Young people will face increasing competition for jobs from mainlanders, the special adviser to Tung Chee-hwa told teachers and principals yesterday.
Paul Yip Kwok-wah, chairman of the Hong Kong Policy Institute, warned at an education forum that pupils might lose out unless they measured up to the new competition.
'Between a Hongkonger and a mainlander, the former may win under the existing conditions,' said Mr Yip.
'But in less than 10 years' time, I am afraid a Hong Konger will lose out to the mainlanders and returned migrants.
'Now Hong Kong talent has flooded the mainland, but if we don't carry out any reform, our next generation will find it difficult to compete, given that our students do not have very high language standards.' He said many young people also lacked creativity and problem-solving skills.
'Are you school principals willing to see Hong Kong people losing out?' he asked.