease from the 63,595 recorded in 2021. South China Morning Post

Sectors Most Affected

The industries experiencing the most significant declines in job openings are those heavily reliant on tasks now being automated by AI. These include:

• Information Technology and Programming
• Customer Service
• Administrative and Clerical Work

Graduation Rates and the Job Market

Despite the challenging job market, Hong Kong’s universities continue to produce a substantial number of graduates. In the 2024-25 academic year, the eight publicly funded universities collectively graduated 29,676 students, with approximately 75% (22,255 students) earning undergraduate degrees. For comparison, during the 2020-21 academic year, 28,861 students graduated, with 77% (22,333 students) being undergraduates.

JIJIS: A Key Resource for Job Seekers

The Joint Institution Job Information System (JIJIS) serves as a crucial resource for both employers and university students in Hong Kong. It provides a centralized platform for job postings and allows students from UGC-funded universities to access available opportunities. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Student Affairs Office provides access to JIJIS through university credentials.

AI Job Availability

Despite the overall decline in job openings, there is still demand for professionals with expertise in artificial intelligence. As of March 2026, Jobsdb lists 1,106 Artificial Intelligence jobs available in Hong Kong.

Looking Ahead

The rise of AI is reshaping the job market in Hong Kong, creating both challenges and opportunities. While certain sectors are experiencing significant declines in vacancies, the demand for AI-related skills remains strong. Graduates and job seekers will need to adapt to this changing landscape by focusing on developing skills that complement and leverage AI technologies.