I noticed this as well, even when growing up, Chinese (and indian) parents tend to push their kids into these safe professions like being a Dr, lawyer, accountant. And they all seem so proud of their kids who achieve it.
Theres very few role models for HK kids to be in anything creative or different. Plenty of lawyers, drs and accountants who have good salaries and decent lifestyles. For these creative jobs, you are either at the top or struggling. Andre Fu? Antonio Lai? Vivienne Tam? Who else?
Even for performance artists, theres no real route for regular HK people except going to Miss HK. It seems most of the contestants enter that to become some TVB "star" rather than anything more worthwhile.
To start something like a business is very different to having good grades. Book smart and street smart... most book smart people can do very well passing all the exams needed to be a decent dr, lawyer or accountant.