LOCAL graduates are losing out to their overseas counterparts because they lack a global perspective, are short on language skills and have an inflated idea of their own value, a leading international firm has claimed.
'For years, we have been unable to find graduates in Hong Kong with skills and a global prospective who are familiar with international businesses such as a merchant bank,' Jardine Fleming executive David Dodwell said.
'Even though there are a few [with the relevant qualifications], they have an inflated idea of their value.
'We have hired people from the United States, Canada, Australia and United Kingdom who may be ethnic Chinese, going through their secondary education overseas, and are fluent in Cantonese and English. They have done a degree with a more global perspective than those in Hong Kong.' Mr Dodwell said the problem was not exclusive to Hong Kong and firms in New York and London also drew on graduates from elsewhere to fill jobs.
'New York and London are similar to Hong Kong,' he said. 'It doesn't only require a good degree but a moderately successful period of work experience. New York draws on a much larger labour pool. Many going to work in New York did not get their first degree in New York or get their first job there. They go to New York for a higher salary.' Mr Dodwell said it would be impossible for Hong Kong universities to meet all the demands of the labour market, adding his concerns did not mean the territory's education system was not excellent.
'Local universities, especially the University of Hong Kong, have been training graduates for the civil service,' he said. 'But most international companies would appreciate students applying with a degree from elsewhere.' Mr Dodwell is also the convenor of the Business Coalition on Education. The business sector formed the coalition in 1998 to voice opinions on education policies as employers have increasingly felt that local graduates fall short of their expectations.