A recent survey reveals that 72.7% of working professionals in Hong Kong utilize artificial intelligence (AI) tools weekly, a figure that surpasses global average by more than double. Conducted by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), study surveyed 3,722 professionals between March and April 2023,with over 60% of participants aged 30 to 49.
The findings indicate a significant reliance on generative AI tools, such as ChatGPT, Copilot,and Gemini,which 81.7% of respondents reported using primarily for drafting documents, summarizing information, and aiding in creative tasks. However,the adoption of more advanced AI applications remains limited; only about quarter of respondents regularly engage with tools for data analytics,image or video generation, or agentic AI systems that perform complex tasks with minimal human intervention.
While overall enthusiasm for AI is evident, the survey highlights a stark divide in perceptions between junior and senior employees . Approximately 70% of senior managers expressed that AI has motivated them to acquire new skills . In contrast, more than half of junior staff members voiced concerns that AI might diminish the value of their existing skill sets. Alarmingly,about 40% of junior employees reported feeling less secure in their jobs due to increasing presence of AI in the workplace.
This growing anxiety among junior professionals underscores the challenges posed by rapid technological advancements. As AI tools become more integrated into daily operations,the fear of obsolescence looms large for those at the entry-level. The disparity in attitudes towards AI adoption reflects broader concerns about job security in an evolving labor market .
The HKUST study sheds light on the urgent need for organizations to address these anxieties. Training programs and support systems could help junior employees adapt to the changing landscape,ensuring they remain valuable contributors in an AI-enhanced work environment. As AI continues to evolve,the balance between leveraging its capabilities and maintaining workforce confidence will be crucial for businesses in Hong Kong and beyond.
