Artificial intelligence (AI) is a key driver of a new wave of scientific and technological innovation that is transforming industries, reshaping the way humans work at an unprecedented pace. As outlined in the Chief Executive's 2025 Policy Address, Hong Kong is actively advancing "AI+" development through the acceleration of AI industrialization, the wider adoption of AI across industries, and its deeper integration of AI into various sectors. These initiatives are designed to strengthen Hong Kong's position as a global hub for AI innovation. Against this backdrop, developing AI-ready talent has become a crucial priority for enhancing the city's long-term competitiveness.
A recent survey conducted by The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) revealed that over 70% of Hong Kong's working professionals frequently use AI tools in their jobs, a rate significantly higher than the global average. Despite the growing adoption of AI, many employees remain uncertain about how to reskill and stay competitive in an AI-driven workplace. As a pioneer in AI education and application in Hong Kong, HKUST is cultivating a new generation of talent equipped with AI literacy and hands-on skills through innovative programs, supporting the city's digital transformation and technological development.
The study, titled "AI in the Workplace: Perceptions and Preparedness of Workers," was conducted by the HKUST Business School between March and April 2026 and collected 3,722 valid responses through a major online survey platform. As one of the largest studies of workplace AI in Hong Kong in recent years, it provides a comprehensive overview of employees' perceptions and preparedness. Respondents represented a diverse mix of industries, job levels, and company sizes. More than 60% were aged between 30 and 49, reflecting the core of Hong Kong's workforce, while nearly half were employed in financial services, information technology, construction and engineering, accounting and auditing, and healthcare sectors.
Hong Kong Workers Lead in Workplace AI Adoption
The findings reveal that AI has rapidly become an integral part of everyday work for employees in Hong Kong. Some 72.7% of respondents reported using AI at work on a daily or weekly basis, a figure that far exceeds the global average of 31%* . At present, generative AI tools are the most widely used AI applications in the workplace, with 81.66% of respondents indicating that they use them daily or weekly. These tools are primarily used to assist with drafting and organizing documents, summarizing and analyzing information, and supporting creative ideation and content development.
The study also found that business owners, professionals, and managerial personnel are among the most active users of AI. In addition, large enterprises are significantly more advanced than SMEs in both AI investment and adoption. These findings suggest that the extent of AI deployment is closely associated with an organization's resources, as well as the nature and complexity of employees' roles and responsibilities.
Nearly 80% of respondents believe AI has had a positive impact on their work, particularly by enhancing efficiency, productivity, and work quality. Most view AI as transforming the way work is performed rather than one that directly replaces jobs. Nevertheless, concerns persist. More than half of junior-level employees worry that AI may reduce the value of their existing skills, while around 40% feel that AI has weakened their sense of job security. At the same time, although more than 70% expressed interest in developing AI-related skills, nearly 60% have never received any form of AI training. This highlights a significant gap between workforce's growing demand for AI skills and the availability of relevant training opportunities.
Prof. TAM Kar-Yan, HKUST Vice-President for Administration and Business and Chair Professor of Information Systems, Business Statistics and Operations Management, who led the study said, "The findings suggest that Hong Kong workplaces are entering a new phase of AI adoption, where AI is increasingly becoming part of employees; daily work rather than an emerging technology on the horizon. What is particularly noteworthy is that workers hold both optimism and concern toward AI. On the one hand, they recognize its potential to enhance productivity, improve work quality, and create opportunities. On the other, many are concerned about the risk of skills becoming outdated and the implications for job security."
He said the survey shows that nearly 60% of respondents believe AI-driven workplace transformation has already begun or will take place within the next five years. This indicates that the impact of AI is no longer a future consideration but a present reality for many working professionals.
"Successfully advancing Hong Kong's 'AI+' agenda will depend not only on accelerating technology adoption, but also on ensuring that no segment of the workforce is left behind. Bridging AI capability gaps and equipping workers with practical AI skills will be essential to building a more innovative, inclusive, and competitive economy," added Prof Tam.
HKUST Graduates: AI Is Not Replacing People, but Redefining How They Work
As a pioneer in innovative education, HKUST has long embedded emerging technologies into teaching and learning. The University was the first higher education institution in Hong Kong to introduce a campus-wide generative AI platform and has since launched AI literacy courses and the innovative "Major + X" extended major framework, which enables students to combine disciplinary expertise with AI knowledge. Starting from the new academic year this September, HKUST will further strengthen its emphasis on Human-AI Co-Creation and Data Literacy, equipping students with the skills needed for effective human-AI collaboration, interdisciplinary problem solving, and the practical application of AI. Through these efforts, HKUST aims to prepare students to thrive in an increasingly digital and AI-enabled world.
Ms. Audrey CHAN, a 2025 graduate of HKUST's BSc in Biotechnology program who is preparing to enter the teaching profession, said that the University's GenAI Literacy course helped her develop a deeper understanding of both the capabilities and limitations of AI. She now uses AI to support lesson planning and the preparation of teaching materials. While AI can assist with information organization and content generation, she believes it cannot replace teachers' vital role in cultivating critical thinking, helping students' learning and guiding them evaluate information effectively.
Ms. Agnes LAM, a 2023 graduate of HKUST's BBA in Global Business program and now a Team Manager at Louis Vuitton, said that HKUST's open and innovation-driven learning environment provided her with early exposure to AI and its business applications. Today, she leverages her company's proprietary AI platform to enhance operational efficiency and gain deeper insights into customer needs. In her view, the essence of retail lies in human interaction and customer experience, and AI empowers employees to devote more time to building meaningful customer relationships and delivering highly personalized service.
Ms. Niki HO, a 2023 graduate of HKUST's BEng in Decision Analytics program and now a Business Development Manager at Deutsche Telekom, built a strong foundation in AI through machine learning and related courses at HKUST. She now uses AI to support market research, data analysis, and report preparation, significantly reducing tasks that previously took weeks to complete. Although she initially worried that AI might diminish the value of her work, she has come to view it as a powerful collaborator, allowing her to focus more on client engagement, business development, and strategic decision-making.
This shared experience among HKUST graduates underscores a broader finding of the study: AI is not simply replacing jobs but transforming the way people work. As AI takes over routine and time-consuming tasks, human skills such as critical thinking, creativity, communication, and relationship-building are becoming even more valuable in the workplace.
*KPMG(2025). Trust, attitudes and use of Artificial Intelligence: A global study 2025
