This article provides excellent contextual background to the recent Occupy Central protests in Hong Kong. With high property prices and an unbalanced labour market, much of the younger generation fear for their future prospects.
While the overall unemployment rate in Hong Kong is low, the youth unemployment rate (those under 25) is 8 per cent. Employers often complain that graduates lack employable skills, and many graduates are forced to look at undesirable lower paying jobs, with limited career development prospects.
Diversifying the economy and opportunities for upward mobility are the keys to satisfying Hong Kong’s young generation. Education of course plays a role in this, by preparing students with the skills required to succeed in a wide range of professional fields.
UK universities should therefore aim to articulate the benefits of studying at their institution in terms of employability, in order to maximise their relevance in the minds of potential students and parents. Institutions should come to Hong Kong armed with successful alumni case studies of how studying at the UK institution benefitted professional development in Hong Kong after graduation. Career advice to Hong Kong students studying in the UK would also be highly valuable.
Read the full article here.
For further market insight on Hong Kong, please contact Steve Corry, Regional Business Development Manager, steven.corry@britishcouncil.org.hk.