Mainland education firm under probe over unlicensed one-stop dorm in Kowloon Tong

Amid rising demand for student housing under the city’s  "Study in Hong Kong" initiative, a mainland educational company is under investigation for allegedly running an unlicensed dormitory in a Kowloon Tong house with unauthorized structures.

The education center, identified as Gleam Heaven,  reportedly rented a detached house at 101 Waterloo Road, marketing itself as Hong Kong's first “boarding house" for newly arrived mainland students aged 12 to 18.

According to promotional materials circulated on mainland messaging platforms, the facility claims to offer 60 beds—30 for male and 30 for female students—in double and quadruple rooms. 

With its prime location in Kowloon Tong — home to many of the city's top schools — the center promotes its services as a "one-stop solution for parents" with offerings such as after-school tutoring and regular academic sharing events.

The center claims to have an experienced academic team, including a former assistant principal at Heep Yunn School, a former senior curriculum officer of the Education Bureau and a 2021 DSE top scorer. 

Fees for the services range from approximately 14,900 to 25,900 yuan (HK$16,000 to HK$28,000), with parents able to pay around 9,600 yuan to use the address for registering their children in the sought-after district.

Under investigation

In response to concerns over the legality of the center's operation, the Home Affairs Department confirmed it has not received any application for a bedspace apartment licence from the company.

Under the Bedspace Apartments Ordinance, any residential unit with 12 or more bed spaces intended for sleeping accommodation must be licensed before operation.

Notably, the Office of the Licensing Authority reported that a joint inspection has commenced following referrals from the Education Bureau and public complaints over the legality of the institution last month. The authority stated that prosecution may follow if evidence of operating without a licence is found.

The Planning Department also noted that the site is zoned "Residential (Group C)", where operating a student dormitory requires prior application to the Town Planning Board for permission to use the premises as a "residential institution."

The department confirmed that no related application has been received and has reminded the property owner and operator of the necessary requirements.

The Education Bureau stated that it has conducted surprise inspections but has not yet found evidence of any unregistered schools in operation. However, it emphasized that any institution providing education to 20 or more individuals at the same time, or eight concurrently, must register as a school.

Illegal structures on premises

Meanwhile, the Buildings Department reported that inspections revealed several existing and newly constructed unauthorized structures in the courtyard, facing Boundary Street, a back lane, and a neighboring kindergarten.

While no immediate danger was detected, the owner was instructed to demolish the illegal structures. With follow-up inspections showing the concerned structures remained, a demolition order was issued, and enforcement action is ongoing.