In the bustling city of Hong Kong, the once-predictable journey from university to career has now become a treacherous path filled with uncertainty. Fresh graduates, like Ivan Cheung, are finding themselves in a dire situation, with job applications piling up and opportunities dwindling. The data science and analytics graduate from Polytechnic University has filed over 200 job applications since March, hoping to secure a permanent role. While he is in a slightly better position than some of his peers, as he works part-time, the overall job market is grim, with the advent of AI adding an extra layer of complexity.
The situation is particularly dire for graduates in Hong Kong, with the Joint Institution Job Information System reporting a 55% drop in job vacancies from 2024 to 2025. This means that the transition from university to career has become a challenging and uncertain process, with graduates struggling to find their place in the job market. The once-predictable path has now become a minefield of uncertainty, with graduates facing a dire job outlook.
One of the key skills that graduates are now being told they need to possess is artificial intelligence (AI) literacy. In my opinion, this is a fascinating and somewhat worrying development. AI literacy is now seen as a crucial skill for securing a job, as companies are increasingly turning to AI to automate tasks and streamline processes. However, what many people don't realize is that AI literacy is not just about understanding how AI works, but also about learning how to give AI specific and directed prompts to generate information that can help address business pain points. This is a skill that many graduates may not have, and it raises a deeper question about the future of work and the role of AI in the job market.
From my perspective, the situation for fresh graduates in Hong Kong is a stark reminder of the challenges that lie ahead in the job market. The advent of AI has created a new set of skills that graduates need to possess to be competitive in the job market. However, it also raises questions about the future of work and the role of AI in the job market. As we move forward, it will be crucial for graduates to develop the skills they need to succeed in a rapidly changing job market, and for companies to adapt to the new realities of the job market. Personally, I think that the situation for fresh graduates in Hong Kong is a wake-up call for everyone, and it is a reminder that we need to be prepared for the challenges that lie ahead in the job market.
