In light of The Hong Kong Government’s policy to develop the city into a leading international education hub, The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong (HSUHK) call for a strategic and sustainable approach to increasing non-local student numbers. Professor Joshua Mok, Provost and Vice-President (Academic and Research) and concurrently Dean of Graduate School of HSUHK, emphasises the importance of balancing growth with quality learning experiences, social integration, and robust campus support.

The recent policy address proposed raising the non-local student enrolment cap for public universities from 40% to 50%. While supportive of this direction, Professor Mok, an expert in education policy, advocates for a progressive increase. He cautions that a sudden influx without adequate preparation could strain resources, particularly student hostel availability, and affect the overall student experience.

“Readiness is not only about recruiting quality students, it’s about readiness in the society, whether the local community would be supportive, whether the housing market is good enough for supporting them,” Professor Mok said.

With around 600 non-local students admitted in the 2025/26 academic year, representing 26% of its new undergraduate intake, HSUHK has demonstrated significant growth.

Professor Mok suggests a strategic focus on attracting students from Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Belt and Road Initiative countries, noting this is a more viable and promising market than traditionally dominant Western sources, which are currently influenced by global geopolitics.

“The global landscape of student mobility is changing. While European students may be less inclined to travel far post-pandemic, regions like Southeast Asia, Africa, and South America present tremendous opportunities,” Professor Mok explained. “Hong Kong, with its unique position and China’s strong ties with these regions, is well-placed to attract a new generation of global talent.”

To support its growing and diverse student community, HSUHK is proactively expanding its hostel capacity. Current projects include leasing private accommodation in San Po Kong and negotiating with developers to convert hotel properties into additional student residences, aiming to provide an extra 300 hostel places within two years.

Beyond physical infrastructure, Professor Mok underscores the importance of cultural and social integration. He highlights the University’s commitment to providing comprehensive language and social support, fostering an inclusive environment where all students can thrive.

Beyond undergraduate recruitment, Professor Mok, who is leading a research project for the Chief Executive’s Policy Unit on global PhD talent, identified other critical factors. Preliminary findings indicate that high rental prices and concerns about children's schooling can deter top scholars. He called for more housing support for researchers and postdoctoral fellows.

“Education is about whether we have very strong professors, we have to invest in people, and then we draw the students,” Professor Mok said. He emphasised that enhancing Hong Kong’s research environment with state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and ensuring political stability are vital for attracting world-leading academics and the PhD students who follow them.