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China's Digitalisation Drive Sparks Surge in New Professions
China has added 19 new professions to its list of approved jobs, with a concentration on digital and smart technologies. Demand for digital expertise is increasing in AI and big data organisations, offering opportunities for graduates in IT and internet-related fields. The rapid expansion of China's digital economy creates a talent shortfall of 25 to 30 million people.
According to the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, a significant portion of these emerging roles revolve around digital and smart technologies, such as generative artificial intelligence (AI) system operators, smart-vehicle testers, and industrial internet maintenance workers.
At a recent job fair in Haidian District, Beijing, Li Ming, a computer science graduate, expressed his observation that there is a growing demand for digital talent, particularly in AI and big data companies. Having focused on machine learning during his graduate studies and completed an internship at a robotics firm, Li is eager to pursue a career in this dynamic field.
At a recent job fair in Haidian District, Beijing, Li Ming, a computer science graduate, stated that there is a growing demand for digital expertise, particularly in AI and big data organisations. Li, who concentrated on machine learning during his graduate studies and conducted an internship at a robotics firm, is keen to pursue a career in this vibrant industry.
The rise corresponds to the growing need for digital specialists in China. According to a survey performed by Zhaopin, an online employment portal, IT and internet-related occupations are in high demand among Chinese university graduates in 2024. Notably, the AI sector is one of the top three job creators and recipients for graduates in the country this year, according to Lagou, a comparable job-search platform.
As China moves towards a technology-driven development trajectory, its digital industry has expanded significantly in recent years. The Digital China Summit reported in May that the core areas of the digital economy will contribute 10% of China's GDP in 2023, with over 4,500 significant AI enterprises in operation. However, the quick increase has resulted in a talent deficit of 25 to 30 million people.
Zhang Jianguo, chairman and CEO of Renrui Human Resources Technology Holdings Limited, noted the scarcity not only in digital practitioners but also in their expertise and diversity. He underlined that as the AI field grows countrywide, the demand for skills is surpassing the supply.
In the first quarter of this year, roles related to AI-generated content witnessed a remarkable surge, with a 320% increase in jobs and a staggering 940% rise in job applications compared to the previous year, according to data from Liepin, a job-seeking service provider. Natural language processors and graphics engineers received the highest incomes of all of these positions.
Zhang Chenggang of Capital University of Economics and Business stated that the rise of these new professions reflects the changing needs of China's society and market. He emphasised that the digital economy and IT are critical to China's industrial transformation and upgrades, forecasting significant employment growth in these sectors as a result of the broad adoption of AI technology.
To meet the growing demand for diversified talent, the Chinese government has pledged to advance reforms in higher education institutions, create disciplinary adjustment systems, and improve talent training models. These initiatives aim to accelerate the country's scientific and technological development in alignment with national strategies.
In a bid to cultivate top-tier talent and bolster innovative capacity, a resolution adopted during the third plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China outlined plans to make strategic adjustments in disciplines and majors that are urgently required. Additionally, a three-year action plan was jointly released by nine government agencies in April to expedite the nurturing of digital talent to support the digital economy's growth.
Looking ahead, as the digital sector emerges as a key driver of the Chinese economy, there is a pressing need to refine the structure of the job market. Li Qiang, vice president of Zhaopin, emphasised the importance of continuous efforts to nurture high-calibre talent and provide them with rewarding opportunities to foster the prosperity of relevant businesses.
With an estimated 11.79 million students set to graduate from colleges across China in 2024, an increase of 210,000 from the previous year, the nation is gearing up to meet the evolving demands of its digital landscape.
China adds 19 new professions to its list of recognised occupations, with a focus on digital and smart technologies.
Demand for digital talent surges in AI and big data companies, creating opportunities for graduates in IT and internet-related roles.
The rapid growth of China's digital industry leads to a talent shortage of 25 to 30 million individuals.
Source: CGTN