16-07-2025
- General
- South China Morning Post
DSE results not the only path to success for Hong Kong students
One exam does not make or break one's life. That is the lesson Hong Kong youngsters can take away after they were informed of their scores in the
notoriously competitive exam for higher education yesterday. The door to a good future does not close because of failure to get into university. This is especially true as technology and innovation continue to break new ground outside traditional study and career paths.
As in the past, there are bound to be more losers than winners. Only about 38.5 per cent of 42,795 Diploma of Secondary Education day school candidates, or 16,393 students, attained the minimum entrance requirements for the eight public universities, up from 38.4 per cent, or 15,629, last year. The competition for admission is likely to be slightly more intense this year.
Understandably, attention was drawn to the record number of students with perfect scores, including an 'ultimate top scorer' from a school that is not traditionally considered elite. Wang Haibo of Hong Kong Chinese Women's Club College finished with 5**, the highest score, in four electives, three core subjects and the extended maths module, the first to accomplish the feat since 2018. Also, 15 top scorers from 14 schools achieved a perfect 5** across six subjects this year. Of those, 10 of them were 'super top scorers', as they also earned a 5** for the extended elective maths module. Their success stories are a source of inspiration for students and the wider society.
Earlier this year, 37 Hong Kong students achieved top marks in the
International Baccalaureate (IB) programme . Of the 2,600 students who opted for IB instead of DSE, about one-third attained near-perfect or full marks. It is good that some want to continue studying in local universities, saying they feel a sense of duty to serve the city.
Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said there were many options for youngsters and that every attempt would be an opportunity for success and learning. Secretary for Education Christine Choi Yuk-lin said students need not pursue a single route, referring to a variety of higher education options. There is more to life than just a university education. Learning from the experience, be it success or failure, will help youngsters prepare for more challenges to come.
