A successful Hong Kong is China’s shop window

“They see their future as very much with mainland China and proficiency in Mandarin is more important to them. Command of English has become a niche market.

“The other is the standard and attitudes of many NET teachers. The program seems to be attracting either youngsters with little experience in search of an adventure or those near retirement looking to make a bit of money out of their last posting. We don’t get many in between who are at the height of their teaching powers and able to make the biggest impression.

“Then, of course there is the professional jealousy from the regular Hong Kong teachers who see the NETs coming into their schools, not exactly extending themselves, but picking up much bigger salaries. That kind of situation doesn’t make for harmonious relationships.”

Alberto’s comments are vehemently opposed by NET teachers themselves with one, an Australian with four years’ experience in the Scheme, saying many older teachers had proved to be an inspiration to their students, Hong Kong-native English teachers and other NETs. “I know one who is an absolute legend,” she said. “I’m not exactly at the beginning of my career, but I’ve learnt from her.”

Not all NETs are that content with another long-serving Australian saying the money was her major motivation. “It’s twice what I would be getting in Australia,” she said. “Then there’s ease of travel, maids are cheap so no housework, massages, beauty parlours and lots of other middle-aged NETs to hang out with.

“Actually, I think I’ve got it pretty good, because I’m in a nice school and respected as a sort of English guru, but many face unfriendly local colleagues - sometimes downright hostile.”

She is scathing in her criticism of the bureaucracy. “The whole thing needs reform. If you are going to employ hundreds of Westerners you need Westerners in charge, a lot of the administrators are culturally out of touch with us.”

Even so she says she will be staying on. “We Australians tend to be tough, humorous and smart, if a little too laid back and keen on holidays and downtime for the Chinese way of thinking, but we’re good with discipline and thinking outside the box,” she said.

“The Poms do quite well here because they are more used to the rigid exam system that the Chinese love.”

Tham insists that the problems are not serious. “Sometimes the community’s aspirations outstrip what can reasonably be supplied,” he said. “We are still turning out a certain percentage of good quality students each year, but there is now more demand for people who are proficient in English.

“If the scheme was not doing what it should the Government would put an axe to it - and there is no sign of that happening.”

An evaluation of the scheme done by Melbourne University revealed that school principles thought the employment of NETs had given students increased opportunities to learn and enjoy English. “The evaluation found that students are now more confident in the language,” Tham said.