These are my observations: 1) Michelle might appear to be "ethnic" Chinese, but she is actually Chinese Canadian, because she was born and raised as a Canadian and she is a native English Speaker. So, during her interviews, she could speak perfect, or close to perfect, English, that is why she has been hired with no problems. 2) Most Hong Kongers would not be qualified as English teachers, unless they have been raised in similar backgrounds like Michelle. 3) Michelle's friend was not hired because he is ethnic Chinese/Singaporean, and maybe he does not speak English as a native speaker. Also, There was no mention as what department he was supposed to be hired at the university. He may have studied in NZ, but he is not a native English speaker.
