the Chinese University of Hong Kong that secondary level science students are incapable of participating in meaningful discussions on history, arts, or literature. Vice versa journalists of arts stream background are incapable of accurately discussing technological issues. The narrow focus of education in Hong Kong has been a concern. The pervasive perception from observers in overseas education institutions generally is that a typical Hong Kong student compared with other students, even against other students in the Asia region, lacks systematic decision-making confidence and relies on repetition and undeveloped answers. This deviates from the common benchmark of intellect where value propositions are generated from innovation and distinctive solutions, and this has led to much schism in the debate of educational direction of Hong Kong, where the populace makes no such aspiration for intellect but seek constant reaffirmation of the value of myriad certificates obtained through pedagogy throughout their working lives. The desperation to seek standing in life through education is further highlighted by severe ironies such as: Senior education officials often acclaim the excellence of Hong Kong education, yet few if any will let their children matriculate locally, preferring overseas universities instead. A certificate driven society that takes pride in its academic excellence is unable to devise a suitable benchmark of excellence itself, with a low public approval of the local educational system, relies on certification from outside Hong Kong. See also Education by country Education in the UK Education in the People's Republic of China List of schools in Hong Kong List of universities in Hong Kong 334 Scheme (New Senior Secondary Scheme) EMI schools References Further reading Tang, Kwok-Chun (Hong Kong Baptist University) and Mark Bray (University of Hong Kong). "Colonial models and the evolution of education systems: centralization and decentralization in Hong Kong and Macau." World Bank. Chan, Anita K.W. and Lucille L.S. Ngan. "Investigating the differential mobility experiences of Chinese cross-border students." Mobilities. Volume 13, 2018. Issue 1. p. 142-156. DOI 10.1080/17450101.2017.1300452. - Occasional Paper No. 12 External links Education Bureau, Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Secondary education by country