As Hong Kong has no Airforce or General aviation wouldn't Cathay look more favourably towards sons and daughters of present crew, whether it be captains or f/os?
At least they might have a little bit of an idea of what the job is about and maybe a little passion for aviation.
Most of the local cadets have a least one degree , but couldn't get a job in their preferred profession, so when Cathay offered the job they took.