Hong Kong could emerge as a hub for AI literacy, experts tell Belt and Road Summit
Speaking at the Belt and Road Summit, industry leaders suggested Hong Kong could become an educational hub for artificial intelligence literacy. Ellen Lau, executive director of Preface AI, noted a disconnect between executives and frontline workers during digital transformation, with employees often fearing AI will replace them. She stressed the importance of leadership learning alongside staff to foster adoption and build trustworthy AI.
At a summit panel co-hosted by the South China Morning Post, industry figures argued that Hong Kong's professional services expertise positions it to teach AI literacy and foster reliable AI systems. The discussion took place during the Belt and Road Summit, a major trade initiative.
Ellen Lau, leading a tech training firm, observed that employees frequently hesitate to adopt new tools due to worries about job displacement. She urged executives to publicly embrace their own learning curves, emphasizing that humility and bold experimentation are essential for navigating market shifts and understanding emerging AI agents.
The push to position Hong Kong as an AI literacy hub could influence how businesses across the region approach digital transformation. If leadership and staff learn together, adoption rates may improve, potentially reducing workplace anxiety. However, the emphasis on literacy alone might not address deeper structural issues like job displacement or unequal access to training. The city's role could also shape regional standards for trustworthy AI, affecting cross-border trade practices.