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Hong Kong has been very proactive in its attempts to educate its citizens. Strong government efforts have resulted in rising literacy rates. For the sake of clarification, literacy is herein defined as anyone who is age 15 or over and has ever attended school. According to 1996 estimates, 92.2% of the entire Hong Kong population is literate by these standards; among males, 96%; and among females, 88.2% (1996 est.).

In addition to basic education, the Hong Kong government strongly encourages attendance in institutions of higher education. The following table shows estimates of the number of full-time students attending such institutions.

The Hong Kong labor force is approximately 36 million people strong (1998 est.). This figure can be further broken down by occupation.

EMIGRATION (BRAIN DRAIN) OF IT PROFESSIONALS

Emigration of IT professionals - Emigration dropped from 30,900 in 1997, to 19,300 in 1998, to 12,900 in 1999.
Immigration of IT professionals - In 1999, 14,521 professionals and persons with technical skills from more than 70 countries were admitted for employment.

Supply/demand of IT professionals
Talents Admission Scheme - Following a feasibility study by an inter-departmental task force headed by the Secretary for Security, a pilot scheme has been finalized on admission of talented people. The scheme targets outstanding persons, especially those from the Mainland, who are able to enhance Hong Kong's competitiveness as a technology-oriented manufacturing and services center. They will bring with them qualifications, experience or skills not readily available in Hong Kong. A selection committee comprising representatives of government departments and members of the public with knowledge and experience in technology will be set up to examine applications. Consultations have been completed with the Central People's Government on arrangements for outstanding talent in the Mainland to enter Hong Kong for employment.

Number of Full-time Students in Higher Education (000s)
Number of full-time students in higher education	1994	1998	1999
Hong Kong*	54.0 (+10.9)	65.8 (+0.1)	70.6 (+7.3)
*Note: Figures refer to students in University Grants Committee funded institutions, the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts and Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education's Higher Diploma and unified Higher Diploma / Diploma courses.