HONG KONG — The 2025 Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (DSE) examinations have produced a historic number of top performers, with 16 students achieving the coveted "zhuangyuan" (狀元) or top scorer status. This year marks the highest number of top scorers in the history of the DSE.
Among them, 10 were named "super top scorers" with perfect scores in seven subjects (7 × 5**), and Wong Hoi-pok from China Women's Club College achieved the ultimate distinction of "ultimate top scorer" with an incredible eight 5** grades.
Key Takeaways
- Record-Breaking Year: A total of 16 top scorers, the most in DSE history.
- Medicine Reigns Supreme: 12 out of 16 top scorers plan to pursue a career in medicine.
- UK Remains a Top Choice: 5 top scorers are heading to the UK, targeting prestigious institutions like Cambridge and Oxford for subjects ranging from Natural Sciences to Economics and Mathematics.
The Enduring Allure of Medicine
Following a long-standing trend, medicine remains the most popular university aspiration among Hong Kong's brightest students. A staggering 11 of the 16 top scorers have expressed their intention to study medicine, highlighting the field's continued prestige and appeal. This includes "ultimate top scorer" Wong Hoi-pok, who aims to contribute to society through a medical career.
Diverse Aspirations: From STEM to Social Sciences
While medicine is the dominant choice, other top scorers have set their sights on a diverse range of fields. Several students are looking to study abroad, particularly in the UK.
Notably, He En-ching from Carmel Pak U Secondary School is considering Mathematics at the University of Oxford, while Yau Pok-yan from Cheung Chuk Shan College is heading to the University of Cambridge for Natural Sciences (Physics). Other UK-bound scholars include Kung Yan-long from St. Paul's Co-educational College, who will study Economics at Cambridge, and Fung Yuet-kiu from Hong Kong True Light Middle School, who plans to study Environmental Policy.
This demonstrates a healthy diversity in academic interests among top students, with a strong showing in STEM fields, social sciences, and a growing interest in areas like veterinary medicine, with Li Ching from Munsang College aiming for City University's renowned program.
\"For students aspiring to follow in the footsteps of these top scorers, particularly those aiming for Oxbridge, it's crucial to look beyond grades. Our Admissions Strategy and Interview Preparation services are designed to build the critical thinking and communication skills that top UK universities look for.\"
Full List of 2025 DSE Top Scorers and Aspirations
Below is a summary of this year's top-performing students and their future academic paths, based on information from Sing Tao Daily.
| Achievement | Name | School | Study Path | University Aspiration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ultimate Top Scorer (8×5**) | 王海博 (Wong Hoi-pok) | 中國婦女會中學 (China Women's Club College) | Stay in HK | Medicine |
| Super Top Scorer | 何恩程 (He En-ching) | 迦密柏雨中學 (Carmel Pak U Secondary School) | Stay in HK or UK | Stay in HK: Medicine / UK: Oxford Mathematics |
| Super Top Scorer | 黃泓智 (Wong Wang-chi) | 保良局董玉娣中學 (Po Leung Kuk Tong Yuk Kiu College) | Stay in HK | CUHK Medicine |
| Super Top Scorer | 濮愷俊 (Pok Hoi-chun) | 皇仁書院 (Queen's College) | Stay in HK | Medicine |
| Super Top Scorer | 容卓言 (Yung Cheuk-yin) | 英皇書院 (King's College) | Stay in HK | Medicine |
| Super Top Scorer | 黃嘉揚 (Wong Ka-yeung) | 聖保羅男女中學 (St. Paul's Co-educational College) | Study in UK | Scientific Research |
| Super Top Scorer | 鄭曣載 (Cheng Yat-choi) | 聖保羅男女中學 (St. Paul's Co-educational College) | Stay in HK | Medicine |
| Super Top Scorer | 龔炘朗 (Kung Yan-long) | 聖保羅男女中學 (St. Paul's Co-educational College) | Study in UK | Cambridge: Economics |
| Super Top Scorer | 黄柏熹 (Wong Pak-hei) | 華英中學 (Wa Ying College) | Stay in HK | Medicine |
| Super Top Scorer | 黃穎妍 (Wong Wing-yin) | 拔萃女書院 (Diocesan Girls' School) | Stay in HK | Medicine |
| Super Top Scorer | 陳博軒 (Chan Pok-hin) | 喇沙書院 (La Salle College) | Stay in HK | Medicine |
| Top Scorer | 邱博恩 (Yau Pok-yan) | 張祝珊英文中學 (Cheung Chuk Shan College) | Study in UK | Cambridge: Natural Sciences (Physics) |
| Top Scorer | 王苑廷 (Wong Yuen-ting) | 鄧顯紀念中學 (Tang Hin Memorial Secondary School) | Stay in HK | CUHK Medicine |
| Top Scorer | 何韋瑩 (Ho Wai-ying) | 協恩中學 (Heep Yunn School) | Stay in HK | CUHK Medicine |
| Top Scorer | 馮乙翹 (Fung Yuet-kiu) | 香港真光中學 (Hong Kong True Light Middle School) | Study in UK | Environmental Policy |
| Top Scorer | 李政 (Li Ching) | 民生書院 (Munsang College) | Stay in HK | CityU Veterinary Medicine |
Source: Information compiled from Sing Tao Daily.