HKU SPACE has grown alongside Hong Kong over the past 67 years and has launched courses to support the community's needs and to cultivate talents for emerging industries. These include pioneering courses in library science and medical laboratory science, alongside long-standing professional courses in housing management, law, and management.

The rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in recent years has been applied to various services, revolutionising influence across all industries. To address this recent trend, the School has launched nearly 50 AI courses in fields such as finance, investment, office administration, human resources, and healthcare. They are tailored to enhance students' competitiveness based on their personalities and interests, and to cultivate technical skills desired by employers.

Finance and Investment

AI and Data Science is listed by the HKSAR Government as one of the three major industries for new industrial development. Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau noted in October this year that the Government would adopt a dual-track approach to promote development of AI adoption by the financial services sector, while at the same time addressing the potential challenges, such as cybersecurity, data privacy and protection of intellectual property rights.

In line with the Government's policy direction, the School offers a number of AI courses for the financial services sector, including Executive Certificate in Applied AI and Predictive Analytics for Business, Executive Certificate in AI and Deep Learning in Quantitative Finance, and Certificate for Module (Generative AI, DeFi and Risk Governance).

In investment and wealth management, AI-powered algorithms optimise investment strategies, diversification and portfolio management. Courses such as the Postgraduate Diploma in Investment Management and Financial Intelligence and the Executive Certificate in Big Data, AI and Investing prepare students to become the new elites in the industry.

Office administration and human resources

Employees are a company's most valuable asset. AI analysis of staff data assists HR departments in identifying potential candidates for new roles, saving time and resources in recruitment and training, thereby improving work efficiency. AI tools also help pinpoint reasons for staff turnover, enabling tailored solutions.

The School provides the Certificate for Module (The Use of Generative AI in Office Administration), Certificate for Module (Big Data and AI for HR Analytics) and Certificate for Module (Principles of Artificial Intelligence and HR Analytics for Workforce Improvement) for employees to enhance their skills and boost productivity through AI tools.

Healthcare

AI is bringing healthcare into a new era. By using AI tools, healthcare professionals can analyse patients' physiological data, leading to more precise diagnoses and the creation of intelligent care plans that facilitate faster recovery.

Courses such as the Certificates for Module in Essential AI Competencies for Healthcare Professionals, Hospital Intelligence, and Applied Big Data in Digital Healthcare provide professionals with the necessary conceptual, theoretical, and practical knowledge of AI in healthcare, equipping them with the ability to contribute to the medical field.

Courses reaching across industries

In 2023, the Hong Kong Productivity Council and the Hong Kong Institute of Economics and Business Strategy of The University of Hong Kong conducted the “Hong Kong AI Industry Development Study”. The report pointed out that one of the biggest challenges for the AI industry in Hong Kong is the difficulty in recruiting technical talents. Nearly 50% of respondents reported difficulties in hiring technical experts, reflecting AI's integration into roles across industries.

In response to this demand, the School is actively broadening its AI programmes to fields such as law, sports, and marketing, which include courses such as Generative AI and Law (Online), Certificate for Module in Sports Innovation and Artificial Intelligence, Big Data and Artificial Intelligence Marketing, and Applied ESG and Intelligent Technologies.

Looking ahead, the School will introduce more AI courses to meet evolving community needs.