Indian youth favour arts, says Hong Kong professor

This observation is even poles apart from what Rick W K Wong, Vice President (Research and Development) and Chair Professor in Chemistry at the Hong Kong Baptist University, believed till recently. 

Sharing his experience on the Indian education system and the students, Wong says he was surprised when learners at a City school asked him about courses available in his university on Friday. 

"I have seen many Indian students excelling in science and technology when I was in the United States of America. Also, given India's reputation as an emerging power in science and technology, I thought students here would be more interested in engineering and management courses. But I was totally taken aback when they flooded me with their queries about arts and humanities courses," Wong told Deccan Herald.

Students are disciplined

The Hong Konger also believes that Indian students are essentially 'disciplined and well-behaved'. "No doubt students here are energetic, creative, and enthusiastic, but they are also well mannered," he observed.

According to the professor, India's rapid economic progress has helped students get a global exposure. As a result, he notes, they want to go abroad for studies.

Wong is part of an 18-member delegation of academicians from Hong Kong representing 13 universities. Deputy Secretary of Education, Dr Catherine Chan is also part of the team.

Prof John A Spinks, Senior Advisor to the Vice Chancellor of the University of Hong Kong (UHK) says Bangalore was chosen because of its stature as India's IT hub.  According to him, Hong Kong has many advantages as higher education destination. "First, it's close to India. Then, it has a vibrant cosmopolitan culture, is very safe (unlike Australia), and the quality of education on offer matches with the best," he asserted.

Similar education system

Wong does not see much dissimilarity between the education systems of India and the Chinese Special Administrative Region. "Till now, the school education in Hong Kong comprised 13 years. But it has been reduced to 12," he said.

The delegation was headed by Raymond Wong, Permanent Secretary for Education, Hong Kong SAR.

After landing in the City on Wednesday night, the delegation visited The International School, Bangalore, Trio World School and Mallya Aditi International School.