'I think the education reforms are going in the right direction. Students shouldn't have to specialise in arts or science subjects so early on in their education. And while some people benefit from an exam-oriented system, others may do better in other forms of assessment.

'I want to be a factory manager on the mainland. Hong Kong and the mainland are increasingly linked and we should complement each other. Hong Kong's edge lies in its financial system, while the mainland boasts a massive pool of cheap labour. I haven't started looking for a job yet but I'm not worried about not getting one. There are plenty of opportunities in Hong Kong.

'My family is in transport and logistics, so I may go into the industry. The industry on the mainland is expanding rapidly, and Hong Kong must develop a high-value-added niche to maintain an edge. But I'm optimistic about the future of the Hong Kong economy.'

Sam Ng Chor-sum

Final-year University of Hong Kong student, 21 years old, reading economics and finance.

'The Hong Kong education system is characterised by a spoon-feeding culture. There isn't much discussion or interaction in class.

'I'm going to work in an investment bank. I'm very interested in economics and finance, and an investment bank is the main channel for understanding these areas. In preparing for interviews, I read a lot about the company and made sure I knew what it did and who its competitors were. I also found out the sort of qualities required for the position I applied for, which included proficiency in English and good presentation and communication skills. But most importantly, you must know yourself very well to find the right job.

'There will be many business opportunities in Hong Kong, such as in corporate financing. More and more mainland companies will come here to raise money because the stock exchange in Hong Kong is mature and on par with international standards.'

Winnie Chu Hing-kei

Final-year Hong Kong University of Science and Technology student, 23 years old, reading chemistry.

'Our education system doesn't offer that many chances to low achievers. From primary years, students are labelled as a result of the ranking of schools. Some teachers don't devote much to students who don't do well academically.

'Initially I was quite worried about not getting a job because it's often difficult to secure employment in science-related work. I sent out several applications for trainee positions in business corporations but had no reply. Just when I was getting frustrated I came across an advert looking for laboratory technicians. This doesn't happen often. I think I'm lucky.

'Nowadays, Hong Kong relies so much on the mainland - our economy is driven by China. Is this good? I think Hong Kong has the potential to take its economy further without having to depend so much and so directly on the mainland. We've been doing well in scientific research and the telecom industry. And there are many talented people in Hong Kong.'