HONG KONG, November 6, 2025 — A far-reaching study commissioned by the Hong Kong Education Bureau indicates historically high employer satisfaction with recent local university graduates, citing strong work ethic and technological proficiency. The comprehensive report, which assessed individuals who completed their degrees in 2022, found a near-universal approval rating, affirming the quality of tertiary education across the territory.
The research, spanning nearly a year from the third quarter of 2024 to the second quarter of 2025, synthesized feedback from over 1,500 public and private sector organizations. Key findings reveal that 98% of employers expressed satisfaction with first-degree holders, with 79% reporting being “quite” or “very satisfied.” This metric contributed to an overall work performance score of 3.75 out of five, marking the highest result ever recorded since these extensive evaluations began in 1998.
Work Attitude Drives Top Scores
Employers assessed graduates across nine critical competency areas, including linguistic skill, problem-solving capabilities, technical knowledge, and disposition toward work. Work attitude emerged as the single most critical factor influencing employer evaluations.
First-degree recipients excelled notably in both work disposition and information technology literacy. All nine measured areas surpassed a score of 3.50 on the five-point scale, demonstrating well-rounded preparedness for the professional landscape.
“These results are immensely encouraging and validate the curriculum enhancements implemented across our institutions in recent years,” stated Dr. Emily Chan, a senior researcher specializing in workforce readiness at the Hong Kong Policy Institute, speaking on the robust figures. “The emphasis employers place on attitude confirms that adaptability and commitment—not solely rote knowledge—are the most valued traits in today’s demanding market.”
Sub-Degree Holders Also See Record Approval
The positive feedback was not limited to four-year degree recipients. Graduates holding sub-degrees similarly garnered significant employer praise, with a 96% satisfaction rate. This cohort, which includes associate degree and higher diploma holders, achieved a strong overall performance score of 3.57. Like their degree-holding counterparts, sub-degree graduates were particularly acknowledged for their strong information technology skills and reliable work ethic, also achieving the highest score recorded for this qualification level in the survey’s history.
The study’s methodology encompassed a diverse group of graduates—over 1,300 first-degree holders and 250 sub-degree holders—from both publicly funded and self-financing institutions across various government departments and industries.
Implications for Education and Hiring
The findings offer actionable insights for education policymakers and hiring managers alike. The sustained high scores in areas like information technology literacy suggest successful integration of digital skills training into tertiary programs. Conversely, while overall satisfaction is high, the sustained focus on work attitude underscores the necessity of cultivating soft skills and professional conduct alongside technical expertise.
“While the headline numbers are impressive, the detailed feedback helps us refine curricula further,” noted Mr. Steven Lam, Director of the Education Bureau’s Quality Assurance Division. “The consensus on positive work attitude indicates that resilience, enthusiasm, and teamwork form the bedrock of a successful career transition for our graduates.”
This consistent evidence of competence sets a high benchmark for future graduating classes and reassures potential employers globally about the calibre of talent emerging from Hong Kong’s academic institutions. The Education Bureau is expected to use these detailed competency ratings to fine-tune funding allocations and program accreditations in the coming year, aiming to maintain this robust standard of graduate quality.
