[NEWS RELEASE] Hong Kongers Turn Away from Retirement at 65 and Embrace Micro-Retirement and Unretirement

HONG KONG, August 7, 2025 – T. Rowe Price, a global asset management firm and a leader in retirement investment management, announced the key findings of its 2025 T. Rowe Price Hong Kong Retirement Survey, which found that over half (52%) of surveyed Hong Kong residents are turning away from the traditional retirement age of 65, with 47% embracing innovative approaches including micro-retirement and unretirement. 

While over half estimate they need over HK$5 million to retire comfortably in Hong Kong’s high-cost economy, critical knowledge gap and mismatched investment strategies pose challenges to achieving a secure retirement. 

Micro-retirement and Unretirement Popular Among Near-Retirees and High Earners

As a global leader in retirement investment management with over US$1 trillion retirement-related assets under management¹, T. Rowe Price conducted its first Hong Kong retirement survey in May 2025, which polled 600 Hong Kong residents over the age of 30. 

Among those opting for flexible retirement models, micro-retirement, or taking short and intentional breaks between careers, is an approach favoured by 80%, with the main drivers include maintaining work/life balance (79%), relieving work pressure (58%), or pursuing personal interests (39%). Most respondents believe micro-retirement is best pursued after age 50, lasting over a year. However, they also recognize the need for significant financial preparation, with most saying they would need over HK$2 million in assets to consider this approach. 

Unretirement, or returning to work post-retirement, is also popular, with 79% of those opting for flexible retirement models favouring this approach. Among these respondents, staying mentally active (69%) is a more compelling reason to unretire than maintaining income sources (62%). Most supporters are satisfied with earning less in their unretirement period, with 40% planning to return within six months.

These emerging retirement approaches are particularly welcomed by those over 50, with 58% favouring non-traditional retirement compared to 40% under-50s. Notably, 60% of over-50s prefer to retire based on personal planning rather than a fixed age, compared to 47% of under-50s, underscoring their desire for flexibility. 

The survey also found that 70% of high earners prefer flexible retirement approaches. However, only 51% of them have set a retirement savings goal – the lowest among all income groups – highlighting a critical need for more robust planning to support their ambitious retirement goals. 

“Hong Kong’s workforce is open to the possibilities of retirement with approaches such as micro-retirement and unretirement, and it highlights the urgent need for investment strategies that align with these evolving lifestyle choices,” said Wenting Shen, Global Investment Solutions Strategist and Portfolio Manager at T. Rowe Price. “One proven approach is the retirement glide path, widely used in mature retirement markets such as the U.S. Glide paths dynamically adjust asset allocation between equities and fixed income based on the number of years before and after expected retirement, offering a flexible framework to navigate market uncertainties and seek long-term growth. This structured method could be relevant for Hong Kong residents exploring flexible retirement paths.” 

Hong Kongers Lack Sufficient Investment Planning for Flexible Retirement 

Despite this enthusiasm, significant barriers remain. Only 20% of respondents feel they are familiar with the retirement options available on the market, including only 26% of those aged over 50 who are closer to retirement.

Additionally, 71% describe themselves as tolerant of medium-to-high investment risk, but most rely on conventional options – such as time deposits, or bank savings, which may not support the growth needed for a secure retirement. Notably, 40% have no retirement savings goal, and 32% of those favouring non-traditional retirement feel unprepared, compared to 22% of those preferring to retire permanently at the standard age of 65, highlighting an urgent need for more appropriate strategies. 

“Hong Kong residents are at the forefront of a global shift toward flexible retirement models, yet most lack the investment knowledge to navigate today’s volatile markets and achieve their aspirations,” said Raymond Chan, Senior Director for Intermediary Distribution, Greater China at T. Rowe Price. “With over 20 years of global retirement expertise, T. Rowe Price strives to advancing retirement financial education, empowering Hong Kongers to start imagining their futures and shape a retirement journey tailored to their unique lifestyles and aspirations.”