Hong Kong: Diversity
Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region of China (HKSAR). It has its own legal and tax systems different from those of China. This is a city populated by mainly Chinese-origin locals but with very diverse culture and languages.
Education System
There are international schools: Japanese International School, Korea International School, Spanish School of Hong Kong, Singaporean International School, American International School, English Schools Foundation, German Swiss International School …… The list could go much longer. These schools cater for kids from different cultural / ethnic backgrounds. They may follow the school curriculum of their own countries. Many offer IB Diploma Program. School fees are high. Some require parents to buy bonds. They do accept local students.
Main stream education is designed by the Government. School fees are nominal. Students are allocated to the respective schools in accordance with their academic performance and residential districts. Secondary school students have to take part in the HK Diploma of Secondary Education Examination. Students with good grades can have a seat in the local universities. Some may leave HK for study abroad with scholarships or financial supports from parents.
Some schools wishing to have more independence in the selection of students and courses can opt for the Direct Subsidiary Scheme. They enjoy less financial support from the Government and school fees are, therefore, higher. Some of these schools are established by religious organizations and religious teachings may be taught therein. IB Diploma Program is also available in some schools.
Universities can accept up to 40% non-Hong Kong students into their programs. Many are granted scholarships. HK targets top-tier students to study here and thereafter stay on and work.
Religion
Most locals don’t have religious belief. People are free to choose their own religion. There are Catholic, Christian Churches, Islamic Mosques, Jewish Synagogue, Buddhist, Hindu, Jain, Tao, Tin Hau, Kwun Yum temples etc. Believers are free to observe the rules of their own religions.
Public Holiday
Foreigners who first come to HK are amazed at the natures of the holidays. New Year, Chinese New Year, Easter, Budda’s birthday, Qinming, Dragon Boat, Double Nine, labour day, National Day are celebrated. The origins of at least half of the holidays are unknown to them. Why bother with the meaning? Just enjoy!
Food
Most cafes and restaurants offer Chinese cuisines which cover Cantonese, Chiu Chow, Hunan, Szechuan, Beijing, Shanghai etc. For western styles cuisines, American, British, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Portugues can be found easily. Middle Eastern Food such as Turkish, Lebanese, Egyptian are getting common. Indian, Japanese and Korean food are quite popular.
Consulates
The reason why HK has such diverse schools / food etc. is due to the fact that the ethnic composition is very diverse. There are more than 100 Consulates in HK representing their own nationals here. Many of them also have Chambers of Commerce to promote business links between their own countries with the Government of the HKSAR / local business communities for mutual benefits.
With Christmas and New Year holiday getting close, come and explore the diversity!
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Belinda will guide you on how to enter Hong-Kong, China. She will be delighted to give a 30 minutes free Q&A interview to deal with any specific question you may have.
Send an email to [email protected] to book an appointment.
