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HRO has gathered insights from industry insiders across diverse sectors to unpack how the 2026 Budget measures are expected to shape Hong Kong’s future workforce strategies.
Hong Kong's Financial Secretary Paul Chan has just delivered the 2026-2027 Budget, outlining a range of measures to strengthen the city’s economic resilience, accelerate technological adoption, and deepen the talent pipeline.
This year’s Budget centres on four priorities:
- consolidating Hong Kong’s established strengths,
- developing emerging sectors,
- embracing AI and new technologies, and
- securing high calibre local and global talent.
To shed light on what these policy shifts mean for HR and business leaders, HRO has gathered insights from industry insiders across diverse sectors, exploring how the latest measures are expected to influence workforce trends and organisational priorities in the coming year.
Brian Wong, Chief People and Culture Officer, Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC)
The Budget resonates strongly with Hong Kong’s talent landscape as it reflects a shared recognition that AI is a core future skill the workforce must be equipped with.
HKPC welcomes the Government's allocation of HK$50mn to support AI Training for All. This closely aligns with HKPC’s role in enabling the public to upskill and apply AI effectively, alongside our structured internal AI training and development initiatives that strengthen our capabilities to better serve industry.
The Budget’s vision of Hong Kong as a global talent hub also mirrors HKPC’s InnoTalent programme and global talent acquisition strategy, attracting overseas talent to work and develop in HKPC and Hong Kong, strengthening the I&T talent bench and accelerating long‑term innovation growth.
Roy Kwok, General Manager, CGPHK
We are very positive on the 2026-27 HK Budget announcement. It reinforces Hong Kong as a global talent powerhouse, with schemes already attracting 270k+ professionals (100k+ via Top Talent Pass).
The fresh focus on AI, I&T, Northern Metropolis tech parks, and Finance+ will drive strong demand for specialist innovation and fintech skills, creating excellent momentum in the recruitment market.
Joe Choy, Partner, Johnson Stokes & Master (JSM)
We welcome the government’s focus on AI. The practical impact for businesses is a larger talent pipeline – HK$50mn for public AI training, AI programmes prioritised under post-secondary subsidies, and continued inflows of experienced professionals through the Top Talent Pass Scheme. For employers, this should mean a wider hiring pool and faster filling of AI and digital roles.
Daniel Cham, General Manager, Workday Greater China
As organisations move beyond early AI adoption, the next phase of growth will depend on how effectively businesses translate technology investment into real business outcomes.
Hong Kong’s continued focus on attracting global talent while nurturing local capabilities is therefore particularly important. Sustainable competitiveness will come from combining talent attraction with continuous upskilling, internal mobility, and flexible workforce strategies that enable employees to evolve alongside technological change.
Kathy Lee, Head of Research & Retail Consultancy, Colliers Hong Kong
The latest Budget demonstrates a clear commitment to strengthening Hong Kong’s long-term competitiveness and enhancing the city’s role as a leading international hub. The focus on innovation, talent development, digital infrastructure, and sustainability provides a solid framework that will support steady economic growth and broaden opportunities across sectors. These initiatives will not only reinforce Hong Kong’s resilience, but also create an environment that encourages collaboration, investment, and continued advancement.
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