How ethnic minority students overcame language barriers to score high on DSE exams

Two students in Hong Kong have made headlines for overcoming significant personal challenges to succeed in the city's university entrance examinations. Non-verbal candidate Tam Chun-yu, 20, secured level 2 passes in English, Chinese and information and communication technology (ICT), along with a level 3 in Chinese writing, after completing all six subjects using only his index finger. Despite living with severe cerebral palsy and spastic diplegia, which have progressively limited his mobility and speech, Tam managed to type his answers on a smartphone notes app and use a computer during the exams. He was granted special arrangements, including exemption from up to half of certain exam papers, due to his physical condition. Tam took the Diploma of Secondary Education (DSE) exams at the Hong Kong Red Cross John F. Kennedy Centre on Wednesday. His achievement comes amid a record number of 24 perfect scorers in Hong Kong’s university entrance exams. To maintain a stable posture while sitting in his wheelchair, Tam relies on a specially designed table and supportive aids. These tools allowed him to complete the exams under challenging circumstances, demonstrating remarkable determination and resilience. Meanwhile, another student, Manaal Khan, 18, faced different obstacles. As a second-generation Pakistani resident in Hong Kong, she encountered language barriers throughout her education. Born and raised in the city, Khan attended Hong Kong Taoist Association The Yuen Yuen Institute No 3 Secondary School. Her passion for detective work inspired her to pursue a career in law enforcement, drawing parallels to the fictional character Sherlock Holmes. She described her love for solving mysteries and her aspiration to become a detective. Khan's efforts paid off as she earned Level 4 grades in English, geography and history in the DSE exams. This result placed her among the 56,853 candidates who received their results on Wednesday. With her goal of studying crime science at City University, Khan's success highlights the importance of perseverance in overcoming linguistic and cultural hurdles within the local educational system. Both students exemplify the diverse experiences of DSE candidates. While Tam's journey was marked by physical limitations, Khan's path was shaped by language and cultural differences. Their achievements underscore the adaptability of the DSE framework, which allows for tailored support to accommodate individual needs. Special arrangements such as modified exam formats and exemptions help ensure that students can demonstrate their abilities fairly. The DSE, a crucial step toward higher education in Hong Kong, continues to evolve to meet the varied requirements of its participants. The recent results reflect the ongoing commitment to inclusivity and accessibility in the education sector. As more students navigate unique challenges, the system adapts to provide equitable opportunities for academic success.