In a bid to counteract declining enrolments and a falling fertility rate, Hong Kong is set to host its inaugural Greater Bay Area (GBA) Hong Kong Education Expo from December 15 to 17. Organized by four local school councils, the event aims to showcase the city’s education resources to non-local parents amidst a changing demographic landscape.
The decline in Hong Kong’s population, triggered by the Covid-19 pandemic and exacerbated by stringent border controls, prompted families to leave the city. The imposition of a national security law further fueled the exodus, impacting the city’s education system. To address this challenge, the Education Expo targets parents unfamiliar with Hong Kong’s education resources and admission procedures, offering a comprehensive guide for prospective students.
Dion Chen, Chairman of the Hong Kong Direct Subsidy Scheme Schools Council, emphasized the influx of students from mainland China and overseas since the border reopened in February. Non-permanent residents, seeking quality education for their children, have also contributed to this trend. To bridge the information gap, representatives of school councils have visited major cities in the GBA, such as Beijing and Shanghai, to connect with parents interested in sending their children to Hong Kong for schooling.
The GBA, comprising Hong Kong, Macau, and nine mainland Chinese cities, has been designated by Beijing as a hub for technology innovation and investment. Hong Kong, experiencing a diminishing number of local students due to a low birth rate and emigration, seeks to attract students from the GBA to maintain its status as an educational hub.
The declining student population has led to concerns about school closures and the quality of education. At least five primary schools under the government subsidy scheme face closure, and renowned institutions, such as Ying Wa College and Creative Secondary School, have seen reduced enrollment. The Education Bureau is closely monitoring student numbers and working to ensure educational quality despite the anticipated structural decline in the population of school-age children.
To counter the brain drain, the Hong Kong government introduced the Top Talent Pass Scheme, a new work permit, and relaxed requirements for existing work visas. The effort has borne fruit, with around 100,000 working visas issued in the first nine months of the year, a significant increase compared to 2022. Pro-Beijing lawmakers Jesse Shang and Tang Fei’s survey revealed that 75.8% of non-local workers sent their children to Hong Kong schools, with 40% attending public schools.
As Hong Kong adapts to changing demographics, the GBA Hong Kong Education Expo becomes a pivotal event, not only for recruitment but as a symbol of the city’s resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges. The educational crossroads it represents may well shape the future of Hong Kong’s academic landscape.
(Source: Irene Chan | Hong Kong Free Press)
