- China suffers the worst brain drain in the world, according
to a new study that found seven out of every 10 students who enrol in an
overseas university never return to live in their homeland.
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- Despite the booming economy and government incentives
to return, an increasing number of the country's brightest minds are relocating
to wealthier nations, where they can usually benefit from higher living
standards, brighter career opportunities and the freedom to have as many
children as they wish.
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- The Chinese Academy of Social Sciences revealed 1.06
million Chinese had gone to study overseas since 1978, but only 275,000
had returned. The rest had taken postgraduate courses, found work, got
married or changed citizenship.
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- Unlike illegal migrants from the countryside - many of
whom are poorly schooled - the students are usually welcomed with open
arms by western institutions, which gain high scholarship fees and academic
excellence.
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- Britain has gone further than most to attract this pool
of intellectual talent. Chinese students have been the biggest group of
foreign nationals at UK schools and universities for several years. Last
year their numbers increased 20% to 60,000.
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- The report claims the lack of first-class scientists
and research pioneers represents the biggest obstacle to China's ability
to innovate.
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- "This shows that Chinese students overseas, especially
those with extraordinary abilities, are a real hit in the global tug-of-war
for talent," Yang Xiaojing, one of the authors of the report, was
quoted as saying in the China Daily. "Against the backdrop of economic
globalisation, an excessive brain drain will inevitably threaten the human
resources, security and eventually the national economic and social security
of any country."
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- To reverse the trend, Beijing is offering bigger incentives
for returnees. Under new regulations issued in March, senior scientists,
engineers and corporate managers are exempted from the household registration
system (which determines various state privileges in China), allowed higher
salaries and promised places for their children at top universities.
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- But despite these enticements, the problem may get worse.
In 2005, 118,500 students left China to study overseas. By 2010, the forecast
is 200,000.
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- Bai Xue, who is enrolled on a communication studies course
in the University of Minnesota, says more than 80% of her Chinese classmates
are trying to remain in the US. Her plan is just for a short extension,
but she is keeping her options open. "There are a few of us who are
thinking of returning, but nothing is fixed. If we get married or have
babies or get used to the life here, maybe we will change our minds."
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- Xia Qing will start postgraduate study in California
this September, but he is already planning to stay in America for a few
years after his course finishes.
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- "I am slightly hesitant because China is developing
very fast and by 2030, its GDP will probably surpass the USA. But I am
concerned that I might not get a good job if I return. America may suit
me more because they judge you according to your ability, whereas in China
your background and connections are more important."
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- A survey this year found that in Shanghai 30% of high
school pupils and 50% of middle-school students wanted to change their
nationality.
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