Tianli International Holdings Limited is exploring plans to establish its first international school in Hong Kong, adding to growing interest in the city as an education destination. The proposed secondary school in Hung Hom remains subject to regulatory approvals, so families should not yet expect admissions or enrolment announcements.
The development comes as Hong Kong attracts international education providers and families seeking more schooling options. For parents, educators and school leaders across Asia, the plans also raise wider questions about school choice, demand for places and the region’s changing education landscape.
Tianli’s internationalisation strategy has attracted attention from international media, including Bloomberg, while Hong Kong newspaper Ming Pao has interviewed the Group about preparations for its proposed school.
Why Hong Kong International Schools Are Attracting Attention
Hong Kong has long connected Mainland China with international markets. Its established business networks, access to international talent and links with Southeast Asia have also made it an important location for education providers.
A Bloomberg feature published on 24 September examined the growing interest among international education groups in establishing a presence in Hong Kong. According to the figures cited in the report, education-related transactions totalled approximately HK$12 billion during the first eight months of 2026. This represented more than one-third of the city’s total commercial property transaction volume.
The report also highlighted a gap between demand for school places and the growth in supply. Private school enrolment increased by 12% in 2025 compared with 2022, while the supply of places rose by 6%, according to figures cited in the coverage.
These figures help explain why education providers are considering expansion. However, increased investment does not automatically mean more places will become available to families in the short term.
Hong Kong’s existing international school sector already serves a substantial student population. Government figures recorded 54 international schools, including one special school, educating approximately 42,100 students in the 2023/24 school year. This represented 6.4% of the city’s primary and secondary student population.
Tianli International Plans Its First Hong Kong School
Tianli International is exploring the establishment of a school in Hung Hom, with a proposed focus on secondary education. The project would extend the Group’s school operating experience in Mainland China into Hong Kong.
However, the school has not yet received all the necessary regulatory approvals and registration. Tianli has confirmed that it will not promote the proposed school or recruit students before securing the required approvals.
Ms Sun Jinlan, Head of the Brand Department at Tianli International said,
“We are greatly encouraged by the global attention that Hong Kong’s education market has received. It reaffirms Hong Kong’s enduring appeal to families, talent and investors around the world.”
She explained that the Group is exploring how to extend its school operating expertise into Hong Kong and international markets. It is also considering opportunities to work with established international education institutions.
For parents, the distinction between a proposed school and an operating school is important. Families considering a move to Hong Kong should continue to assess established schools, their curricula, admissions requirements and available places rather than make plans around an unconfirmed opening.
What Families Should Know About Hong Kong School Registration
Hong Kong has specific requirements for organisations seeking to establish schools. The Education Bureau requires schools to complete the relevant registration process and meet requirements covering premises, safety, management and teaching staff.
Furthermore, obtaining school registration and securing recognition as an international school are distinct steps under Hong Kong’s regulatory framework. Prospective operators must meet the applicable requirements before offering education under the relevant status.
These rules matter to families because a school’s proposed location or an operator’s experience elsewhere does not, by itself, establish that a new campus is ready to open.
Tianli has emphasised its commitment to following the local regulatory process. Ms Sun said,
“Until we have obtained all requisite regulatory approvals and school registration, the Group will not conduct any promotion or student recruitment for the proposed school project. Hong Kong’s rigorous and comprehensive education regulatory framework is the very foundation of its internationally renowned education system.”
Parents should therefore wait for official announcements before seeking admissions information or making decisions about a potential place at the proposed school.
From Mainland China To Southeast Asia, Tianli Expands Its Reach
Tianli International operates more than 60 schools in Mainland China and serves over 145,000 students, according to the Group. Its operations combine school management experience with proprietary artificial intelligence technology for classroom teaching and personalised after-school tutoring.
Meanwhile, the Group has been developing partnerships beyond Mainland China. It has entered into partnerships with seven education institutions in Southeast Asian countries, including Indonesia, Thailand and Laos, to provide education services.
Hong Kong forms part of this broader internationalisation strategy. Tianli views the city as a base from which it can develop relationships with international education providers and strengthen its presence across regional markets.
At an international business forum in Kuala Lumpur on 11 August, Dr Zhao Feng, General Manager of International Education at Tianli International Holdings Limited, discussed Hong Kong’s role in the Group’s expansion plans.
Speaking at the Hong Kong Trade Development Council’s “Think Business, Think Hong Kong” event, he said,
“Hong Kong is a ‘super-connector’ linking Mainland China with the rest of the world, and the optimal strategic gateway for quality education brands seeking to expand into overseas markets.”
He noted that Hong Kong’s free port regime and the movement of capital and talent support the Group’s internationalisation strategy.
The forum brought together business representatives from Hong Kong and Malaysia. Dr Zhao’s participation reflected the growing connection between education, international investment and regional development.
Could Hong Kong’s Expansion Create More School Choices?
The arrival of additional education providers could eventually broaden the options available to families. However, the impact will depend on the schools that open, the curricula they offer, their fee structures and the number of places they make available.
For parents, a new school’s location is only one consideration. Families also need to understand its academic pathways, teaching approach, pastoral care, extracurricular activities and suitability for their children.
For school leaders and education professionals, Tianli’s plans highlight the importance of balancing international growth with local requirements. Establishing a school involves more than identifying demand. Operators must also meet regulatory obligations and demonstrate that their educational provision can serve students effectively.
The proposed Hung Hom school has not yet confirmed its curriculum, fees, opening date or admissions arrangements. These details will be important for families assessing whether it could meet their needs.
Tianli International’s Next Steps In Hong Kong
Tianli’s leadership has described Hong Kong as a central part of its long-term development plans.
Dr Luo Shi, Chairman and president of Tianli International Holdings Limited said,
“Hong Kong is where global rules and development visions converge. It boasts world-class infrastructure and the free flow of capital, information and talent, while maintaining deep cultural ties with both Mainland China and Southeast Asia, making it a natural hub for education to go global. This is also an important reason why we chose to list in Hong Kong. Hong Kong has become a core anchor for the Group’s next phase of development.”
Looking ahead, the Group intends to continue its preparations while respecting Hong Kong’s regulatory framework.
Dr Luo said,
“We will proceed in a prudent and steady manner, fully respect Hong Kong’s local regulatory regime, and advance all preparatory work in an orderly fashion. When conditions are ripe, the Group will disclose project details through official channels, contributing to Hong Kong’s development into a world-leading international education hub.”
For families across Asia, the proposed school is one to watch rather than an immediate admissions option. Its eventual contribution will depend on whether the project secures approval, what education it offers and how it responds to the needs of students and parents.
As Hong Kong continues to attract education providers, the priority for families remains finding schools that offer the right academic opportunities, support and learning environment for their children.
