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Hong Kong has long distinguished itself through world-class universities, an internationally respected healthcare system and a reputation for excellence that attracts talent from across the globe. If the city is serious about being an international education and innovation hub, it must ensure its medical education policies are aligned with that vision while upholding the highest standards of patient care.

Recently, the University of Hong Kong (HKU) revised its admission criteria to require a good working knowledge of Chinese, rather than Cantonese specifically. Cantonese remains essential in clinical practice because it enables trust, understanding and accurate diagnosis. However, requiring full Cantonese proficiency before admission to medical school risks excluding international students who have the academic ability, dedication and potential to contribute to Hong Kong’s healthcare and research ecosystem.