Higher Ed Chats
March 18th, 2026
17 minutes
Hong Kong's Rise as an International Higher Education Hub
Our conversation explores Hong Kong's emergence as a premier education destination and HKU's strategic position within this landscape. Tina describes the School of Future Media's distinctive approach—combining cutting-edge technology including artificial intelligence with traditional journalistic principles to prepare students for evolving media careers. The program maintains a balanced 50-50 split between local and non-local students, creating genuinely international learning environments with representation from mainland China, South Korea, Ethiopia, Turkey, Madagascar, Myanmar, Russia, and Serbia.
We examine what attracts international students to Hong Kong: the city's status as an international financial center, opportunities for Cantonese and Mandarin language immersion, the blend of Eastern and Western culture, and crucially, geographic proximity to home countries across Southeast Asia and the Greater Bay Area. Tina candidly discusses recruitment challenges—competing with prestigious US and UK universities while balancing mainland Chinese demand with broader geographic diversity goals.
The discussion reveals Hong Kong's particular appeal as a "midpoint" destination where students access world-class education without venturing too far from family, with short-haul flights enabling holiday visits. Looking ahead, she predicts a recruitment boom as more Southeast Asian students recognize Hong Kong's advantages for both education and career launching within Asia's dynamic economy.
Who’s in the episode?
Scott Miller is the host of Keystone Higher Ed Chats and the Executive Director of Keystone's international division, bringing over 11 years of EdTech experience to conversations about global education.
After graduating from DePauw University, living and working in different cultures showed him that stepping outside your comfort zone doesn't just broaden your horizons; it reshapes them entirely. That belief in the transformative power of international experiences brought Scott to Keystone in 2010, where he's spent over a decade (and counting) helping higher education institutions reach students worldwide.
On Keystone Higher Ed Chats, Scott speaks with thought-leaders in the industry about what he's most passionate about: how education changes lives, how cultural experiences broaden perspectives at any age, and how Keystone's mission—connecting students with their ideal higher education institution—makes those life-changing moments possible.
Timestamps & Takeaways
Timestamps
01:03
Tell us about your background and where you studied
02:03
Given your background in journalism, what drew you to the admissions and outreach side of your work?
02:45
Can you walk us through what your daily admissions and outreach role at HKU looks like?
04:17
Tell us more about the University of Hong Kong and the School of Future Media
05:21
What makes the University of Hong Kong and the School of Future Media unique?
06:12
How large is the international student community at the School of Future Media?
07:33
What are the key motivations for international students when choosing to study in Hong Kong and HKU?
09:29
Has HKU’s approach to recruiting international students changed in recent years?
10:55
What would you say are the biggest challenges you currently face when recruiting international students to Hong Kong?
12:19
How different is your recruitment strategy when targeting students in Asia compared to other parts of the world, like Europe or America?
13:55
Looking into the future, how do you see global higher education in Hong Kong evolving over the next five years?
Takeaways
School of Future Media blends AI with journalistic principles. HKU's newest school commits to providing cutting-edge access to technology — such as artificial intelligence tools and emerging storytelling platforms — while maintaining traditional journalism ethics. The practical program focuses on innovative narrative techniques using the latest technologies, positioning graduates at the forefront of media evolution rather than teaching purely theoretical frameworks.
Hong Kong's midpoint positioning is a strategic advantage. The city functions as a geographic and cultural bridge — close enough to Southeast Asian and Greater Bay Area families for frequent holiday visits yet offering a genuinely international metropolitan experience. This proximity addresses parental concerns about first-time independence while providing students with the "if I can make it here, I can make it anywhere" confidence that comes from navigating one of the world's most efficient, fast-paced cities.
Competition with Western prestige institutions, the biggest challenge. Despite HKU's top 50 global ranking and top five Asian standing, recruitment competes with US and UK universities, attracting students who want to "cross the next frontier" and leave the continent entirely. Families weigh academic reputation alongside geographic considerations, with some prioritizing Western credentials despite Hong Kong's objective quality metrics and practical advantages.
Exceptional graduate retention in the local job market. Among 2024's 50-50 local/non-local cohort, 87% remained in Hong Kong for employment, including a substantial number of non-local graduate students. This retention reflects competitive salaries, vibrant professional opportunities, and graduates' determination to succeed in Hong Kong's demanding but rewarding environment despite the acknowledged difficulty of breaking into local markets.
Predicted recruitment boom over the next five years. Growing Southeast Asian recognition of Hong Kong's educational competitiveness, economic strength, and student dedication culture suggests an imminent enrollment surge. As more families discover the advantages —world-class English-language education, exposure to the Hong Kong work ethic, language-learning opportunities, and access to the Asian job market— HKU anticipates substantially increased application volumes from regional markets beyond traditional recruitment territories.
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