Hong Kong Youth NEET Rate Hits 6% as Lawmakers Push AI Training Expansion
Updated
Updated · South China Morning Post · Jun 5
Hong Kong Youth NEET Rate Hits 6% as Lawmakers Push AI Training Expansion
1 articles · Updated · South China Morning Post · Jun 5
Summary
Government figures showed 33,700 to 36,100 Hong Kong residents aged 15 to 24 were not in education, employment or training between 2023 and 2025, equal to 5.7% to 6% of that age group.
Lawmakers and experts linked the elevated rate to a mismatch between skills and jobs, weaker demand for junior roles and relatively comfortable family support that can delay entry into work or study.
Elvin Lee said the city should expand training—especially in artificial intelligence—and review youth schemes, warning that weaker competitiveness could further damage youth employment and social mobility.
A Legislative Council report last month put the 2025 NEET rate at 6.3%, nearly double Hong Kong's overall unemployment rate, while the labour minister said the share has mostly stayed around 6% to 7% even in boom years.