Hong Kong produces winners in math and science competitions, and that may be an indicator of its high standards of education. 

Or is it? 

For starters, Hong Kong universities places high priority on Chinese skills for admissions. That bodes well for locals who comprise at least 95 percent of the population. But for members of the minority communities, such language requirements may be too much to bear. Children of minority families don’t lack effort and try their best in exams but many are rejected and are therefore forced to find schools overseas such as those in the Ivy League where they successfully get admitted.

Take the case of Faiza Alvi, born in Pakistan and raised in Hong Kong. While at secondary school, her university applications were rejected by every university in Hong Kong because her Chinese skill was below standard. But without such requirements, she was able to pass the admissions at Columbia University in New York. Faiza’s siblings suffered the same outcome in trying to secure a university placement in Hong Kong. Following her lead, Faiza’s sister is now studying for her degree in the United States. Unfortunately, her brother couldn’t even get an admission to any secondary school and had to receive informal training from their father at home.

I guess not all minority applicants get rejected, though I feel that as long as the same Chinese requirement is imposed on everyone, chances are slim even for minority students who can speak Cantonese fluently.

While discrimination may be too strong a word to describe these addmission policies in Hong Kong, changes are needed if the aim is to integrate students from diverse cultural backgrounds and be one with Asia’s world city claims. The problem is that there are not even a sufficient number of slots available for more qualified (read: Chinese capable) applicants to enter Hong Kong’s universities.

No wonder international study agencies have their hands full of inquiries from parents of Form Five pupils right before the announcement of Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination results next month.

A growing number of Hong Kong parents are willing and capable of sending children to study at overseas universities, where annual fees range from HK$200,000 (US$27,500) and above. The number of enquiries by parents seeking advice on studying abroad is up 20 percent, according to South China Morning Post. The problem experienced by Faiza Alvi and other minorities were highlighted but maybe the greater problem is the disparity between supply and demand. Do Chinese univerisities impose the Chinese skill requirement as a means of shortening those that can qualify from a much bigger crowd? I am not sure. But one thing is for sure: students and parents can always look at overseas alternatives to address anxiety and a brighter future.