The Impact of AI on Hong Kong's Youth and Tech Landscape

A recent survey conducted by the Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong reveals significant apprehension among Hong Kong's Generation Z, commonly referred to as "Zoomers." Over 60% of the 1,178 respondents, aged 15 to 30, expressed fears that they would struggle to compete with the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) within the workplace. The survey, conducted between May and September 2025, found that approximately 30% of participants were unfamiliar with AI tools, while only 11.5% considered themselves "very familiar" with the technology. Nearly 68% of respondents indicated concerns that AI could render the skills they acquired in education and employment obsolete. Furthermore, 43% stated that the development of AI would influence their academic and career choices.

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As Hong Kong's youth grapple with the implications of AI, the tech industry is witnessing a surge in AI-related initiatives. Notably, Axera Semiconductor, a Chinese AI chip designer, is preparing for an initial public offering (IPO) in Hong Kong, aiming to raise approximately HK$2.96 billion (US$379 million). The company, which focuses on chips for on-device AI inference, is backed by significant investors, including Tencent and Qiming Venture Partners. Axera's IPO reflects a broader trend of Chinese semiconductor firms seeking capital in Hong Kong amid increasing competition and rising development costs.

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The Hong Kong stock market has shown volatility, particularly in the tech sector, with Tencent's shares recently closing at HK$606, a decline of 2.57%. The Hang Seng Tech Index also experienced a drop of 2.10%. Investors are closely monitoring Tencent's upcoming annual results, scheduled for March 18, as well as the performance of Axera's IPO. The market's reaction to these developments underscores the cautious sentiment surrounding tech investments, particularly in light of macroeconomic factors and regulatory concerns.

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In response to the growing influence of AI, Hong Kong's government is contemplating legislation to address issues related to AI-generated content, particularly concerning indecent images. An inter-departmental working group is evaluating whether existing laws are sufficient or if new legislation is necessary. This initiative follows a scandal involving AI-generated pornographic images at a local university, highlighting the urgent need for regulatory frameworks to manage the ethical implications of AI technology.

Hong Kong studying legal moves against AI ‘deepfake’ porn

The intersection of AI technology and Hong Kong's youth presents both challenges and opportunities. While young people express concerns about their competitiveness in an AI-driven job market, the tech sector is rapidly evolving, with companies like Axera leading the charge in AI chip development. As the government considers legislative measures to regulate AI applications, the future landscape of AI in Hong Kong will likely be shaped by both technological advancements and regulatory frameworks. The ongoing dialogue among stakeholders, including youth, tech firms, and policymakers, will be crucial in navigating this transformative era.

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