The School of Business and Management of The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST Business School) has joined a research collaboration with the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) to look closely into the impacts and opportunities of technology on workforce and living quality in Asia-Pacific economies.
Digital automation is transforming the world with unprecedented scope and speed, and its impact is compelling, including the demand for new roles and skills in many sectors. This joint HKUST-APRU Project connects ten scholars from leading universities across the APRU network to examine the changes presented by rapid digitalization in our society.
“Our Project seeks to open up a dialogue to facilitate policymakers, leading thinkers and researchers to exchange ideas and collaborate on solutions to the challenges,” said Prof. TAM Kar-Yan, the Project Lead and also Dean of HKUST Business School. “With our studies, we not only hope to stimulate an informed discussion in society, but also gather insights and recommendations from different regions, on ways to minimize the negative impacts and to protect and prepare the workforce for the future.”
The findings are presented in seven chapters in the report: Transformation of Work in the Asia-Pacific in the 21st Century. The report highlights issues of the Asia-Pacific region and outlines policy recommendations to leaders of higher education, government, and industry. These recommendations include:
- cultivating an innovative workforce through STEM education and investment in teachers;
- developing reskilling and reform capacities to support the displaced workforce;
- meeting the skills demand through workforce mobility and immigration policy;
- addressing the increasing income inequality through social welfare programs; and
- investing in the technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship infrastructure to provide agility in the market.
According to Christina SCHÖNLEBER, APRU Director (Policy and Programs, “We are pleased to see this timely report offer guidance to policymakers as it draws on the rigorous research and knowledge of APRU experts and partners. These recommendations are relevant to the unique context of Asia-Pacific and will influence the way we will work and live in the future.”
One of the unique strengths of this Project lies in the diversity of national contexts from which the authors write and the refining of their insights into policy recommendations. The ten academics represent APRU member universities and a partnering institute across the Asia-Pacific region, including Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, the Philippines, and Singapore. They draw attention to specific issues and their resolutions, and at the same time, complement each other’s chapters to offer a richly holistic view on this important topic. Read the report at: http://www.bm.ust.hk/en-us/media-resources/overview/publications/reports
About APRU
As a network of leading universities linking the Americas, Asia and Australasia, the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) is the Voice of Knowledge and Innovation for the Asia-Pacific region. APRU brings together thought leaders, researchers, and policy-makers to exchange ideas and collaborate on effective solutions to the challenges of the 21st century.
HKUST Business School
Founded in 1991, the HKUST Business School is young, innovative and committed to advancing global business knowledge. The School has forged an international reputation for world class education programs and research performance, and has received many top global rankings. It is one of the first Asian business schools accredited by both AACSB and EQUIS.
The School strives to contribute to the economic and social advancement of the region by developing future leaders who possess an innovative and entrepreneurial spirit as well as a strong sense of responsibility. We also take active steps to promote knowledge advancement in many significant business areas. For more information, please visit www.bm.ust.hk.
For media enquiries, please contact:
HKUST Business School
John Poon
Tel: (852) 3469 2090
Email:&; johnpoon@ust.hk
Clare Chan
Tel: (852) 2358 8242
Email: clarechan@ust.hk
