South China Morning Post

Marking a 45-year milestone, the prestigious student awards outline future expansion plans, including a new AI literacy category and a broader international reach

Hong Kong (July 11, 2026) – The 45th Student of the Year Awards, organised by the South China Morning Post (SCMP) and sole sponsor The Hong Kong Jockey Club, celebrates with 300 secondary students, parents, school teachers and principals on Saturday, recognising the outstanding achievements and talents of Hong Kong students.

The initiative has been a cornerstone of the Hong Kong academic calendar since its launch in August 1973. From its humble beginnings with the crowning of the first grand prize winner, Tam Hin-cheung from the Queen Elizabeth School, this annual celebration has grown with Hong Kong and amplified the city’s nurturing environment for high-potential youth.

image caption: Inaugurated in 1973, the first Student of the Year Awards, organised by the South China Morning Post, presented the grand prize to Tam Hin-cheung of Queen Elizabeth School, who was an active sportsman and a volunteer life-saver.

This year’s theme “Leadership in Action: Shaping the Possible” underscores the importance of proactive leadership in an era of rapid global change and an AI-first era, recognising students who take actions with an innovative mindset, resilience and a commitment to positive social impact. This year, more than 900 nominations are received, reflecting the drive, passion and promise of the city’s younger generation.

Speaking at the ceremony, The Honourable KK Chan, Chief Secretary for Administration of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, said, “This year marks the 45th anniversary of the Awards, a truly remarkable milestone. Over the years, the Student of the Year Awards has grown into one of Hong Kong’s leading youth award programmes. It gives our students a platform to shine, and it pushes them to reach for even greater heights.”

“This year also marks the beginning of the national 15th Five‑Year Plan period, a critical moment for Hong Kong’s future. To align with the national strategy, the Government is now drawing up Hong Kong’s first Five-Year Plan. And on youth development, we will build on the foundation of the blueprint, and leverage Hong Kong’s unique advantages of enjoying the strong support of the motherland while remaining closely connected to the world…Hong Kong needs bright young minds like you, who are willing to lead, to serve and to innovate. I have every confidence that many of you will go on to shape a brighter future for our city,” Chan continued.

Tammy Tam, Publisher, South China Morning Post, announced two forward-looking initiatives at the event, “In alignment with the national and the city’s vision and priority to make Hong Kong an international hub for education and innovation, on behalf of our advisory board members, I am delighted to share two landmark initiatives in the coming year. Going forward, we will introduce a new award category on AI literacy, underscoring the importance of responsible use of AI. Second, we will strategically extend the Student of the Year brand beyond Hong Kong to elevate student excellence on a broader stage, both at home and abroad.”

The Hong Kong Jockey Club has been the sole sponsor of the Student of the Year Awards for 13 years. Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, CEO, The Hong Kong Jockey Club, highlighted that one of their key focus areas is youth and youth development. “For the last 13 years, The Hong Kong Jockey Club has had the honour and privilege of sponsoring the Student of the Year Awards. Through these awards we want you to achieve even more beyond academic success. We want to inspire you to work for the common good and for the betterment of everyone in our society – which is our purpose at The Hong Kong Jockey Club. I encourage you to be intellectually curious and socially engaged. Because leadership is not just about academic excellence – it is about reaching out, networking and social integration.”

The Student of the Year 2025/26 Grand Prize is awarded to Jayden Tang of Ying Wa College, who firmly believes leadership begins with service. Whether captaining the Hong Kong National U16 Basketball Team, leading Ying Wa College’s Student Ambassador Team or founding the youth non-profit Health is Wealth, he has consistently used his influence to serve others. Through sport, public speaking and community initiatives, he exemplifies leadership that inspires both his school and the wider community. He will receive a scholarship of HK$25,000, an award plaque and a certificate.

To help students unlock their full potential, the SCMP’s education unit SCMP Learn and The Hong Kong Jockey Club also launched SOTY Growth Network last year. This provides every SOTY nominee with privileged access to career exploration programmes, professional resources and high-level networking. Over the past year, the SOTY Growth Network has enabled more than 130 students to step outside the classroom and into the boardrooms, operations hubs and training centres of Hong Kong’s leading organisations.

Here’s full list of awards presented at 2025/26 Student of the Year recognising students’ diverse achievements across academics, sport, performing arts, scientific discovery and mathematics, and community service:

Grand Prize: Jayden Tang of Ying Wa College

Most Nurturing Environment: HKFYG Lee Shau Kee College

Best Devotion to School Award:

Cheung Ho Ching Amelia of Good Hope School
Dy Valerie Moreno of Australian International School Hong Kong
Lam Ka Yiu Khloe of Yew Chung International School – Secondary
Qin Shukting of Buddhist Sum Heung Lam Memorial College
Sze Elise Wai Kiu of Chinese International School

Best Improvement Award:

Lo Eton Yik Tin of Cheung Sha Wan Catholic Secondary School
Poon Suen Man of Good Hope School
Suen Kin Yan of Buddhist Sum Heung Lam Memorial College
Ting Tsz Kiu of Shatin Tsung Tsin Secondary School
Ting Tsz Ting of Lok Sin Tong Young Ko Hsiao Lin Secondary School

Sportsperson: Gilaine Ma of Diocesan Girls’ School

Community Contributor: Ng Yat San Owen of St. Paul’s Co-Educational College

Linguist (Cantonese): Zhao Jaden of TWGHs Kap Yan Directors’ College

Linguist (English): Zaynab Kola of HKFYG Lee Shau Kee College

Linguist (Putonghua): Qian Zi Zhan of Diocesan Girls’ School

Scientist & Mathematician: Leung Sze Long of Diocesan Boys’ School

Visual Artist: Mao Yan Su of Ho Lap College (Sponsored by Sik Sik Yuen)

Sustainability Advocate: Chiu Wing Yee of St. Mary’s Canossian College

Performing Artist: Sin Seoyeon of Hong Kong International School

Learn more about Student of the Year: https://www.studentoftheyear.hk