Paul Chan says robots are now within reach
SingTao · 1 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago2 MIN
Summary
Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po said each wave of technological change drives equipment upgrades and new consumer demand, and that robots have become a key carrier of AI as it expands into the physical world . He said robots in Hong Kong are now effectively within reach, visible from university competitions to corporate product showcases . Chan added that frontier technologies are still evolving and will challenge the labour market, making it necessary to speed up responses such as helping young people acquire new skills early and apply them at work . He also said Hong Kong’s economy, capital markets and public services are already seeing tangible effects from AI adoption .
Key Points
- Chan cited research by a multinational technology company saying nearly 70% of surveyed Hong Kong residents can use AI proficiently, including comparing different tools .
- The same report said about 20% of respondents are “super users” who can use AI agents to automate routine daily tasks .
- The report estimated Hong Kong could unlock up to HK$65 billion in economic benefits by 2035 if SMEs match large companies’ AI adoption .
- Chan said strong global demand for advanced electronics and AI-related products helped Hong Kong exports post high double-digit growth for consecutive quarters .
- From December last year to May this year, AI-related initial public offerings in Hong Kong raised nearly HK$100 billion, about 55% of total IPO funds .
Why It Matters
For Hong Kong readers, the immediate issue is not only whether AI can raise productivity, but whether workers and smaller firms can keep pace with the transition . Chan’s remarks point to a period in which education, retraining and practical workplace exposure may matter as much as investment flows and market fundraising .