In a world where technology is rapidly evolving, the call for young people to develop AI skills is not just a suggestion but a necessity. As Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry Sun Dong aptly pointed out, the future of the job market is being reshaped by artificial intelligence (AI), and those who fail to adapt will be left behind. But what does this mean for the younger generation, and how can they prepare for this changing landscape? Personally, I think this is a critical moment for young people to not only understand AI but to actively seek out opportunities to develop their skills in this field. What makes this particularly fascinating is the potential for AI to not only transform the job market but also to create entirely new industries and opportunities. However, it is important to note that AI is not a silver bullet solution. While it has the potential to automate many tasks, it is not a replacement for human creativity, empathy, and critical thinking. In my opinion, the key to success in the AI-driven job market is to find a balance between technical skills and soft skills. From my perspective, the “AI for All” program launched in Hong Kong is a step in the right direction. By providing advanced training courses, competitions, and recruitment fairs, the initiative aims to help young people turn theoretical AI knowledge into practical skills and employment opportunities. This is especially important in a city like Hong Kong, where the Northern Metropolis development is set to become a hub for AI innovation. One thing that immediately stands out is the focus on ethical considerations in AI development. The introduction of the Ethical Artificial Intelligence Framework and the Hong Kong Generative Artificial Intelligence Technical and Application Guideline is a welcome development, as it ensures that AI is developed and deployed in a responsible and transparent manner. What many people don't realize is that AI is not just about creating intelligent machines; it is about creating a future where technology serves humanity. If you take a step back and think about it, the development of AI skills in young people is not just about preparing them for the job market, but also about empowering them to shape the future of technology. This raises a deeper question: how can we ensure that the benefits of AI are shared equitably across society? A detail that I find especially interesting is the focus on computing facilities at the Sandy Ridge data park. By providing access to advanced computing resources, the park is helping to foster innovation and collaboration in the AI community. What this really suggests is that the future of AI is not just about individual skills, but also about creating an ecosystem that supports and encourages innovation. In conclusion, the call for young people to develop AI skills is not just a call to action, but a call to prepare for a future where technology is an integral part of our lives. By embracing AI and developing the skills needed to succeed in this field, young people can not only secure their own future but also contribute to the development of a more innovative and responsible society.
