Multinationals in Hong Kong dismiss fears of job loss from AI technology, but one admits transition could be ‘painful’

Comments come at forum after studies released show bleak future for workers as technological leap in automation expected to displace millions

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Big companies in Hong Kong are optimistic about the emerging use of artificial intelligence and automation.

Published: 8:02pm, 20 Sep 2018Updated: 11:33pm, 20 Sep 2018

Multinational companies in Hong Kong have dismissed concerns over job losses arising from the emerging use of artificial intelligence, but one warned of a painful transition.

On Thursday, leaders from Ernst & Young, DHL Express and Cisco Systems voiced optimism over the impact of automation at the latest edition of the “Redefining Hong Kong Debate Series” organised by the South China Morning Post.

“The job itself will still be there. It’s the tasks within the job that may be changed,” said Michael Wong Man, Greater China talent leader of accounting giant Ernst & Young, one of the “big four” in the sector.

(From left) Gareth Nicholson, senior news editor, South China Morning Post; Ray Yuen, principal China regional workplace design leader, Woods Bagot; Tony Wong, director of workplace resources, Asia-Pacific, Japan and China, Cisco Systems; Maria Hui, director, human resources,Hong Kong, Microsoft; Herbert Vongpusanachai, senior vice-president, managing director, Hong Kong and Macau, DHL Express; and Michael Wong, talent leader, Greater China, EY. Photo: Xiaomei Chen

His remarks came days after the World Economic Forum released a study, revealing that the rapid evolution of machines and algorithms in the workplace could create 133 million new roles by 2022 while 75 million would be displaced.

The job itself will still be there. It’s the tasks within the job that may be changed

It said routine-based white-collar roles, such as data entry clerks, as well as administrative workers in accounting and payroll, were jobs expected to become redundant.