To mark the awards’ milestone anniversary, Tammy Tam, Publisher of the South China Morning Post, highlighted how the programme continues to evolve in tandem with national and local development priorities. She noted that under China’s 15th Five-Year Plan, Hong Kong has been designated an international education and talent hub, while the city is drafting its inaugural Five-Year Plan. “In light of this blueprint, and on behalf of our advisory board, I’m delighted to share two brand new landmark initiatives. Going forward, we will introduce a new award category on AI literacy, underscoring the importance of the responsible use of AI, starting from our students. And second, we will strategically expand the Student of the Year brand beyond Hong Kong to elevate student excellence on a broader stage,” she said.
Other distinguished guests included Lan Kwai Fong Group chairman Allan Zeman, West Kowloon Cultural District Authority chairman Bernard Chan, and Kenneth Leung, vice-president of the All-China Youth Federation and vice-chairman of the Youth Development Commission.
-.jpg "Student of the Year Awards 2025/26 Grand Prize winner Jayden Tang (third from the left); first runner-up Tam Ho Wang (second from the left); and second runner-up Choi Hai Tung Hazel (third from the right), receive their awards on stage from Irene Chan, Head of Public Affairs (Corporate & Charities Communications) of The Hong Kong Jockey Club (first from the left); Tammy Tam, Publisher of the South China Morning Post (second from the right); Hsu Siu-man, Executive Director of The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups (first from the right).")
The ceremony reached its peak with the announcement of the Grand Prize winner: Jayden Tang, a Form 5 student at Ying Wa College was recognised for his outstanding contributions to the community. A committed student-athlete, he founded the platform “Health is Wealth” and led service projects supporting underprivileged groups across the city. He also captained the Hong Kong, China Men’s U16 Basketball Team.
In his acceptance speech, Tang expressed heartfelt gratitude to his school, teachers, basketball coach, and family – especially his grandmother. “She taught me to always be proactive in life and to take charge in our own life,” he said.
The Grand Prize, which includes a HK$25,000 scholarship, honours a student whose contributions demonstrate dedication and transformative impact. First and second runners-up receive scholarships of HK$8,000 and HK$4,000 respectively. The Most Nurturing Environment Award went to HKFYG Lee Shau Kee College in recognition of its commitment to fostering student growth.
To further support nominees as they plan their futures, SCMP Learn – with exclusive support from the HKJC – launched the Student of the Year Growth Network in 2025. In its inaugural year, the initiative partnered with more than 10 leading organisations across diverse sectors and organised eight exclusive events, creating a vibrant bridge between nominees and Hong Kong’s professional landscape. All nominees automatically join this network, gaining access to career development opportunities and a growing community of distinguished SOTY alumni.
One of the highlights was the opportunity to enjoy an enhanced visit to the HKJC’s Pok Fu Lam Public Riding School. Here students were able to test their riding skills on a riding simulator, join a guided tour of the stables and feed horses. In addition, one of the HKJC’s Management Trainees shared her personal journey at the HKJC, offering insights into her career development and key lessons learned from her experience, while encouraging students to embrace new opportunities, remain curious and pursue continuous growth.
The Winners
Student of the Year – Grand Prize
Jayden Tang
Ying Wa College / Form 5
Jayden emerges as a student-athlete leader shaped by service. As founder of “Health is Wealth”, he drives community outreach supporting refugees and the elderly, grounding his work in empathy. His years captaining Hong Kong, China Men’s U16 Basketball Team and winning titles for Ying Wa College sharpened his resilience under pressure and instilled a deep sense of disciplined teamwork. That same instinct for connection guides him as Student Ambassador Captain, welcoming thousands to campus, while his award-winning public speaking fuels his mission to advocate for social issues—always with humility and purpose.
Student of the Year – Community Contributor
Ng Yat San Owen
St. Paul’s Co-Educational College / Form 5
Widely considered a visionary force in youth-led social impact, Owen has combined strategic thinking with contagious energy, turning ideas into meaningful change. As Founder and President of “Game On,” he transformed a simple idea into a citywide movement, rallying 500 volunteers and opening athletic opportunities for more than 5,000 disadvantaged children. His advocacy stretches far beyond the court—speaking to over 15,000 people, from the SCMP DEI Summit to interviews with NBA players, to spotlight systemic sports inequities. Partnerships with the Decathlon Foundation and YMCA further amplify his reach, while his mentorship pipeline empowers rising student leaders to build their own community initiatives.
Student of the Year – Linguist (Cantonese)
Zhao Ziyu Jaden
TWGHs Kap Yan Directors’ College / Form 4
Jaden shines as a resilient, empathetic, culturally rooted student whose cross-border journey has shaped a powerful sense of mission. Earning third prize in the Biliteracy and Trilingualism Speech Competition, she channels her linguistic talent into preserving the warmth and charm of the Cantonese culture. On campus, she has spearheaded a Cantonese impromptu speech and public-speaking session, turning passion into action. Guided by her belief in the language’s social value, she is determined to support more learners and extend Cantonese’s positive influence across her community.
Student of the Year – Linguist (English)
Zaynab Kola
HKFYG Lee Shau Kee College / Form 5
Zaynab grew up in Hong Kong’s vibrant trilingual landscape with a clear purpose: using language to uplift underrepresented youth. Her grounding in debate and public speaking sharpened her own voice, but she believes its true power lies in sharing her skills. Guided by that conviction, she founded Speechless x HKIYA, the city’s first public-speaking initiative for Muslim youth, now reaching students across Hong Kong. As Head Prefect, Debate Chairperson, and Chief Editor, she treats each role as a chance to pass the microphone forward and embrace diverse perspectives.
Student of the Year – Linguist (Putonghua)
Qian Zi Zhan Clara
Diocesan Girls’ School / Form 6
Clara excels as she stands at the crossroads of language, culture, and leadership, shaping stories that connect people. Her love for Putonghua and Chinese literature fuels award-winning writing and inspired her to launch a student-run literary magazine. As the CEO of a “JA Company” – a youth entrepreneur project, she introduced Hong Kong’s heritage to mainland and overseas audiences, using language as her bridge. Through speeches and study tours, she sparks teenagers’ curiosity about Chinese culture, believing that every word can illuminate differences while revealing shared ground.
Student of the Year – Performing Artist
Sin Seoyeon
Hong Kong International School / Grade 12
At the heart of Hong Kong’s performing-arts scene, Seoyeon expertly blends artistic talent and discipline with a deep sense of purpose. As a standout member of the SHIFT Pre-Professional Company, she has earned top accolades at Dance World Cup Hong Kong, World of Dance, and the International Elite Dance Competition. Leading her school’s Varsity Dance Team, she is a role model of empathy and clear communication. Through “Dance a Difference,” she guides volunteers in bringing movement to elderly and neurodivergent communities, enriching more than 80 lives and strengthening her commitment to service-driven artistry.
Student of the Year – Scientist/ Mathematician
Leung Sze Long
Diocesan Boys’ School / Grade 12
Sze Long embodies his school’s motto, “To Serve and to Lead,” through science-driven action that reaches far beyond the classroom. As head of the STEAM coalition, he led award-winning research using superworms and molluscs to tackle plastic pollution, turning experimentation into real environmental impact. He devoted over 100 hours to coaching representatives from the International Junior Science Olympiad, guiding the team to its first overall championship in eight years. By expanding his school’s STEAM fair to engage 1,000 children and designing an AI course for SEN youth, he champions accessible innovation—and carries that commitment into his future in the scientific world.
Student of the Year – Sportsperson
Gilaine Ma
Diocesan Girls’ School, Form 6
As a Hong Kong, China team swimmer, Gilaine is defined not only by medals but by momentum. A record-setter at the Asian Youth Games and IS Gymnasiade champion, she leads her school team with calm resilience and disciplined drive. Missing Paris Olympics qualification reshaped her understanding of grit, fuelling her advocacy for mental wellbeing through workshops and the film Endure. Now a University of Michigan scholar-athlete, she continues her pursuit of the Olympic stage with courage, clarity, and purpose.
Student of the Year – Visual Artist
Mao Yan Su Kelly
Ho Lap College (Sponsored by Sik Sik Yuen) / Form 6
Kelly is recognised as a young artist who channels social realities and personal stories into striking, thoughtful creations. Her award-winning work – most recently the Champion and the “City Vibrance: Art and Light” Special Award at the Wharf Hong Kong Art Competition—reflects both skill and conviction. With over 150 hours of community service, she advocates for accessible creativity, inviting more people into the world of art. As chair of her school’s Art Society, she brings art to campus life, nurturing curiosity and cultural growth.
Student of the Year – Sustainability Advocate
Chiu Wing Yee Valerie
St. Mary’s Canossian College / Form 4
A leader of quiet strength, Valerie demonstrates that impact is measured not by volume, but by action. At 12, she founded Teen Animals da Scientists, sparking global conversations on sustainability through fairs, workshops, exchanges, webinars, podcasts, and her magazine Healthy Planet, Healthy People. Her initiatives uplift underprivileged communities and connect youth from over 15 countries. A TEDx advocate and TIME’s Girl of the Year 2025, she shows that age and identity are not limits to one’s ability to create impact—and that building a sustainable future begins now.
Student of the Year – Best Devotion To School
Cheung Ho Ching Amelia
Good Hope School / Form 6
Dy Valerie Moreno
Australian International School Hong Kong / Grade 12
Lam Ka Yiu Khloe
Yew Chung International School – Secondary / Grade 12
Qin Shukting
Buddhist Sum Heung Lam Memorial College / Form 5
Sze Elise Wai Kiu
Chinese International School / Grade 12
Student of the Year – Best Improvement
Lo Eton Yik Tin
Cheung Sha Wan Catholic Secondary School / Form 5
Poon Suen Man
Good Hope School / Form 6
Suen Kin Yan
Buddhist Sum Heung Lam Memorial College / Form 4
Ting Tsz Kiu
Shatin Tsung Tsin Secondary School / Form 5
Ting Tsz Ting
Lok Sin Tong Young Ko Hsiao Lin Secondary School / Form 5
