How Covid-19 was perfect storm for digital revolution that inspired young talent to work in innovation and technology
- Technology and science talent now in huge demand as pandemic prompts international hiring spree
- About 2,000 I&T jobs on offer to science, technology, engineering and mathematics candidates at March’s online Hong Kong Science Park Virtual Career Expo
“Two years of digital transformation in two months” was how Microsoft’s CEO Satya Nadella described the impact of the continuing Covid-19 pandemic on businesses and society around the world.
Governments and international financial markets are still taking stock of the social and economic effects of the devastating coronavirus disease outbreak – a perfect storm which has driven a digital revolution that is inspiring global young talent to pursue a successful career in innovation and technology (I&T).
Lockdowns and social-distancing restrictions mean companies and other organisations working across all industries have had to change their established working practices. It has also forced many ofthem to accelerate their plans for digital transformation through the greater use of online technologies, which has highlighted the need to fill a significant skills gap in the workforce.
According to recruitment agency Michael Page’s Talent Trends 2021 report, 68 per cent of companies in the Asia-Pacific region plan to invest in more technology and digital tools – driving up the demand for those candidates with technology skills.
The pandemic has also inspired thousands of science and technology businesses around the world to develop new solutions to tackle the spread of disease and help communities return to some semblance of normality. One of them, SenseTime, a leading artificial intelligence tech company established in Hong Kong, has seen its contactless temperature screening solutions deployed in office buildings, restaurants and schools in a number of countries to ensure the safe resumption of operations.
