On Thursday's Backchat, we're talking about local school admissions.

Public secondary schools are seeing a surge in applications from mainland students, with some already full as a result. Analysts attribute this to a range of factors, from new talent schemes to better connectivity with Shenzhen. It comes as waves of Hongkongers migrating overseas have left some schools struggling to find enough students.


So will this new influx of students save schools on the brink of closure? And will Australia’s new restrictions on student visas prompt more mainlanders to enrol in local universities as well?


After 9:45, we talk to the organisers of Hong Kong's first Portuguese Sardine Festival

9:05am-9:45am: Surge in school applications from Mainland families

9:05am-9:45am: Samuel Chan, CEO of  Britannia StudyLink

9:05am-9:30am: Chim Hon Ming, Chairman of HK Island Schools Heads Association and Principal of Chiu Sheung School

9:30am-9:45am: Dion Chen, Principal of Ying Wah College and Chairman of the Hong Kong Direct Subsidy Scheme Schools Council
9:45am-10:00am: Hong Kong's first Sardine Festival

9:45am-10:00am: Tony Lucas, Collaborator, Sardine Festival