How education can lead the way for Hong Kong’s economic revival

In the wake of the triple whammy of sociopolitical unrest, the Covid-19 pandemic and geopolitical upheaval, the past few years have not been easy on Hong Kong. Some have suggested the city is struggling to find its way amid heightened Sino-US rivalry, stiff competition from regional rivals and critics pouring cold water on its international reputation.

They might be right in their observations about the present situation, yet premature in their conclusions about the future. There is no reason to feel fatalistic about the city’s trajectory. New industries can lead Hong Kong’s revival, as long as we commit to undertaking long-overdue steps towards substantive economic diversification.

At the recently concluded “two sessions”, Premier Li Qiang called on Hong Kong to deepen its international exchanges and cooperation. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu has made attracting talent a core component of his economic strategy. Straddling both areas is the core pillar of education, which could well become our most promising growth sector if we play our cards right.