[kombuchakid]

Mandarin while the official language, is also a northern language. We are in the south, and tend the use Cantonese . In fact while efforts have been made to teach Mandarin in school, and it is considered 'patriotic' to learn it. Most people have a tough time with it. There is also a bit of bias against Mandarin speakers, as they are immediately as non HK ers, ie tourists.

One reason you may be asked to learn Mandarin, is that you meant for bigger things up north.