404 Titan,
So no one should give the cadet programme a shot as any one being admitted to the programme is just dragging your ranks down? I hope you understand that this is not my intention. In fact, it's something I have always wanted to do and as you said make a living out of. Though you are telling me otherwise.
I agree with you employers should pay real living wage! Not just in HK, but around the world! I am struggling to live as well.
Will applying as local help the situation? Or the fact that they open the programme to international candidates screwed everything up? If that is the case, your comments should be towards the company, not to the ones who wants to apply. It only helps if NO ONE applies so the company realizes they are underpaying and it's not attracting anyone; hence increasing wages and benefits...