THE local education system causes frustration among students rather than building up their confidence, thus prompting parents to send their children abroad for studies, according to an educationist.
Dean of Faculty of Education of the University of Hong Kong Cheng Kai-ming, said the increase in number of students seeking education overseas was a matter of concern.
In the 1980s, about 2.1 per cent of young people studied at one of the local universities and only those who failed to be admitted sought education outside Hong Kong, according to Mr Cheng.
'Now the percentage is 18, with about four to five per cent going elsewhere to further their studies.
'Those who can afford an overseas education are leaving the territory, including the best students.' Mr Cheng was speaking at a recent symposium on 'Youth Work in the 21st Century - Changes and Development'.
'We should ask ourselves why parents are losing confidence in the local education system and why the best students are leaving the territory.
'Our education system does not build up students' confidence, instead, it causes frustration,' he said.