As Hong Kong accelerates its efforts to become a leading hub for green and sustainable finance (GSF), a new HKUST study explores how young adults view career prospects in this emerging sector. Conducted between November 2024 and July 2025, the study surveyed over 4,000 respondents aged 18 to 25, and provided suggestions on how to attract and prepare future GSF professionals.
Notable Findings:
- Nearly 74% of the respondents have heard of GSF, yet only around one-third demonstrate a deep understanding.
- Over 60% of the respondents are interested in GSF-related topics, and nearly two-thirds (65.8%) would consider a career in the sector. Motivations included personal interest in sustainability and environmental concerns.
- Knowledge and skills gaps remain the key challenges. Among those not interested in GSF careers, 45.5% cited insufficient understanding, and 33.6% said they lacked relevant skills or experience.
- There is a clear demand for financial support in GSF training and the need for improved outreach and promotion. Near 89% of the respondents expressed interest in accessing the existing support scheme, but only 53.7% are aware of its availability.
- Male respondents consistently demonstrated higher awareness and participation in GSF than female respondents, signaling the need for more targeted outreach to support gender-inclusive participation.
The study yields 14 actionable recommendations for the government and policymakers, educators, industry stakeholders, and youth organizations to strengthen Hong Kong’s GSF workforce. Click here to read the full report.