Success stories from among Hong Kong’s ethnic minorities do not often hit the headlines. While more individual achievers from different fields have come to notice recently, many continue to struggle to overcome stereotypes and barriers. More sustainable policy support is needed to enhance opportunities for the community.
The two are role models for a community which is unfortunately often associated with poverty and other problems in society. We are seeing more cases of individual accomplishments, thanks in part to the continuous efforts of the government, businesses and NGOs. However, challenges remain.
Official data showed that the education indicators and living standards of ethnic minority groups are gradually improving. The school attendance rate for those aged 18 to 24 rose from 38.4 per cent to 50 per cent between 2011 and 2021, catching up with the rate of 55 per cent across the city’s population. Among South Asians, 39.2 per cent attained post-secondary education in 2021, higher than the 34.6 per cent for the population.
Meanwhile, the median monthly income of South Asians rose by a third from HK$15,000 to HK$20,000 between 2016 and 2021, which was higher than the median income of HK$19,500 for the whole population. Among South Asians, however, Pakistanis and Nepalis earned less at HK$15,000 and HK$17,000, respectively. The median incomes of Indonesian, Thai and Filipino Hongkongers were even lower, at only HK$13,000, HK$13,500 and HK$16,500, respectively.
