Help mainland students overcome hurdles to ensure more stay in Hong Kong
High accommodation costs, career uncertainty and social integration weigh heavily as city seeks to tap into this potential talent pool
Accommodation costs topped the list of grievances, with 19.2 per cent of the 380 respondents citing it as their biggest burden. Uncertainty over career development came second at 17.6 per cent, followed by daily living expenses at 17.1 per cent and academic pressure at 16.6 per cent. Language and cultural adaptation accounted for 15.3 per cent of the stress, while a lack of a social circle and a sense of belonging troubled 14.2 per cent.
The findings do not come as a surprise for a city known for its high living costs and strong cultural identity, but they provide food for thought as the authorities seek to tap into this potential pool of talent by attracting more to study and settle here. While nearly 44 per cent of the respondents expressed a firm or leaning intention to stay in Hong Kong in the long term, the remaining 56 per cent were either actively planning to leave, intending to return to the mainland or hedging their bets by comparing Hong Kong with overseas markets.
The students have chosen Hong Kong for its quality education, international outlook and proximity to the mainland. Many arrive with strong academic records and an ambition to build careers in a city that prides itself on being both Chinese and global. Yet they also encounter obstacles once they graduate: high rents, living costs, uncertainty over jobs, limited social integration and a persistent sense of being visitors rather than future stakeholders. Allowing more overseas talent and students to come is just the first step. More concerted efforts are needed to help them overcome the hurdles so they will feel comfortable making the city their long-term home.