Hong Kong's exam based education system lacks innovation, and fails to give students other learning experiences that help them prepare for the future, according to this article in the South China Morning Post. The article cites Singapore, Taiwan and South Korea as comparable markets where moves have been made to make education systems more flexible and innovative.

As a result, this article suggests that Hong Kong students are ill-equipped for the workforce. The article suggests that Hong Kong graduates lack critical thinking and communication skills, as well as a passion or interest in subjects. According to a recent Economist Intelligence Unit index, Hong Kong falls behind other developed East Asian countries in terms of preparing students for the future. The index places the blame for this on policy.

Two recent studies also illustrate that up to half of Hong Kong students demonstrate symptoms of depression, a result of a highly stressful system.

Commentary by Steve Corry, Head of Education Marketing Services, British Council Hong Kong (steven.corry@britishcouncil.org.hk):

The local education system in Hong Kong has long faced criticism for being too narrowly exam focused, and not providing students with opportunities to learn outside the classroom, or to develop interpersonal and critical thinking skills. Students also have a high workload, resulting in high incidence of stress as illustrated in the studies that the third article alludes to. On top of this, a shortfall in publicly funded tertiary education provision means that entrance to local universities is highly competitive.

These factors all result in many Hong Kong families looking for education opportunities abroad, and therefore the UK is a beneficiary. It can be summarised that two key motivations for Hong Kong families seeking a UK education are the shortfall in local university places and the stresses in the local system.

Sources:

http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education-community/article/2113373/hong-kong-lags-behind-taiwan-singapore-and-south

http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education-community/article/2113367/are-hong-kongs-university-students-ready

http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education-community/article/2113124/half-3441-hong-kong-students-polled-show-signs