In the current job market, the transition from university to career is more uncertain than ever, especially for fresh graduates. This is particularly evident in Hong Kong, where the employment landscape has taken a turn for the worse, leaving many young professionals feeling overwhelmed and disheartened. The once predictable path to employment has now become a treacherous journey, with artificial intelligence (AI) playing a significant role in this new reality.
One such graduate, Ivan Cheung, has been actively seeking employment since March, submitting over 200 job applications. While he has received interview requests and written test invitations from a dozen companies, the competition is fierce, and the odds are stacked against him. Cheung's situation is not unique; he is part of a larger cohort of tens of thousands of fresh graduates in Hong Kong who are struggling to find their footing in a job market that has been shrinking since 2021. The numbers are stark: job vacancies in 2025 were down by 55% from the previous year, according to the Joint Institution Job Information System.
What makes this situation particularly intriguing is the role of AI. Cheung believes that AI literacy is the most crucial skill to have in today's job market. He argues that the ability to provide specific and directed prompts to AI is essential for generating information that can address business pain points. This is a far cry from the general answers that were once sufficient. In my opinion, this shift in the job market is not just about the numbers; it's about the fundamental skills that are now required to compete. The ability to work with AI is not just a nice-to-have; it's a necessity.
However, this raises a deeper question: what does this mean for the future of work? If AI is becoming such a critical skill, does this mean that certain jobs will become obsolete? Or will it create new opportunities that we can't yet imagine? From my perspective, the answer lies in the balance between automation and human creativity. While AI can handle repetitive tasks and data analysis, it cannot replicate the human touch that is essential in many industries. This means that the future of work may not be about replacing humans but rather about augmenting our capabilities with AI.
One thing that immediately stands out is the need for a new kind of education. Universities and colleges must adapt to this new reality by offering courses and programs that focus on AI literacy and other relevant skills. This will not only help graduates like Cheung but also ensure that the workforce is prepared for the future. In my opinion, this is a critical step in addressing the challenges of the job market. The education system must evolve to meet the demands of the modern workplace.
In conclusion, the struggle of fresh graduates in the current job market is a complex issue that is being exacerbated by the rise of AI. While the numbers are concerning, the real story lies in the skills that are now required to compete. The ability to work with AI is not just a nice-to-have; it's a necessity. As we move forward, it will be crucial to strike a balance between automation and human creativity, and to ensure that the education system is prepared to meet the demands of the modern workplace.
