'Pupil Exodus Can Push Schools To Do Better'

An education scholar has played down concerns about an exodus of pupils from the SAR's schools, saying administrators should see this as an opportunity to enhance the competitiveness of their institutions.

Officials data on Monday showed that the number of students enrolled in local schools fell by 15,000 pupils between 2019 and October last year, and educators have expressed concern that the figures could fall further.

The figures have been attributed in part to border closures as a result of Covid-19, which has kept pupils who live on the mainland out of classrooms, as well as departures of families after the imposition of the national security law.

But Vincent Wong, a senior lecturer at the University of Hong Kong's faculty of education, said on RTHK's Hong Kong Today programme on Tuesday that he wasn't too worried about the situation, as it could push school leaders to better use their resources.

"Actually, in the downturn in the economic situation, or in terms of the low birth rate, there must be some situations of stronger school competition," he told Janice Wong.

"This is not the first time for Hong Kong, and I have full confidence that we can overcome those challenges.

"In the meantime, it's also good that school leaders can cherish those changes, to train up our students, lead them to be more innovative and forward-looking."