Top 10 In-Demand Skills in Hong Kong

The job market in Hong Kong is evolving every year. However, amidst this growth, the country is facing a severe skill shortage. ManpowerGroup 2024 survey reveals that 79% of Hong Kong-based organizations are unable to find the right talent due to talent shortage. 

Also, despite having the experience, 49% of Hong Kong employees feel their employers don’t meet their learning needs, pushing them to upskill and look for better jobs. While organizations need to offer substantial perks, employees must upskill to be of value to the company. For those who are considering career advancement in Hong Kong, developing in-demand skills can make a big difference in employability. 

Which skills are in Demand in Hong Kong?

As Hong Kong continues to evolve economically, professionals with skills in, architecture, hospitality, healthcare and accounting will have plenty of opportunities to grow and succeed.

1. Artificial Intelligence Skills

AI skills are in great demand across industries in Hong Kong as technology is reshaping the workforce. 70% of employers prioritize hiring skilled AI professionals. However, due to the lack of trained professionals, 73% of them are finding it hard to hire the right talent.

The data shows AI skills aren’t just limited to IT but are also connected to marketing, customer service, and finance departments. So, these departments are also looking for AI talent. As more organizations adopt AI tools, productivity gains will be huge, and employers expect an increase in organizational efficiency. Moreover, the rise of generative AI makes innovation and creativity even more important for using these tools effectively in the workplace.

2. Construction Skills

Due to the shortage of skilled construction labor, professionals in construction are in high demand in Hong Kong. Besides, with the growth in the economy, the need for expertise in various disciplines landscaping, architecture, civil engineering, and more to support sustainable development and urban planning is becoming more crucial.

In Hong Kong, there has been a skill shortage in construction due to the rise in the need for innovation, technology and sustainable development. Some specific skills, such as quantity surveying and worker management, are also hard to find. These skills are necessary for the completion of construction projects. 

3. Finance and Accounting Skills

In Hong Kong, finance and accounting skills are in high demand, with shortages across various sectors, including banking, insurance, securities and investment banking. According to the Hong Kong Institute survey, 60% of organizations find it hard to hire professional accountants for junior-level jobs. Other accounting positions have a vacancy rate of over 21% and an average of 3 months are required to fill these positions. 

4. Healthcare Skills

Hong Kong’s healthcare industry is in high demand for various roles in services like oncology, neurology, and cardiology as shown in the occupation list. The changing healthcare landscape offers many career paths in medical, nursing and administrative fields so professional training and skill up is key.

With an aging population there is a growing need for specialized healthcare professionals in geriatric care and chronic disease management. As a result, there are more opportunities in home healthcare and long-term care facilities.

5. Engineering Skills

According to the Construction Industry Council, Hong Kong may face a shortage of 3,000 engineers in the next five years. Thus, it affects fields such as electrical, mechanical, environmental, civil, and geotechnical engineering. 

Hong Kong Data Center market size is expected to reach 4.80 billion by 2029. The report covers the size of electrical, mechanical, and IT infrastructure. Besides, the current rise in demand is also driven by the city’s infrastructure projects and technological advancements.

6. Legal Skills

The demand for legal services in Hong Kong is steady, and there is a consistent need for lawyers and other legal professionals across various sectors. Many law graduates want to be lawyers, but a law degree is also a strong foundation for many other careers, including government administration, investment banking and politics.

The legal industry is not only big locally but also generates revenue through exports of legal services which was HK$3.9 billion in 2021. As of November 2023, there are 1,473 registered foreign lawyers in Hong Kong, so the city is a legal hub.

The changing landscape in legal skills requires continuous professional development and adaptability to new technologies. For instance, during COVID-19, the judiciary employed remote virtual hearing using technology. More guidelines for proceedings and to be present at the virtual hearing were released in 2022 to facilitate quick decision-making.

Besides, skills in legal technology and data privacy are also necessary for aspiring legal professionals. For instance, using digital databases for information and AI predictive analysis for legal proceedings can be of great help. Hiring individuals with these skills can improve ease of research and prevent errors. 

7. Cybersecurity Skills

Cybersecurity professionals are in high demand in Hong Kong due to the rising threat of cybercrime and the increasing dependence on digital systems across industries. As businesses face data breaches, hacking, and compliance with privacy regulations, the demand for cybersecurity experts has grown. The shift to remote working has further accelerated this need as organizations are prioritizing data security and protection of sensitive information in a more automated environment.

As there is a shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals in Hong Kong, companies are always on the hunt for trained talents. With the expected growth in the department, the demand for cybersecurity professionals is high. 

8. Communication Skills

Good communication skills are key in the catering and tourism industry especially in a busy city like Hong Kong, where hospitality is a major economic driver. Staff who can provide good service are a big contributor to the overall visitor experience so it’s important for organizations to invest in training their staff.

For instance, the catering and tourism industry in Hong Kong needs skilled workers across various sectors who also have good communication skills. Hotel Human Resources managers say aspiring hospitality professionals should be prepared to start from the ground up, and emphasis is placed on the service mindset and experience over formal qualifications.

Henrik Jonsson, program director at the International Culinary Institute, says modern chefs must have strong communication skills to talk to customers and colleagues. He says many young people struggle with face-to-face communication even though they are good at texting, so there’s a need for training in interpersonal and soft skills.

9. Advertising Skills

In Hong Kong, the demand for advertising skills, especially in digital marketing, is growing as businesses move online. This shift has created multiple job opportunities across various sectors, including digital marketers, content managers, social media managers, and SEO/SEM experts.

About 35% of companies in Hong Kong are facing a talent shortage. They are looking for experts to use digital advertising for increased brand visibility and engagement. Overall, more industries are going digital, thus increasing the need for professionals who can manage online advertising campaigns. 

Professionals in this field need to have a range of skills, from data analytics to content creation. This diversity makes candidates more attractive to employers and can adapt to various roles within the marketing team.

10. Human Resource Management Skills

Human resources (HR) is a key component of successful organizations, driving the city’s economic growth and competitiveness. The top four in-demand HR roles include Senior HR business partner, HR generalist, HR manager, and L&D manager. Effective management and development of HR are crucial for businesses to succeed in a fast-changing environment. 

One of Hong Kong’s demands is a bilingual workforce, speaking English and Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin). These language skills enable employees to connect with local and international markets, giving them a competitive edge. Having the right soft skills and being bilingual ensures creativity, innovation and cross-cultural collaboration at work.

How to Improve Your Skills for Hong Kong's Job Market?

Several institutes in Hong Kong offer courses to upskill full time and part time vocational courses. Here are some resources.

• Hong Kong Institute of Construction : The Hong Kong Institute of Construction has been offering quality education for over 45 years. Since 2018, the institute has been providing vocational training to students focusing on building successful professional career. The institute offers advanced diplomas and certificates in key areas such as construction, robotic welding, and quantity surveying. These programs equip students with practical skills and technical expertise, ensuring they meet industry standards. The focus is on developing hands-on experience in construction technologies and cutting-edge fields like robotic automation.

• Institute of Vocational Education (IVE) : Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education is a member of the VTC group, offering vocational training in Hong Kong. VPET offers comprehensive training in hotel and tourism, business foundation studies, engineering, and media. The curriculum is designed to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, fostering a well-rounded skillset for students aiming to excel in these sectors. It caters to both fresh graduates and professionals seeking to upskill.

• Vocational and Professional Education and Training : There are 14 member institutes that provide training programs in different industries. Institute of Professional Education And Knowledge (PEAK)​, Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong (THEi) and Hong Kong Institute of Information Technology (HKIIT). Under this program, the institutes offer courses in business, creative media, engineering, and information technology, emphasizing a blend of technical and creative learning. Students gain essential industry-relevant skills, preparing them for diverse career opportunities. The focus is on producing adaptable graduates who can thrive in a rapidly evolving job market.

Conclusion

Upskilling is key to navigating Hong Kong’s job market, especially with the increasing adoption of AI and automation. Vocational training and specialization from reputable institutions increase the chances of getting hired by top companies across various sectors.

Key skills like AI, cybersecurity, finance and healthcare are essential for career progression in Hong Kong. Vocational training programs provide industry-relevant, practical education that matches the growing demands, making participants more attractive to employers in a fast-changing environment.

For organizations looking for a trusted partner in skill development, Edstellar is the perfect choice. The platform has industry-focused training programs for comprehensive skill development. Apart from these programs, Edstellar also offers Skill Matrix for skill gap analysis, which helps in tailoring executive coaching.