Will allowing more Hong Kong schools to teach in English be too testing for pupils?
South China Morning Post
by William Yiu,Kelly FungFebruary 14, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Hong Kong student Suri Chan Tin-wing, a first-year English major at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, has faced challenges adapting to university-level literature studies after completing secondary school in a Chinese-medium institution (CMI). During her education at Yan Chai Hospital Law Chan Chor Si College in Kowloon Bay, most subjects—including arts and humanities—were taught in Chinese, with only science subjects like math and biology instructed in English. This educational background left Suri feeling unprepared for the rigorous demands of studying literature in English at the university level, as she struggled to write her first creative short story assignment.
The issue highlights a broader debate about language policies in Hong Kong schools. While many schools have shifted to teaching in Chinese to align with national identity and linguistic trends, critics argue that this approach may disadvantage students who pursue higher education or careers requiring strong English proficiency. Suri’s experience reflects how a lack of consistent English instruction can hinder academic and professional opportunities, particularly in fields like literature, international business, and research.
Her struggle also underscores the importance of language in shaping cognitive development and critical thinking skills. Experts suggest that teaching subjects in Chinese may limit students’ ability to think critically in English, which is often required for advanced studies and global communication. This raises questions about whether Hong Kong schools should increase the use of English in non-science subjects to better prepare students for academic and professional challenges.
The debate over language instruction in Hong Kong schools has broader implications for education reform. Advocates for more English teaching argue that it would level the playing field for students aiming to excel in competitive fields, while others
Verticals
worldasia
Originally published on South China Morning Post on 2/14/2026