They can prefer whatever they like. The Hong Kong SAR pilots (GFS) all go to Britain for their training and get their JAR. I suppose it is because of the superior ground studies you have to go through. FAA ticket donīt convert easily to HKCAD. To go to EASA you still need to sit the 14 exams. Almost same thing. It has to do with the historical relationship with Britain.
I know one who was recently employed by them and while you do log a lot of hours, it is not a good career choice. Among the reasons are the inability to log PICUS, and you are not gonna get the bump to command unless you get PIC hours in another country. It is not very well payed either.