From left: Lingnan University Professor William Lee, student Zaira Ali Khan and HKTDC Assistant Director Benjamin Chau
	The first Hong Kong Higher Education Exhibition in India, held last week, attracted more than 500 visitors

Bangalore undergraduate Zaira Ali Khan, currently studying for her business administration degree at the University of Hong Kong (HKU), is exactly the kind of student Hong Kong is eyeing.

She said a number of factors contributed to her decision to enrol in HKU in 2005. "Hong Kong is one of the safest cities in the world and being an only child, it was a decisive factor with my parents. The quality of education is very good and it is very cheap to get an international education here," Ms Khan explained.

Hong Kong is geographically in a great position, she added. It is close to India and China. "Both India and China are becoming leading global economies and I would like to work in China one day. But for me to work in China would be a huge cultural shift so in a way, Hong Kong prepares me for China. Hong Kong is a very good stepping stone to one of the world's largest economies." 

Ms Khan said that there are also great opportunities for internship in the regional financial hub especially for someone like her who is studying for a Bachelor of Business Administration. "There are tremendous opportunities to get practical working experience in Hong Kong. It's simply not the same
in India."

Best option for India

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) recently organised a roadshow in India featuring mini-expos, seminars and visits to top schools in Delhi and Mumbai.

"India has the potential to become a major undergraduate exporter to Hong Kong," said HKTDC Assistant Director Benjamin Chau who pointed out that more than half a million Indian students are studying abroad, driven by the country's growing middle class.

"The new rich in India prefer their children to go overseas for quality education. Hong Kong is one of the best options since it has a good academic reputation internationally and tuition fees and living costs are comparatively more affordable." 

Mr Chau said compared with other countries such as US, UK, Canada and Australia, Hong Kong universities get the most competitive price in the undergraduate tuition fees and living costs. The annual average total cost in Hong Kong is estimated to be US$18,000 as compared to US$40,000 in both the UK and Australia, US$49,000 in USA and US$34,000 in Canada.

Lingnan University Professor William Lee, who joined the HKTDC promotion in India, said that information technology, medical science, engineering and business administration were the most popular subjects among Indian students interested in enrolling in Hong Kong universities.

Education portal

"University education in Hong Kong is second to none in the world," Professor Lee said. "I expect a moderate increase in Indian undergraduates in Hong Kong. Scholarships will be offered to students with excellent academic achievements. We will also assist potential undergraduates in applying for student visas and accommodation."

Mr Chau said the HKTDC would continue to organise events aimed at recruiting international students in major Asian countries such as Indonesia and Malaysia. It will participate in Jakarta's International Education Exhibition from January 10-15.

"Our studyinhongkong.edu.hk portal is a useful tool for promoting Hong Kong's higher education," said Mr Chau. "Apart from gaining up-to-date information, overseas students can also enrol and apply for scholarships and other financial assistance through the portal."

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