What is the meaning of the word "Mensa"?
The word Mensa is Latin for table and indicates that Mensa is a 'round table' society in which no individual has preference.

Is it a club only for English-speakers?
Hong Kong Mensa welcomes people from all walks of life and therefore language is never a criterion.  Over 70% of our members speak Chinese.  This website is written in English just because it is hard to seek a translator who is willing to do the translation free.

Is Mensa here to make money?
Mensa is a non-profit-making organisation.  As a recognised chapter of Mensa, Hong Kong Mensa is a non-profit-making organisation too.

So where does the money come from?
Hong Kong Mensa has two major sources of income: the Admission Test fee, and the membership fee.  Since the committee members of Hong Kong Mensa are all volunteers, and most of the activities are at attendants' expenses, Hong Kong Mensa is able to run at a very low cost.

Do members spend most of the time solving IQ puzzles in the gatherings?
No.  Members are too busy to solve any IQ puzzle when they are having debates, playing tennis, enjoying dinner, or cracking jokes.

I am from mainland China.  Can I join Hong Kong Mensa?
Sorry, no, though you can apply to Mensa International to become a Direct International Member. Mensa rules stipulate that you can only join the Mensa group applicable to your place of residence, but currently there is no established group in mainland China. In the same way as for the Olympics, Hong Kong is permitted to operate as a group of its own right for Mensa purposes.

I just took the Admission Test.  Will you tell me my score?
Thank you for taking our Admission Test.  However, we will only tell you whether you are eligible for membership or not, but never the score, for we are not an IQ evaluation centre.  We usually suggest that candidates should consult a professional and recognised psychologist for a comprehensive assessment, if they really want to know their IQ rating.

How many members are there around the world?  Hong Kong?
Currently there are over 100,000 members in over 100 countries around the world.  The largest concentrations are in the UK and USA, but in recent years new groups have been set up in many parts of Asia and other countries.  Hong Kong Mensa currently has more than 500 members.

My son, who is 9, is very smart and proved a gifted child.  Can he join Hong Kong Mensa?
For new application, taking the Admission Test is the only way to join Hong Kong Mensa, and the Admission Test is only for people aged 14 or above.  The average age of the members of Hong Kong Mensa is 31, and we currently don't have any programme or activity particularly for children.

My friend said she's a member of Mensa.  Her name is XXX.  Could you please verify?
It is Hong Kong Mensa's policy not to confirm or deny membership without that member's permission.  We apologise for not giving you an answer.  By the way, we issue a new membership card every year for each member in good standing.