A survey conducted by Schroders Global Investments found that the COVID-19 pandemic has increased the urgency of retirement planning for non-retired Hong Kong residents, as they are facing various challenges brought about by the pandemic. Overall, Hong Kong residents now begin to formulate retirement plans at the age of 40 on average by 2024, compared to 45 in 2018. According to the Schroders Global Investments 2024 Hong Kong Retirement Survey, non-retired Hong Kong residents have higher expectations for investment returns since the COVID-19 pandemic. They expect an annual investment return rate of 5.7%, a significant increase from 3.7% in 2018. The top three retirement issues of concern for respondents include medical expenses exceeding expectations (76%), inflation reducing asset value (73%), and the impact of ongoing economic recession on personal life and career (72%), as these factors may affect their ability to accumulate wealth for retirement. The research shows that attitudes towards retirement planning have changed among Hong Kong residents since the COVID-19 pandemic. Nearly half (48%) of respondents state that they feel more strongly about the need to save for potential healthcare costs in retirement compared to before the pandemic. Additionally, 46% of respondents recognize the importance of effective wealth management in retirement planning, and 38% are more willing to adjust their current lifestyle as part of their retirement plans. It is worth noting that some respondents tend to live in the present and prioritize current life experiences over long-term financial security. Over a third (36%) of respondents state that, compared to before the pandemic, it is more important to use funds for more immediate experiences rather than saving for retirement. Lesley-Ann Morgan, Global Head of Retirement for Schroders Global Investments, stated that even though many Hong Kong residents are willing to work beyond retirement, extending work years alone cannot fully address financial shortfalls in retirement. Therefore, they should explore investment tools that can convert assets into stable retirement income, aimed at generating sufficient capital growth to support future income streams while mitigating inflation. Lau Yi Ho, Director of Retirement Business in Hong Kong, suggests that non-retired individuals can customize their retirement asset allocation strategies, focus on wealth accumulation, and take on more risks in the early stages. He also recommends actively monitoring and managing personal retirement accounts, seeking diversified sources of income, and expanding investment horizons to better navigate different return cycles in financial markets to prepare for retirement. For those seeking simple and easy retirement investment options, one should not overlook preset investment strategies, as the risk levels of these strategies will automatically adjust as members of the trillions of MPF plans approach retirement age.