Thursday, 4 June 20265J Gabrielle Wong
Volunteering to bear massive responsibility is never an easy task; it requires courage, confidence, and genuine ability. Every year, Shung Tak is introduced to many proactive student leaders who devote themselves to serving the school and this year was no exception.
This year, our candidates included Fortaleza as the proposed Students’ Union cabinet; 3L Isabell Leung, 4J Bryan Tsang, and 4M Ethan Lam as the proposed house captains of Red, Blue, and Yellow House respectively; as well as 4P Quintus Law and 4L Eileen Hew competing for Green House captain. Unlike previous years, our student leaders came from different forms, contributing to a more diverse array of activities and services.
The journey of the election period was not easy. From the submission of self-nomination forms to Polling Day, our candidates persevered and strove for improvement throughout the three months.
It all started with the introduction of the candidates. As this session was compulsory for all students, our future leaders had to prepare engaging speeches to form a strong first impression and earn their peers’ support. The speeches went beyond merely listing planned activities; they also reflected the candidates’ passion for their roles and their commitment to contributing to the school. What they said was no “gimmick” either, as they had to continuously refine their proposed activities and services during the promotion period to ensure they truly matched students’ needs.
Besides observation, candidates had opportunities to receive direct feedback from the student body. The two election forums allowed students to ask questions freely, providing candidates with the chance to clarify their ideas, address overlooked concerns, and respond with organised points, no matter how tough the questions were. This not only helped adjust their platforms into more tailored versions, but also mentally prepared them for facing criticism or scepticism in the future.
Through their hard work, the candidates have significantly improved compared to day one, when they first stepped into the election workshop. They are now capable leaders who can confidently stand on stage, connect with the student body, and lead Shung Tak to a brighter future. Yet, this is not the destination, but rather the true start of their leadership journey.
Reviewing the enthusiasm and growth they have shown over the past three months, we can expect even greater things to come. Meanwhile, as members of STC, we should be rational in our criticisms, constructive in our advice, and active in our participation. Leaders provide the direction for a community, but without students like you and me, there is no community, and hence, no direction. Let us all do our part as Shungtakians and work together to build a better future for STC.