Case Study: Hong Kong Broadband Network Limited achieves rapid Business English improvement and higher promotion and retention with Pearson English

Hong Kong Broadband Network Limited Hong Kong Broadband Network Limited - Customer Case Study

HKBN is Hong Kong’s fast-growing fiber-based telecom provider with about 3,000 employees and over 1.3 million subscribers. Facing challenges in recruiting top talent, promoting from within and improving retention, the company identified Business English as a critical competitive differentiator—especially because most Guangzhou staff handle Chinese-only calls while corporate communication in Hong Kong is predominantly English. HKBN needed a flexible, scalable and cost-effective way to build English skills without the expense and disruption of traditional classroom training.

HKBN piloted and then rolled out Pearson English Business Solutions (formerly GlobalEnglish), combining an on-demand SaaS platform with one-to-one coaching and tying English competency to promotion criteria. The program delivered rapid improvements (noted within two months), significant cost savings (about $9.90/hour versus $75–$100 for private lessons), and measurable impact: 88% of employees reported improved workplace communication, 76% used learning on the job, and 70% saved more than an hour a week—translating to an estimated 7,673 person-days of productivity gains and multiple employee promotions and retention successes.

Hong Kong Broadband Network Limited

Mikron Ng

Associate Director