Top 10 In-Demand Jobs for 2025 | Hays Hong Kong SAR

Discover the most in-demand jobs for 2025  

2024 was a landmark year. Global geopolitical shifts had far-reaching impacts on businesses worldwide. Technological advancements continued to challenge the status quo, pushing organisations to adapt or risk obsolescence. All of this is impacting professionals in Hong Kong SAR who are expected to broaden their skillsets laterally and embrace new tools and innovative ways of working to enhance and optimise existing processes. 

Organisations are prioritising the need for skilled employees to tackle future challenges 

48% of organisations in Hong Kong faced moderate to extreme skill shortages last year, an issue which remains relevant even as organisations in the region prepare to face a potential economic downturn. 39% of hiring managers surveyed for our 2025 Salary Guide attributed these shortages to a competitive hiring landscape, with companies vying for limited talent resources. This competition is set to continue in 2025, with 38% of businesses expecting to increase their headcount. 
 
While we will be looking to explore deeper recruitment trends for Hong Kong in our upcoming 2025 Salary Guide, we wanted to give job candidates a preview of the most in-demand roles for businesses this year. We spoke to our recruiting experts to learn why these roles are currently experiencing high demand. 
 
Hong Kong’s top ten in-demand jobs for 2025 are: 
 

Contents  

Finance Manager 

KYC Analyst 

Accountant 

Insurance Business Analyst 

Network Engineer 

Project Manager 

System Engineer 

Product Specialist 

Sales Associate 

Legal Counsel 

Finance Manager 

What does a Finance Manager do? 

Finance Managers assume responsibility for managing the financial activities of an organisation. These managers play a crucial role in ensuring financial efficiency and supporting the organisation's financial goals by providing accurate financial information and strategic advice. 

Professionals at this level should possess strong analytical skills, attention to detail, have a keen knowledge of financial regulations, communications skills, and problem-solving abilities. 

Why are Finance Managers in-demand today? 

Though Hong Kong has seen increasing offshoring of routine accounting roles to regions with lower costs, intermediate roles such as Finance Managers continue to see high demand within the region, leading to a competitive salary landscape for these positions. 

- Joe Lam, Associate Director for Accountancy & Finance 

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Know-Your-Customer (KYC) Analyst 

What does a KYC Analyst do? 

KYC Analysts play a critical role in preventing financial crimes by conducting thorough due diligence on customers. They conduct customer identification via various documentation and data sources, monitor transactions for suspicious activity, maintain records and prepare reports pertaining to their duties for regulatory authorities. 

What skills does a KYC Analyst need? 

KYC Analysts should possess good attention to detail, analytical skills, knowledge of AML, CTF, and other relevant financial regulations and technical proficiency with KYC software and tools used for customer verification and monitoring. 

Why are KYC Analysts in-demand today? 

Banks in Hong Kong are adopting a cautious hiring approach in view of economic uncertainty. Hiring processes have lengthened, with a strong focus on cost control. Even so, the region’s status as a major global financial centre necessitates stringent processes to maintain the integrity and reputation of its financial system. As such, many organisations are turning to contracting solutions for KYC Analysts.  

- Wisely Wong, Senior Director for Banking 

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Accountant 

 

What does an Accountant do? 

Accountants are responsible for maintaining accurate financial records, preparing financial statements, analysing financial data, ensuring compliance with tax regulations, conducting audits, and providing financial advice.  

What skills does an Accountant need? 

These professionals are expected to possess strong analytical skills, attention to detail, effective communication abilities, and a deep understanding of accounting principles and regulations. They need to be adept at using accounting software, analysing financial data, preparing accurate financial reports, communicating financial information to stakeholders, and staying updated with the latest accounting standards and laws. 

Why are Accountants in-demand today? 

Ongoing digital transformation is driving demand for accountants with expertise in new technologies and financial management software. There is a talent shortage of capable professionals, especially among mid-level role which face high turnover and brain drain as candidates seek opportunities outside Hong Kong. 

- Joe Lam, Associate Director for Accountancy & Finance 

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Insurance Business Analyst 

What does an Insurance Business Analyst do?

Insurance Business Analysts identify and implement improvements in business processes, analyse data to uncover trends and insights, gather and document business requirements, develop solutions to address business challenges and manage projects to ensure timely and budget-compliant delivery. 

What skills does an Insurance Business Analyst need? 

These professionals are expected to possess strong analytical skills, attention to detail, effective communication abilities, problem-solving skills, project management expertise, and a deep understanding of the insurance industry. 

Why are Insurance Business Analysts in-demand today? 

Hong Kong remains a key insurance regional hub in Asia, with many international companies having a presence in the region. Business Analysts play an integral role for these companies, not only for their cross-border knowledge and ensuring companies comply with relevant regulation, but with driving market growth via the optimisation of existing processes and business development.  

- Freeman Pang, Manager for Insurance 

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Network Engineer 

What does a Network Engineer do?

Network Engineers are professionals responsible for designing, implementing, and managing the infrastructure of computer networks. These engineers play a vital role in ensuring seamless communication and data exchange within an organisation by maintaining and optimising network systems. 

What skills does a Network Engineer need? 

These professionals are expected to possess strong analytical skills, attention to detail, effective communication abilities, problem-solving skills, and technical proficiency.

Why are Network Engineers in-demand today? 

Employers are increasingly reliant on internal computer networks while advances in technology, an increased focus on protecting networks from cyber threats and the need for effective usage of data have all contributed to an increase in demand for Network Engineers. The demand for professionals with the capability to maintain the efficient day to day management of networks will increase as companies in Hong Kong implement new and more complex systems.   

- Matthew Hayes, Senior Director for Technology 

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Project Manager 

What does a Project Manager do? 

Project Managers create detailed project plans, define timelines, and set milestones, allocate resources effectively, identify and mitigate risks, communicate project status and updates to stakeholders, and maintain comprehensive project documentation. 

What skills does a Project Manager need? 

These professionals are expected to possess strong leadership skills, effective communication abilities, technical proficiency, problem-solving skills, and project management expertise. They need to be adept at leading diverse teams, communicating with technical and non-technical stakeholders, understanding and managing technical aspects of projects, identifying and resolving issues, and applying project management methodologies to ensure successful project delivery. 

Why are Project Managers in-demand today? 

The increasing complexity of projects across various industries in Hong Kong requires skilled professionals to navigate challenges and ensure successful outcomes. Rapid advancements in technology and the need for regulatory compliance further drive the demand for project managers who can leverage digital tools and adhere to industry standards. 

- Matthew Hayes, Senior Director for Technology

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System Engineer 

What does a System Engineer do? 

System Engineers are responsible for system design and architecture, implementation and integration, performance monitoring, troubleshooting and maintenance, and documentation and compliance. 

What skills does a System Engineer need? 

These professionals are expected to possess strong analytical skills, technical proficiency, problem-solving abilities, effective communication skills, and project management expertise. Most professionals in this line have a background in other engineering disciplines, but the role also requires the ability to think from a systems perspective. 

Why are System Engineers in-demand today? 

As technology continues to evolve and increase in complexity across industries, organisations in Hong Kong are seeing an increasing demand for Systems Engineers to design and develop computer systems that leverage new technologies while also providing the capability to optimise or enhance existing systems. 

- Matthew Hayes, Senior Director for Technology 

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Product Specialist 

What does a Product Specialist do? 

Product Specialists are adept at developing an in-depth understanding of the company's product line, engaging with customers to identify their needs and suggest appropriate products, conduct product demonstrations or presentations, and working closely with sales and marketing teams to achieve sales objectives. 

What skills does a Product Specialist need? 

Product Specialists are expected to possess strong technical knowledge, excellent communication skills, analytical abilities, and sales acumen. They need to be adept at understanding product functionality and benefits, communicating product features to customers, analysing market trends and competitor products, and providing technical support and training to both customers and internal teams. 

Why are Product Specialists in-demand today? 

The life sciences are seeing renewed growth due to the government’s increased funding for research and development in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals. Biotech start-ups are notable with many leveraging local research institutions and universities to develop innovative solutions as access to expertise is made easier through government support. This is helping drive demand for Product Specialists to play a support role in customer relationship management, sales strategy development, market analysis, and technical support.  

- Joe Lam, Associate Director for Accountancy & Finance 

Explore Product Specialist jobs here 

 

Sales Associate 

What does a Sales Associate do? 

Sales Associates are responsible for conducting sales calls, ensuring product availability, merchandising, monitoring the competition and resolving complaints. 

What skills does a Sales Associate need? 

Sales Associates are expected to possess strong communication skills, a customer-oriented mindset, sales acumen, and attention to detail. They need to be adept at engaging with customers, understanding their needs, recommending suitable products, handling transactions efficiently, managing inventory, and providing exceptional service and product knowledge. 

Why are Sales Associates in-demand today? 

The fast-moving consumer goods sector is seeing steady demand for skilled sales professionals capable of helping organisations create a positive shopping experience, building customer loyalty, and contributing to the overall success of the business.  

- Andre Hui, Business Manager for Sales 

 

Legal Counsel 

What does a Legal Counsel do? 

Legal Counsels are responsible for providing legal advice and guidance, drafting and reviewing contracts, ensuring regulatory compliance, conducting legal research, managing legal risks, and representing the organisation in legal proceedings. 

What skills does a Legal Counsel need? 

These professionals are expected to possess strong analytical skills, effective communication abilities, deep knowledge of corporate law, and the capability to manage legal risks. 

Why are Legal Counsels in-demand today? 

The legal space in Hong Kong is evolving, with organisations showing greater demand for lawyers with strong general commercial and leasing experience, as well as financial regulation and fintech. Legal Counsels take on these tasks by providing legal advice and support to an organisation. 

- Adrian Lam, Senior Director for Legal 

Looking for more recruitment insights? Our 2025 Salary Guide features in-depth analysis for jobs that are in demand across 15 different specialisms in Hong Kong SAR, China, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand. Get updates on the latest recruitment challenges organisations face today, and how professionals can stand out from the competition. Learn how salaries have changed over the past year, and how much you can expect to earn in your position today. 

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