HKUST Survey: 72.7% of Hong Kong Workers Use AI Tools, Far Exceeding Global Average
On.cc · 2 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago2 MIN
Summary
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) Business School released a comprehensive report titled "A New Era in the Workplace: Hong Kong Employees' AI Awareness, Preparedness, and Future Direction." The survey, conducted from March to April, collected 3,722 valid responses through a major online platform. More than 60% of respondents were aged 30 to 49, representing Hong Kong's core workforce, with nearly half working in financial services, information technology, construction and engineering, accounting and auditing, as well as healthcare sectors .
Key Points
- 72.7% of respondents reported using AI tools daily or weekly, far exceeding the global average of 31%
- Generative AI tools are the most commonly used, with 81.66% of respondents using them daily or weekly, primarily for document writing, data summarization, and creative brainstorming
- Corporate employers, professionals, and managers form the most active AI user group, with nearly 80% usage rate, while large enterprises significantly outpace SMEs in AI investment
- Nearly 80% of respondents believe AI brings positive impacts to their work, particularly in improving efficiency, productivity, and work quality
- 49% of respondents worry their existing skills may be devalued by AI, with 40% feeling AI has reduced their job security
- Workers in legal services, media and communications, and marketing and advertising sectors show the highest concern, with 60-70% worried about skill devaluation
- Over 70% of respondents express interest in upgrading AI-related skills, yet nearly 60% have never received any relevant training, revealing a significant gap between demand and supply
Why It Matters
Professor Tam Ka-yin, Vice President for Administration and Chair Professor of Information Systems, Business Statistics and Operations Management at HKUST, noted that nearly 60% of respondents believe AI-driven workplace transformation has already begun or will occur within the next five years. This signals an urgent need for government, businesses, and educational institutions to collaborate in narrowing the AI capability gap among different groups and providing more training and continuous learning opportunities for working professionals to master practical AI skills .
Professor Tam Ka-yin, Vice President for Administration and Chair Professor of Information Systems, Business Statistics and Operations Management at HKUST, noted that nearly 60% of respondents believe AI-driven workplace transformation has already begun or will occur within the next five years. This signals an urgent need for government, businesses, and educational institutions to collaborate in narrowing the AI capability gap among different groups and providing more training and continuous learning opportunities for working professionals to master practical AI skills .