Thursday, 17 July 2025On 20th June 2025, two outstanding Shungtakians, Matthew Wong and Zachary Wong, received the thrilling news of their admission to the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) at The University of Hong Kong. Their admission came through the highly competitive School Nominations Direct Admission Scheme, which recognizes students with exceptional academic performance and holistic achievements. The Scheme for this particular programme demands exceptional academic standing, including top 10% ranking in Secondary 5, predicted HKDSE scores of 42 points or above across six subjects, and notable accomplishments in extracurricular activities. On top of that, applicants must be impressive in the interview at the University.
Reflecting on their journey, Matthew and Zachary both credited their education at Shung Tak for giving them the confidence and skills to shine. They highlighted the school’s strong English-speaking environment which empowered them to articulate their thoughts with clarity – a skill that is especially crucial in spontaneous interview settings. Their ability to present ideas effectively gave them a distinct advantage.
Outside the classroom, both students embraced meaningful opportunities that broadened their perspectives and honed their strengths. Matthew spoke of how his involvement in English debate and Mock Trial sharpened his public speaking competence and broadened his view of the world. Meanwhile, Zachary’s involvement in the 2023 Summer Youth Volunteer Scheme at Tin Shui Wai Hospital proved transformative. Through interactions with medical professionals and exposure to various departments, he gained insights into the medical field and, more importantly, cultivated deep empathy for others.
Together, they also earned First Runner-Up in Forensic Hunter 2024, a competition that challenged their analytical thinking using chemical techniques like DNA fingerprinting. The experience helped them realize just how strongly science and service could intertwine, strengthening their interest in medicine. When asked about the origins of their interest, Zachary traced it back to Secondary 3, with each experience since reinforcing his ambition. Matthew, who initially leaned toward law due to his Mock Trial and debate experiences, later discovered that he thrived in collaborative environments. Medicine, he found, offers the team dynamic and mutual learning opportunities that truly excite him.
With the pressure from waiting for the release of the HKDSE results now behind them, both students expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the Principal, Dr Cecilia Tang, for her nomination. They also thanked Career Teachers Ms SM Wong, Mr SB Lau, Mr KW Lee, and Ms WS Chong for their guidance; as well as their Class Teacher Ms Hui, whose constant encouragement was a source of strength. Zachary shared particularly how he often struggled with self-doubt, and it was Ms Hui who urged him to take chances, making him the person he is today.
In their message to fellow Shungtakians, Matthew and Zachary offered their sincere advice: Assess your goals carefully, stay true to your interests, and do not be confined by societal expectations. “Don’t prioritize ability over interest,” they advise, “because interest can help overcome all kinds of challenges.” They remind their peers not to compare themselves with others, but to keep their eyes on long-term goals – and most importantly, to carve out a path that brings joy and purpose.