The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government’s proposals for developing Hong Kong into an international hub for post-secondary education, including its promotion of the “Study in Hong Kong” brand, are no doubt laudable, but the real question is: Can we not only attract but also retain the global talent needed to drive the city’s future economic growth?

In his third policy blueprint, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu proposed several strategies, including scholarships to entice students from ASEAN countries and the Belt and Road regions. There’s also a pilot program to enhance student housing by offering streamlined services to institutions for faster approvals. Given that Hong Kong boasts several universities ranked among the top globally, there’s no doubt about the quality of education here. But is that enough to make Hong Kong a truly attractive destination for both study and long-term career opportunities?

Hong Kong has always prided itself on being an international city. Yet, in recent years, we’ve seen increasing competition from other global hubs like Singapore, not to mention the allure of studying in Western countries such as the US or UK. What makes these destinations particularly attractive to international students isn’t just the quality of their education but the holistic experience they offer, from cultural exposure to career prospects.

For many, studying abroad is not just about gaining a degree; it’s about the opportunities that come afterward. Graduates in places like the US and UK often view their studies as a steppingstone toward long-term career growth, with ample opportunities to stay on and work. If Hong Kong is serious about attracting top international talent, we must ensure that this city offers a similar promise. The question we must ask ourselves is: What happens after the education is completed?

While Hong Kong undoubtedly has some of the world’s best universities, the focus should not only be on the “study” part of the equation. The second part — the “stay” — is equally critical. Students must feel that staying in Hong Kong after graduation offers better career prospects than returning to their home cities or countries or seeking opportunities elsewhere. This will require more than just scholarships or housing initiatives.

Take, for example, the current job market in Hong Kong. Despite having many job vacancies in the private sector, the types of roles available may not necessarily align with the expectations or skill sets of international students. Many students who come to Hong Kong are looking for high-quality jobs that offer both societal impact and personal fulfilment. To meet these aspirations, we need to think beyond traditional sectors and instead focus on the emerging industries that are shaping the global economy.

By focusing not just on attracting students but on providing them with a compelling reason to stay, we can truly transform Hong Kong into a global talent hub that thrives in the 21st century

A good starting point would be leveraging the Northern Metropolis development plan, which has been widely discussed as a future hub for innovation and technology. The government could focus on attracting a few major world-class tech enterprises to set up operations here. With the right incentives — whether through tax benefits or investment opportunities — these companies could significantly expand their presence in Hong Kong, creating high-end job opportunities that appeal to top-tier international talent.

Consider the success of Shenzhen, just across the border, where major tech and innovation companies have spurred substantial job creation. This is the kind of impact Hong Kong should be aiming for: not just filling vacancies but generating substantial, high-quality employment that draws international talent and gives them a reason to stay.

Ultimately, building the “Study in Hong Kong” brand is just the first step in this broader talent strategy. The true measure of success will be whether we can retain these students and integrate them into Hong Kong’s economy, allowing them to contribute to the city’s development and growth. And while the policies outlined in the latest Policy Address are encouraging, much more needs to be done to ensure that Hong Kong is not just a steppingstone, but a final destination for international talent.

There is also the matter of Hong Kong’s unique position within China. While other global cities may offer cultural diversity and career opportunities, Hong Kong has a distinct advantage: its proximity to the largest market in the world. For international students, this represents an unparalleled opportunity. Hong Kong can serve as a gateway to the vast Chinese mainland market, offering them a chance to gain experience in both local and mainland industries. This dual exposure could be an enticing prospect for many students, making their stay in Hong Kong even more attractive.

However, we need to be realistic. For this vision to materialize, the government must go beyond simply offering scholarships and better student housing. A more comprehensive support system is needed — one that provides international students with clear pathways to stay in Hong Kong post-graduation, secure meaningful employment, and contribute to both the local economy and the greater Chinese market.

While the “Study in Hong Kong” brand is a promising initiative, its long-term success will depend on how well we can convert international students into long-term residents who see their futures here. As someone in academia, I believe that Hong Kong has the potential to become a premier destination for education and innovation, but it will require concerted efforts from the government, businesses, and universities alike. By focusing not just on attracting students but on providing them with a compelling reason to stay, we can truly transform Hong Kong into a global talent hub that thrives in the 21st century.

The author is chairman of the Asia MarTech Society and sits on the advisory boards of several professional organizations, including two universities.

The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.