The South China Morning Post is quoting studies from Chinese University of Hong Kong and policy think tank Civic Exchange that suggest that people aged 18 to 30 are most dissatisfied with life in Hong Kong. As a result, a significant proportion of the population are reported to have a desire to leave Hong Kong.

High living costs (in particular housing), a lack of political reform, increasing lack of faith in the one country two systems formula that governs Hong Kong, and a perceived lack of opportunity for upward social mobility are cited as the main reasons for disillusionment.

Taiwan is seen as the most commonly desired destination for emigration, with Australia also mentioned.

Commentary by Steve Corry, Head of Education Marketing Services (steven.corry@britishcouncil.org.hk):

This article by the South China Morning Post is a very useful summary of the frustrations that young people in Hong Kong are currently expressing. The key implications for UK institutions recruiting students for either study in the UK or TNE programmes is to offer opportunities for upward social mobility – meaning strong employment prospects that will allow graduates to earn sufficient salaries for a comfortable standard of living and to eventually invest in their own property.

In addition to being the most commonly desired destination for migration, Taiwan is also the number one overseas study destination for graduates of the local education system. While there are many reasons for this, such as comparatively low entrance requirements and tuition fees, perhaps establishing links with a view to eventual emigration is one consideration.

With Chief Executive elections taking place in March 2017, political controversies and resulting frustrations from disaffected youth could be expected to worsen in the short term, and UK institutions travelling to Hong Kong should note that public disturbances cannot be ruled out.