At the fourth session of the STS Brownbag Seminar Series held on Friday, 29 May 2026, Dr. Ewan Wright of The Education University of Hong Kong presented findings from his study on the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS). The seminar forms part of an ongoing project led by Prof. Joshua Ka Ho Mok and supported by the Public Policy Research Funding Scheme of the Chief Executive’s Policy Unit of the Hong Kong SAR Government.

Dr. Wright’s study draws on survey responses from 253 awardees representing 43 nationalities, as well as interviews with 100 students and graduates. The findings show that HKPFS continues to attract outstanding doctoral candidates from around the world, drawn by Hong Kong’s strong research environment, internationally recognised faculty, and an annual stipend of US$43,230.

Dr. Wright highlighted the scheme’s strong academic outcomes: more than 56% of awardees published peer-reviewed journal articles during their PhD studies, while overseas experiences such as fieldwork, conferences, and study abroad significantly enriched their academic development.

The study also identified challenges in students’ social experience, including limited opportunities for community-building, pressure from a highly competitive culture, and difficulties adjusting to life in Hong Kong.

Graduate retention emerged as a major concern. Although an HKPFS-funded PhD is widely regarded as a strong pathway to academic careers across Asia and beyond, only 20% of interviewed graduates remained in Hong Kong, underscoring the need for stronger strategies to retain and recognise doctoral talent locally.

Dr. Wright concluded by calling for stronger international promotion of Hong Kong as a PhD destination, better support for student well-being and social integration, and clearer career pathways for graduates in the city.

In the closing remarks, Prof. Joshua Ka Ho Mok, Provost and Vice President (Academic and Research) and Director of STS, called for greater collaboration to strengthen Hong Kong’s position as an international higher education hub for attracting and retaining top doctoral talent.