Dear Parents,
Welcome to the May edition of the SCMP Learn Parents Newsletter!
In this month’s issue, we’re helping you upgrade your usual weekend plans with a curated selection of family adventures that balance learning and leisure. From a cosmic field trip that takes kids on a virtual voyage to the Tiangong Space Station, to a thrilling orchestral performance designed to introduce young ears to the genius of Vivaldi and Beethoven, this month’s lineup proves that learning can indeed be fun.
Meanwhile, for those planning ahead, our SCMP Learn Summer Programme 2026 is officially open for registration. With early bird offers closing at the end of this month, there is no better time to secure your spot! You can find all the details below.
Finally, don’t miss our pick of the key stories in education and parenting that caught our eye this month, helping you stay informed without getting overwhelmed by the headlines.
Hong Kong schools have recorded net student rises for two consecutive years, with the current academic year seeing an increase of about 7,200 pupils. According to an industry leader, this surge can be attributed to an influx of dependants of admitted talent.
Take a
closer look at the figures in this exclusive report by the Post.
Read more
The Education Bureau has intervened following student backlash over a strict phone ban at Kwun Tong Maryknoll College. Under the proposed policy, Form Three and Four students would be barred from using mobile phones on campus, with violators facing device confiscation and demerits. Following the outcry, the school has committed to further stakeholder consultation and a subsequent review of the policy’s scope and implementation framework.
Unpack the latest updates below.
Read more
The number of Hong Kong secondary school leavers pursuing higher studies outside the city fell to a 14-year low in 2025. One expert attributed this decline to a "structural change" in student composition, noting that the recent rise of mainland students in Hong Kong schools has shifted preference toward local universities rather than overseas institutions.
See which overseas study destinations remain the most popular for Hong Kong students.
Read more
For the first time, all eight Hong Kong public universities have been ranked among the top 100 by the Times Higher Education in its widely watched Asia University Rankings. The University of Hong Kong retained its sixth place ranking, while the Chinese University of Hong Kong dropped one position to 10th. Meanwhile, the Education University of Hong Kong and Lingnan University made their debut on the list at 37th and 84th place respectively.
Explore the full rankings of Hong Kong’s public universities below.
Read more
The number of vacancies suitable for university graduates fell from about 80,000 in 2022 to around 31,000 in 2025 – a drop of 61 per cent. Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun Yuk-han linked the decline to AI's impact on entry-level roles, while an HR expert claims the economic downturn and geopolitical tensions are the real reasons for the slump
Click below to read how university students and recent graduates feel about the shrinking job market.
Read more
Registration has officially launched for the SCMP Learn Summer Programme! Designed for children aged six to 12, our flagship journalism-inspired courses move beyond traditional learning to offer immersive experiences in news anchoring, storytelling, public speaking and creative voice acting.
Through newsroom-inspired activities, studio experiences and interactive workshops, young minds are empowered to find their unique voice while developing the deep creativity, confidence and real-world communication skills they'll need for the future.
This year's course offering includes fantastic new upgrades and advanced tracks, including:
💫 A NEW Advanced Masterclass: "The Future News Anchor" track is perfect for aspiring young presenters ready to take their public speaking to the next level.
💫 ENHANCED News Anchor Programme: Core modules have been fully enriched with media literacy and advanced storytelling elements, including news perspectives, responsible storytelling and identifying reliable information.
💫 UPGRADED Little Journalist Course: This signature programme now incorporates hands-on photo storytelling and real-world interviewing experiences.
Secure your child's place before Sunday, 31 May to take advantage of our limited-time early bird offers!
The Hong Kong Sinfonietta’s beloved Good Music for Kids series is returning this June, and we can’t think of a better first introduction to classical music. Specially curated for kids aged three to six, this year’s performance offers a celebration of the wonders of mother nature. Featuring a timeless selection of Vivaldi, Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, Grieg and more, the concert is complete with kid-friendly educational insights throughout to deepen engagement and understanding. What a beautiful gateway into the magic of orchestral storytelling.
Performances will run from Friday, 12 June to Sunday, 14 June.
Learn more
Calling all intrepid adventurers! Climb aboard for the ultimate journey of space exploration at the Hong Kong Space Museum’s latest Sky Show, Shenzhou 13 – Space Travel. As China’s first space-filmed full-dome movie, the production uses real footage captured by astronauts to take audiences on an immersive voyage to the Tiangong Space Station, floating 400 kilometres above Earth. It’s a breathtaking, educational experience that allows young dreamers to explore the stars — no astronaut training required.
Screenings of Shenzhou 13 – Space Travel run daily at the Hong Kong Space Museum, with the exception of Tuesdays.
Learn more
Level Up Your Child's Money Skills With HSBC Teens
In collaboration with HSBC Teens.
This year’s DSE English Speaking exam spotlighted teen financial literacy, and it caught plenty of students off guard. It’s a timely reminder for parents: money skills aren’t something teens can pick up from textbooks alone. They build confidence by practising in real life, with the right guidance.
Empowering your child to manage their own bank account is a great place to start. It gives them a safe space to learn everyday habits like saving, tracking spending and making sensible financial choices.
That’s where HSBC Teens comes in. Designed for 11–17-year-olds, it offers everyday digital banking tools while helping teens develop smart money habits early. The best part? You’re along for the journey. You get the transparency to see how they’re doing, allowing you to step in with advice when it’s needed and step back when they’ve got it under control.
Get started with HSBC Teens today and enjoy the following perks:
🎁 Open an account for the chance to win an iPhone 17 Pro
🎁 Enjoy up to 10% p.a. bonus HKD savings interest rate
🎁 Sign up for PayMe and receive HK$100 in vouchers
Learn more about how HSBC Teens rewards your child’s first steps toward financial literacy — and while you’re there, discover exclusive offers waiting for parents too!
Open an account in just 15 minutes^ for your teen via the HSBC HK App, or visit the HSBC HK website and navigate to “Banking” > “HSBC Teens”.
**Terms and conditions apply. The info and offer are intended for persons in HK only.
^Actual time may vary depending on individual circumstances.
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