Hong Kong Focuses on AI and Talent Development in Education
Hong Kong hosted its inaugural Global Education Summit, bringing together discussions on the future of education and the development of global talent. The two-day event, organised by the South China Morning Post (SCMP) in partnership with HSBC Premier, brought together policymakers, educators, technology leaders and parents.
The summit focused on the integration of artificial intelligence into education systems, regional talent development and rapidly evolving education and career pathways. Central to the discussions was Hong Kong’s ambition to establish itself as a global hub for education and talent, attracting both local and international students.
Speaking at the event, Secretary for Education Christine Choi Yuk-lin said the government would place greater emphasis on science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics (STEAM) education as part of its efforts to strengthen Hong Kong’s strategic talent pool. Choi said the government aims for 35 per cent of undergraduate students at publicly funded universities to be enrolled in STEAM programmes by the 2026–27 academic year.
Choi also highlighted the “one town, five elements” model, which is intended to strengthen collaboration between education, technology and industry. The initiative forms part of Hong Kong’s broader strategy to align its education policies more closely with its economic and technological transformation.
The impact of artificial intelligence on higher education was another major focus of the summit. Leaders from institutions including the University of Hong Kong (HKU), the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) discussed how universities can prepare students for an increasingly competitive labour market in which AI is expected to play a growing role.