Hong Kong launches free AI training for workers across five key sectors

The Hong Kong Productivity Council will coordinate free artificial intelligence training with Google, Microsoft and other technology companies, targeting employees in education, healthcare, manufacturing, retail and logistics under a HK$50 million government scheme.

The programme launched Thursday forms part of the administration's "AI for All" initiative, designed to accelerate adoption of the technology for content creation, data analysis and workflow efficiency.

Focus on small businesses

Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry Sun Dong said more than 90 per cent of Hong Kong businesses are small and medium-sized enterprises, making them "the most important part of the city's economic development".

"Therefore, how we can help SMEs transform and upgrade through AI to enhance their competitiveness is an important direction within the AI for All initiative," Sun said.

The HK$50 million allocation equals roughly US$6.38 million.

Beyond basic AI literacy

Council deputy chairman Emil Yu Chen-on described the courses as "a future-facing talent investment" that would teach safe use of the technology alongside practical applications.

"It's to … truly transform AI into productivity and competitiveness," Yu said, adding the curriculum would deliver "actionable, replicable, and expandable AI application areas that cater to the needs of different industries".

The training will go beyond teaching employees to simply use artificial intelligence tools, according to Yu.

Source: South China Morning Post