How well will NUS/NTU Econ UG placed me in Hong Kong?

HK high school student from a local school
Applying to UCL Hist, Pol, Econ (Specialisation in Econ), LSE Pol&Econ
In case I got rejected from both,
how well will top SG schools of economics discipline placed me compare to local targets like
CUHK GBS/ HKU Econ&Fin?
Open to consulting/ regulators/ other high-finance
Thank you!

5 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's what you need to know:

  1. Placement in Hong Kong: NUS (National University of Singapore) and NTU (Nanyang Technological University) are highly regarded in Asia, but when it comes to placement in Hong Kong, local schools like CUHK (Chinese University of Hong Kong) and HKU (University of Hong Kong) often have an edge. This is due to their proximity, stronger alumni networks in Hong Kong, and better alignment with local hiring preferences.

  2. Language and Local Knowledge: For consulting, regulators, or high finance roles in Hong Kong, local language fluency (Cantonese/Mandarin) and understanding of the local market are critical. Local schools like CUHK and HKU may better prepare you for these nuances compared to NUS/NTU.

  3. Singapore Schools' Strengths: NUS and NTU are excellent for broader Asia-Pacific opportunities, especially in Singapore. They are globally recognized and can open doors to regional roles, but they might not have the same direct pipeline into Hong Kong's high finance scene as local Hong Kong universities.

  4. Comparison to UCL/LSE: If you secure admission to UCL or LSE, they would generally provide stronger placement opportunities in Hong Kong compared to NUS/NTU, given their global prestige and strong alumni networks in finance.

  5. Alternative Pathways: If you attend NUS/NTU, you can still break into Hong Kong by leveraging internships, exchange programs, and networking. However, you may need to work harder to establish connections in Hong Kong compared to graduates from local targets like CUHK/HKU.

In summary, while NUS/NTU are strong schools, CUHK GBS or HKU Econ & Fin would likely offer better placement opportunities in Hong Kong, especially for consulting, regulators, or high finance roles. If you aim for Hong Kong specifically, prioritizing local targets or globally renowned schools like UCL/LSE would be more strategic.

Sources: The future of Hong Kong high finance, The future of Hong Kong high finance, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/school/msc-finance-at-tilburg-university-or-msc-business-economics-financial-economics-major?customgpt=1, Georgetown Econ (College) vs Georgetown Finance (MSB), Which school to attend? Baruch, UCL or Warwick?

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

Singaporean unis (NUS/NTU) are well regarded in Asia as one of the best and you will have no problem breaking into HK finance with it on your cv.

At my bank (top BB), the HR team that covers APAC (hk/sg offices) operates from Singapore, so the HR people reviewing your CVs are potentially Singaporeans. Many of the people who interviewed me for a HK role studied in the Singaporean unis you mentioned.

 

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