- Chow Long-ho has represented Hong Kong in international fencing matches and got offer to study at Lingnan University thanks to special scheme for athletes
- Yang Letian, who was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy at age 9, hopes he scored well enough to pursue his dream of studying digital marketing
Chow Long-ho (left) is a student from Hong Kong Red Cross Princess Alexandra School. Photo: Marcus Lum
Though Chow Long-ho was disappointed with his results on Hong Kong’s university entrance exams, the wheelchair fencer was grateful he would still be able to study at Lingnan University, thanks to a special scheme for athletes.
On Wednesday, the 19-year-old student from Hong Kong Red Cross Princess Alexandra School learned that he had scored 12 points on his five best subjects on the Diploma of Secondary Education (DSE) exam, and he felt he had underperformed.
Nevertheless, as an athlete who has represented the city in international matches, he received an offer to major in cultural studies at Lingnan University through the Student-Athlete Learning Support and Admission Scheme.
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“I was still wondering if I would have the chance to study in university last year … I was planning to take my university education step by step – until I found out the scheme could lead me straight to university,” Chow said of the programme introduced last year to support outstanding athletes who want to study while developing their sporting careers.
“The scheme will inspire the other Hong Kong student-athletes as well.”
This year, Chow was one of 3,898 candidates with special educational needs (SEN) who sat for the DSE exam. The student received additional time on his English and Chinese papers because of the special arrangements for SEN students.
Chow had never thought his fencing career would help him get into university. The teen began training in this sport in 2016, and last year, he placed second in the IWAS Wheelchair Fencing Under 23 World Championships.
Now, he has no regrets about trying his best to balance his athletics with studying for the DSE.
“I had my training four times a week and each time three hours,” the fencer said. “Unlike typical students who finish their day after hours of tuition, I had make-up lessons after school, then I headed for my training, and after that, I could study.”
Excited to begin university this year, Chow expressed hope that the government would extend the special university entrance scheme to support students excelling in other areas such as arts and music.
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Another SEN student, Yang Letian, from Hong Kong Red Cross John F. Kennedy Centre, shared why the DSE exam was so important for his dream of pursuing a career in digital marketing.
The 21-year-old scored 18 points for his five best five subjects on the DSE, and he was hopeful that his score would be enough to get into City University’s business school.
When he was nine years old, Yang was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a genetic disorder characterised by muscle weakness. He needs an electric wheelchair to get around and attends regular check-ups in hospital.
“I get tired very easily and also write slower than other people,” said Yang, who qualified for 75 per cent extra time on his exams.
In preparation for the DSE, the student spent about five to six hours revising every day, in addition to the time he needs for his stretching exercises and other aspects of his daily routine.
To relax, Yang usually watches YouTube videos, and he especially enjoys the popular Hong Kong channel Pomato, which also inspired his interest in digital marketing.
“I always enjoy browsing social media and found those videos and images very interesting. I believe digital marketing is a growing trend,” the student said.
Despite the challenges he faces, Yang has always focused on trying his best, as he knows that his physical condition may make it difficult to find employment in the future.
“That is why I must hold on,” he stressed.