Hong Kong to recruit first AI commissioner in 2027

Hong Kong will begin recruitment for an artificial intelligence (AI) commissioner in the second quarter of next year to assist in drafting policies for technology and risk governance, with authorities confident the city does not lack suitable talent.

The city's permanent secretary for innovation, technology and industry Kevin Choi said at a press briefing that the new post is at the Directorate Pay Scale D4 level, with a monthly salary ranging from HK$262,125 to HK$278,200.

Recruitment for the post would begin in the second quarter of 2027, Choi said, adding that the job scope will include providing expertise and advice on various AI-related activities. Recruitment is open to both civil servants and industry professionals, and Choi said he is confident Hong Kong need not worry about a shortage of talent for AI development.

Choi added that the ideal candidate should have a solid grasp of the AI landscape, covering risk governance, global trends, the technology's impact on public administration, and how it is being applied across local industries. According to Choi, who is overseeing the hiring process, the role will be filled through an open recruitment drive welcoming applicants from both the public and private sectors.

In his policy address on Wednesday, chief executive John Lee said the commissioner was expected to take up the role next year and would oversee seven key areas of AI risk governance. These include combating AI-related crimes, such as deepfake pornography and online scams, and empowering authorities to remove online content linked to financial fraud; studying the regulation of deepfakes through legislation; legislative powers to remove online content that may constitute financial fraud (including AI-generated fraud); and enhancing the protection of users who are minors.

They also include promoting market assessment of AI ethical risks; promoting the safe and orderly application of AI across industries; examining legal liability arising from accidents caused by AI products; introducing guidelines on AI agent management; and examining the impact of AI on employment.

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Driving AI application is one of the main development areas of the Policy Address 2026, as the government will step up efforts to promote AI applications across trades while balancing innovation and security, enhancing Hong Kong's competitiveness in AI development.

To promote AI training for all, the government will roll out more than 200 courses and activities under the "AI for all" inclusive programme by the first quarter of 2028, building AI awareness and responsible use at different levels. The government will also roll out the "Robots in the community" pilot programme to raise citizens' awareness of embodied AI and promote digital inclusion.

Upon its upgrade, Upskill Hong Kong will launch an 18-month AI upskilling campaign in the first half of 2027, featuring a free online course on workplace AI applications. Participants who complete it may enrol free in advanced short-term AI courses across industries. The initiative is expected to benefit around 40,000 employees.

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