True North Education establishes HK headquarters, offering tailored global study pathways 

Admissions consulting company True North Education has chosen Hong Kong as its headquarters for the Asia-Pacific region, aligning with the government’s push to position the city as an international education hub.

Founded by Korean-American brothers Samuel Hwang and Danny Hwang, True North Education provides Asian students with customized overseas study strategies, research training and holistic development programs.

The organization currently operates in London; Shanghai and Shenzhen; Tokyo; Hanoi; Bangkok; Kuala Lumpur; and other regional cities.

“Due to its geographical location, Hong Kong is not only a hub for top global talent with a high level of English proficiency but also the best springboard for students from China, Asia, and even Eastern Europe seeking diverse educational pathways,” said Christina Gaw, a managing partner at True North Education.

The consultancy’s core team comprises veterans from leading Asian educational advisory firms, including Britannia, Crimson Education, EIC and New Pathway, collectively bringing more than 15 years of experience in top-tier education and talent development in the UK and the US.

According to the company, True North has helped thousands of students gain admission to Ivy League universities, the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge and top 30 US institutions, with an overall success rate of 95 percent.

True North Education has also established True North International School in Hanoi, Vietnam, offering integrated education from primary through university preparation.

Executive partner Bob Fan said interest in elite US universities remains strong despite lower birth rates and declining numbers of outbound students overall. Competition, he said, has become even more intense.

He noted that top institutions now look beyond academic results, placing increasing emphasis on students’ ability to articulate their personal growth and aspirations.

The company also offers personalized strategies and leadership development programs to help students identify their life direction—an element it believes is crucial to long-term development.

Gaw, whose four children are all studying at Stanford University, added that while True North provides one-stop services, it still encourages active parental involvement.

She emphasized the importance of attending her children’s milestones, saying such engagement carries “significant meaning” for their growth.