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Carrie Lam
Opinion

Will Carrie Lam’s education subsidies improve the careers of Hong Kong students?

Regina Ip questions the government aid for self-funded courses, given that even university places are not being filled, graduate wage levels are falling and Hong Kong’s economy seems unable to create enough jobs requiring higher skill levels

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Diploma of Secondary Education Examination students apply for self-financed degrees, associate degrees and higher diplomas at the Institute of Vocational Education campus in Cheung Sha Wan, on July 12. Photo: K. Y. Cheng
Regina Ip
On July 14, the Court of First Instance handed down a shock judgment disqualifying four lawmakers for failing to take their legislative oath properly last October. The surprisingly pro-government ruling sent shock waves through the pan-democratic camp. Filibuster by pan-democratic legislators returned with a vengeance at the Finance Committee meetings on July 15 and 19.
Yet, despite the febrile mood in the Legislative Council, and the determined effort by supporters of the disqualified legislators to block a vote on an education initiative prioritised by Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, the additional funding of HK$3.6 billion was approved by an overwhelming majority. Few could argue against providing more resources for education. The additional funding would give succour to several sectors crying out for help – teachers at kindergartens and schools, students with special education needs, and privately funded tertiary institutions. Lam has clearly taken on board the requests for help conveyed to her during her chief executive campaign.

Hong Kong lawmakers approve extra cash for education after angry final session

With nearly 90,000 voters in the education sector in the Legislative Council, hundreds of thousands of parents and students who want better education, and two from self-funded colleges elected to the Election Committee that selects the chief executive, support for education is one issue that no politician can afford to ignore.
Chinese University students celebrate graduation day, last November 17. Photo: David Wong
Chinese University students celebrate graduation day, last November 17. Photo: David Wong
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Hong Kong parents’ strong desire for their children to be degree holders is well-known. Yet, whether the additional funding of roughly HK$1 billion for students enrolled in self-funded tertiary institutions would actually bring about quality higher education in the long run remains to be seen.

The subsidy scheme to provide students of self-funded institutions with HK$30,000 per year is not a a voucher scheme, as originally conceived by Milton Friedman. A voucher scheme, which would give the money directly to students, would also give them the freedom to choose, and use market discipline to flush out institutions that are not up to scratch.

The subsidy scheme cannot guarantee the long-term viability of self-funded institutions

Under the government’s subsidy scheme, the money will go to the self-funded institutions, which will be paid HK$30,000 for each student enrolled. Students will have to pay the full tuition fee upfront, and inquiries are already pouring in regarding when and how they will be reimbursed.

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