Experts say Hong Kong happiness is in decline due to focus only on studies and career

The Malvern College Hong Kong student is not alone in feeling down.

Last year, the city’s happiness index was 5.88 out of 10. This was Hong Kong’s lowest score in 10 years. Released in July, this data is from a study by HK.WeCare, a concern group under Wofoo Social Enterprises.

Charis said her studies had been a strain on her mental health. Her focus is mostly on school, so she has no time to relax or enjoy her hobbies. But she is scared of opening up to teachers or parents who might overreact or criticise her.

The student said she would be happier if she could have “more social life and extended deadlines for schoolwork”.

“I hope the education system in Hong Kong can ease some of the pressure so that my generation – and future generations – can learn in a less stressful environment,” Charis said.

The annual HK.WeCare survey results showed that more than half of participants had moderate to severe depressive symptoms. Ten per cent reported feelings of hopelessness nearly every day.

Phoebe Wan is a programme director at HK.WeCARE. She said that the decline in happiness showed the need to understand how people are affected by being raised with such a strong focus on academics and career.

This issue will be discussed in HK.WeCARE’s Hong Kong Happiness Summit from December 17 to 18. The event will cover topics such as how to create a happy childhood.

According to Wan, Hong Kong’s intense focus on studies affects the happiness of young people.

“From as early as kindergarten, life value is often equated with academic performance and securing a good job,” she explained. “Long-term planning can be good, but focusing too far into the future isn’t always beneficial.”

The expert said people needed to move away from focusing only on career.

“We need to rethink what we want to give our children through education and their childhood,” Wan said. “It’s not just about achieving – it’s about living well.”

Avis Ngan is a clinical psychologist in Hong Kong.

He said: “When perfect grades and rankings become your only measure of self-worth, you’re sinking in quicksand – the harder you struggle with self-criticism, the deeper you go.”

Wan added that students were often scared to share their feelings with others.

“Many students feel social workers are out of touch or don’t understand them. Parents can also be intimidating, especially in authoritative households,” she said.

“While friends may seem like a safe option, modern social dynamics often make it hard to have deep conversations.”

A lack of open communication in families is also affecting children’s well-being.

“We often tell children, ‘Don’t hide your emotions, speak up.’ But for them to open up, they need to feel safe,” Wan said.

To address these issues, Wan called for more relatable life education in schools. The goal, she noted, should be encouraging open communication and emotional support, both at home and in schools.

“It’s about creating a culture where children feel heard and supported without fear of judgment,” she said.

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Why this story matters: Many people, young and old, are struggling with their mental health in Hong Kong. Students are under pressure to succeed at every step, but schools and parents need to remember that career should not be more important than well-being.