Sunday, 4 May 2025As the interim examination has already begun, I would like to take this opportunity to emphasize the significance of integrity in the examination process.
Amidst the exam period, many of you may be solely focused on achieving satisfactory grades or feeling overwhelmed by the pressure. Understandably, integrity may not be at the forefront of your mind during this critical academic period. Some of you may question the necessity of examinations and wonder why assignments alone can’t replace examinations.
Looking at the historical context of examinations, you will discover that examinations are not solely about testing your knowledge. They serve as a fair grading system that requires each of you to maintain honesty to preserve fairness for those who are sitting in the examination hall and pursuing their goals. Examinations are not a new concept; they have been practiced for decades. For instance, in ancient China, there was an imperial examination that enabled individuals from different social classes to be evaluated and pursue their aspirations of becoming parliamentary members. The original purpose of conducting public examinations was to mitigate potential biases based on candidates’ economic and social backgrounds. In the examination hall, all candidates should be assessed on an equal footing.
Returning to modern-day examination setting, students are required to sit in a hall where no additional materials are permitted in the drawers, using smartwatches is prohibited, and pencil cases cannot be placed on desks. Such arrangements are in place to maintain fairness among all candidates. Everyone must be evaluated within a controlled environment. If a candidate or examination personnel violates the rules, it undermines the fairness of the system. Though we know that there may be individuals who attempt to cheat during exams, it’s important to consider the broader perspective of examinations. Cheating not only fails to benefit the individual, but it also deprives all examination candidates of a fair assessment, leading to additional layers of caution.
Therefore, I urge all of you who are sitting in the examination hall today to prioritize honesty in your exams. Violating the rules not only jeopardizes your own grades but also undermines the one and only fair assessment opportunity for those who aspire to achieve their dreams.
Ms. Leung CY
15 January 2024