Letters | Foreign talent can’t be Hong Kong’s only answer to labour shortage

Readers discuss the need for local solutions to city’s ageing labour force, ways to enliven the harbourfront, the US-China prisoner swap, and what Trump’s MAGA movement means

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Commuters on the move in Central MTR station in Hong Kong’s business district. Photo: May Tse

Published: 11:30am, 3 Dec 2024

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Hong Kong’s latest Manpower Projection report paints a worrying picture of a projected labour shortfall of 180,000 by 2028.

The government has done a decent job in bringing in talent from abroad, but it is not a sustainable solution in the long term. In particular, employers have found it a challenge to attract young people to pursue careers in technical roles.

One of the most pressing issues contributing to our labour shortage is the ageing demographic. With the proportion of individuals aged 65 and older set to rise from 23 per cent in 2023 to 28 per cent by 2028, we are facing a significant reduction in the active workforce. The government is well aware of this trend, but it appears unclear on the policies that can encourage older workers (i.e. young retirees) to remain in the labour market longer.

Some employers have already implemented flexible work arrangements and offered opportunities for part-time roles, allowing older workers to contribute their valuable experience without the full demands of a traditional job. As the biggest employer in Hong Kong, the government should lead by example with policies and best practices for employers to take reference.

Equally worrying is the mismatch between the skills available in our workforce and the new skills that employers require. Technology, especially in areas like artificial intelligence and data analysis, is evolving faster than our training programmes can keep up. I believe the government wants to invest in vocational education, but the challenge is in attracting employers to co-invest and employees to take part in training to upgrade their skills.