At the Hong Kong Red Cross John F Kennedy Centre, Tam, 20, was among candidates receiving their DSE results on Wednesday, securing level 2 passes in English, Chinese and information and communication technology (ICT), and a level 3 in Chinese writing.
Tam achieved these results despite living with severe cerebral palsy and spastic diplegia – conditions that have steadily worsened since high school, progressing from a walking disability to severe spinal curvature and speech difficulties.
Relying entirely on a carer, he must use a specialised table and supportive aids attached to his wheelchair just to maintain a proper posture. Yet he still successfully completed all six exam subjects using only his index finger.
Because of his physical limitations, Tam applied for special exam arrangements, including typing on a smartphone notes app, using a computer, and being exempted from up to half of certain exam papers.
