As artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes industries, and competition to gain a place at an elite university intensifies, parents in Hong Kong are being urged to look beyond grades and technical skills when preparing their children for the future.
These themes dominated discussions at the SCMP International Schools Festival – Kowloon 2026 sponsored by Prudential Hong Kong Limited, held on March 21 at the Cordis Hotel. The annual event brought together leading international and private schools, educators and admissions experts to offer guidance in one of the world’s most competitive education markets.
A key session titled “The Superpowers Kids Need in an AI-Shaped Future: Curiosity, Creativity & Character” sponsored by Prudential Hong Kong Limited, examined how rapid advances in AI are changing expectations in both the classroom and the workplace.
Ivan Choi, chief customer and marketing officer at Prudential Hong Kong Limited, said parents should rethink what gives children a long-term edge. “Technical skills get you the entry ticket. But it’s actually the character and discipline that determine how far you can go.”
Ivan reflected on how quickly skills become outdated. “When my kids were smaller, every parent was sending their kids to coding classes,” he said. “Today, you just need imagination – you turn your imagination into a prompt, and AI will code for you.”
In this environment, he argued, adaptability matters more than rigid planning. “I think the key focus is not giving them a plan, but to give them a belief that they can learn.”
He encouraged parents to provide their children with the room to experiment and allow them to recover from setbacks. “I like the term ‘failing forward’ – giving them a space to experiment,” he said.
From a school leadership perspective, Stu Lowe, vice-principal (learning technology) at ESF Renaissance College Hong Kong, said schools cannot simply block AI tools but must adapt their assessment methods.
“We’re trying to assess the understanding of students,” he said, noting that when technology can produce polished work instantly, teachers need to focus more on critical thinking and how students arrive at their answers, rather than just the final submission. “AI is not going away,” he added. “So it’s about teaching students how to use it responsibly and thoughtfully.”
Together, the panel highlighted a broader shift: while academic performance remains important, qualities such as curiosity, resilience and character are increasingly viewed as essential in an AI-driven future.
Admissions pressure mounting
Turning the conversation to strategy, Ruth Chee of Crimson Education outlined key trends shaping the 2025–2026 admissions cycle during a discussion titled “2026 Trend Analysis: How to Prepare Your Child for Top US and UK Universities”.
“We are able to have very data-driven information and analysis of all of our student results across the globe,” she said. As US regional team lead and senior strategy consultant at the company, she explained that it manages about 600 active US and UK applications each year. Her conclusion was straightforward: “It’s only getting more competitive every year.”
Chee explained that the UK and US admissions systems differ significantly. For UK universities, academic metrics dominate: “Seventy-five per cent, if not more, is looking at the students’ grades,” she said, referring to International Baccalaureate (IB) predicted scores, A-level results and admissions tests.
Meeting published requirements does not guarantee admission. “If you meet the requirements, it doesn’t mean that you can secure a chance. It just means that you will be considered,” she said, adding that UK institutions typically seek subject specialists who demonstrate sustained depth in one field. In contrast, US universities apply a holistic review model. “Your personality has to pop,” Chee said. “How are you going to communicate and express your individuality? Through the essays.”
Grades remain critical, but extracurricular leadership and measurable impact also weigh heavily. She described successful Ivy League applicants as having “T-shaped profiles”– broad academic strength combined with one distinctive spike of excellence.
Chee also warned families against choosing easier subjects purely to maximise grades. “When admission officers are looking at this, they’re looking at the rigour of the course,” she said.
Early applications are becoming increasingly important, she added. “The earlier you apply, it means that you’re demonstrating your commitment to the school.”
Beyond school offers
Organised by SCMP Learn, the International Schools Festival – Kowloon 2026 aims to give parents direct access to schools, admissions advice and expert discussions. Across both sessions, a consistent message emerged: preparation must start early and extend beyond examination results.
As Ivan told parents, success is not defined solely by entry into a prestigious institution: “Give them the belief that they can learn,” he said.
In a rapidly changing world, that belief – combined with character and careful planning – may prove to be the most valuable advantage of all.
SCMP’s International Schools Festival is supported by:
Presenting Sponsor: Prudential Hong Kong Limited
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