China adds 13 new professions to occupation list

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Thirteen new professions have been identified by China's human resources authority since April 1, according to a statement released on Wednesday.

These newly added professions are mainly in the high and new technology sector, including artificial intelligence, internet of things, big data, e-sports and drones.

The move reflects the transformation of China's economy from quantity to quality growth. This change has set new standards and requirements for China's labors, according to the joint statement issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, State Administration for Market Regulation and National Bureau of Statistics.

It is noticeable that with digitization and the application of new technologies, traditional labors are increasingly getting automated. This leads to the creation of a variety of new professions, according to the statement.

For example, drones are widely used in finishing difficult missions including farm security patrol and aerial photograph, which lead to an increasing demand for drone operators.

More young people are joining gaming clubs to play professionally in e-sports competitions. /CGTN Photo

Meanwhile, China has seen a boom in the e-sports industry in recent years. In 2018, the total size of the e-sports industry in China was worth some 8.4 billion yuan (1.25 billion U.S. dollars, according to data published by China's internet giant Tencent. That figure is expected to reach 20 billion yuan in 2020, more than doubling in two years.

But the emerging market with a big potential faces a dilemma – the lack of e-sports gamers. So far, some 50,000 professionals are working in the e-sports industry. However, the latest statistics by Tencent show there are currently 260,000 positions waiting to be filled, and the number is expected to reach 500,000 soon.

With e-sports gamers officially acknowledged, China's e-sports industry will become more and more professional and competitive in the global stage.

The newly announced professions undoubtedly bring more job opportunities and create a better environment for entrepreneurs, said a staff worker with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security.

(With inputs from agencies)