education hub at top of home work

Rachael Ng

A "Study in Hong Kong" vision was laid out in the policy address for Hong Kong to become an international hub for post-secondary education, bolstered by a new scholarship scheme and increased supply of student hostels.

The Hong Kong Future Talents Scholarship Scheme for Advanced Studies will be set up starting from the next academic year, offering scholarships to 1,200 locals enrolling in postgraduate programs.

The administration encourages institutions to promote the Hong Kong brand by exchanging and collaborating with their counterparts to attract students from southeast Asian and other Belt and Road countries.

"We must step up efforts to attract top people to fill the talent shortage problem. The high tuition and living expenses in Hong Kong hinder the intention of overseas and mainland students to study and develop in the city," said Lingnan University president Joe Qin.

Legislative Council member Tommy Cheung Yu-yan hoped the government will also have policies encouraging international secondary students, not just focusing on higher education.

A pilot scheme will be launched in the first half of next year to streamline the planning and building of land use to encourage conversion of commercial buildings and hotels to student hostels on a self-financing and privately funded basis.

"The scheme reflects the government's determination, commitment and forward-looking planning to develop an international post-secondary education hub," said Legco member Chow Man-kong.

At least 80 hectares has been reserved to set up the Northern Metropolis University Town.

The government has allocated a start-up fund of HK$100 million for the newly established University of Applied Sciences Alliance after the Hong Kong Metropolitan University was recognized as the first UAS in the SAR.

Meanwhile, the Kai Tak makeshift hospital will be converted into a youth hostel and space for youngsters to have cultural and art exchanges, Lee said.

"Integrating a cultural and creative base with catering and leisure facilities at the youth hostel will draw more visitors to the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, attracting merchants and enhancing entertainment options for cruise passengers. This synergy with the Kai Tak Sports Park will boost Hong Kong's cruise economy," said Legco member Kitson Yang Wing-kit.

A physical platform will be set up in the Nam Cheong district community center for youths to socialize, and a new mobile application--"HKYouth+" and other online media will be leveraged to enhance communication among young people.

A new interactive zone and a video studio will be set up at the Youth Square in Chai Wan. There will also be a new round of funding schemes for youth life planning activities for non-governmental organizations to work with secondary schools to assist students in their career planning and seize national development opportunities.

The Greater Bay Area youth employment scheme will be enhanced by relaxing the eligibility requirements allowing people aged 29 or below with sub-degree or higher qualifications to join.

The limit of monthly allowance for enterprises will be raised from HK$10,000 to HK$12,000 per month for promoting mainland and overseas exchange and internship programs.

The program raised the upper age limit for participants from 24 to 29 and additional internship opportunities will be provided in the GBA.