• School Nomination

    Principals and deans of secondary schools can nominate a maximum of two students per school for each category. The only exception is for the Linguist category, where a school can nominate a maximum of six students – two each for English, Putonghua and Cantonese. Non-school nominated and self-nominated students are counted separately.

  • Non-school nomination

    Executives and educators from non-school organisations, including non-profit organisations, youth associations, multinational companies, universities and other institutions can nominate candidates. These nominations must be submitted together with an endorsement from the nominators.

  • Self-nomination

    Students and members of the general public who see the potential in themselves or outstanding values in others can nominate candidates. These nominations must be submitted together with an endorsement from schools and nominators. The same assessment criteria will be used for all nomination channels and in line with category specifications. All the requested materials should be submitted together with the application form at the time a student is nominated.

  • Eligibility criteria

    Students in Form 4 to 6, or Grade/ Year 10 to 13, in registered secondary schools in Hong Kong during the 2025/2026 academic year are eligible for nomination. Nominees can be put forward for a maximum of two award categories, one of which must be the Grand Prize.

  • Nomination Period

    The nomination period runs from 10 February to 7 April, 2026.

  • Submission

    Please complete the nomination form and submit via our website channel. Late submissions or nominations sent via post, fax or other digital formats will not be accepted or processed. Nominees must provide copies of certificates or other supporting documents for the purposes of verification. Only the first submission or nomination will be accepted if multiple submissions or nominations of a student are received.

Award Category

Grand Prize

About

The Student of the Year – Grand Prize is awarded to the top all-round student who has excelled in multiple areas and stands out as an example for other young people in Hong Kong. In addition to personal achievements, nominees must demonstrate that they navigate uncharted territories, with the courage to lead with integrity and the vision to drive transformative, meaningful change for a better tomorrow.

Entry Criteria

Open to Form 5 to 6 or Grade/Year 11 to 13 students

Judging Criteria
  1. Reflections, aspirations and personal goals (10%)
  2. School exam results (10%)
  3. Academic awards and other forms of recognition (30%)
  4. Non-academic awards and other forms of recognition (30%)
  5. Community service (20%)
  • Reflections, aspirations and personal goals

    Nominees must submit an essay* (English max. 400 words; or Chinese 600 characters) or a video presentation in English or Cantonese (3 minutes max.) reflecting on their personal achievements over the past year, and how they have used their skills and accomplishments to contribute to wider society. This should mention:

    • Specific initiatives taken in the past year to venture beyond your horizon and redefine your personal limits
    • Specific initiatives taken to drive positive change or disruptive innovation within your school or community over the past year.
    • Key lessons learned from your journey and how you intend to apply this spirit of discovery to enact wider social impact and reimagine what is possible for us all.
  • School exam results - DSE syllabus

    Performance in internal school exams will be reviewed. A maximum of five subjects may be submitted for consideration.

    • Three core subjects will count: English language, Chinese language and mathematics
    • Two additional subjects will be noted for reference
  • School exam results - non-DSE syllabus

    Performance in internal school exams will be reviewed. A maximum of five subjects may be submitted for consideration.

    • Two core subjects, including English language and a second language subject, and two elective subjects will count
    • Two additional subjects will be noted for reference
  • Awards and other forms of recognition

    • Academic awards: specifically for languages, mathematics, sciences, computing and other subjects
    • Non-academic awards: achievements in sports, music, the arts and other non-academic endeavours
  • Community service

    Nominees are expected to be part of a group, association or organisation which contributes to the Hong Kong community.

  • Scholarship

    • All nominations and supporting documents submitted should refer to the 2024/2025 academic year.
    • The winner of the Student of the Year - Grand Prize will receive a HK$25,000 scholarship. There will also be a HK$8,000 scholarship for the 1st Runner-up and a HK$4,000 scholarship for the 2nd Runner-up.

Best Devotion to School

About

The Student of the Year – Best Devotion to School Award celebrates individuals whose unwavering commitment and spirit of service have earned the profound respect of their teachers and peers. Nominees are expected to combine the qualities of responsible leaders and effective team players, demonstrating excellence in planning and execution, empowering their fellow students through challenges and driving meaningful transformation within their school.

Entry Criteria

Open to Form 4 to 6 or Grade/Year 10 to 13 students

Judging Criteria
  1. A reflection on ““Leadership in Action within the School Community” (60%)
  2. Reference letters from school officials, coaches, counsellors, fellow volunteers or other professionals (40%)
  • A reflection on “Leadership in Action within the School Community”

    Nominees must submit an essay (English max. 400 words; or Chinese max. 600 characters) or a video presentation in English or Cantonese (3 minutes max.) reflecting on their contributions to their school community in the past year. This should mention:

    • Specific initiatives taken in the past year to drive positive change within the school, detailing the measurable impact these actions have had on the student body and school culture
    • Any challenges or setbacks they have encountered along the way and how they overcame them
    • Key lessons learned from your improvement and how your personal growth has empowered you to enact wider social impact for a better tomorrow
  • Reference letter

    Reference letters are required from the likes of school officials, fellow volunteers, coaches, counsellors or other professionals in the field of education. These people should have worked with the student and know him or her well.

    • A reference letter can be in English (max. 200 words) or in Chinese (max. 300 characters) and should be sent together with any relevant supporting documents
    • Full details of the referees are required including their name, their school or organisation, position, contact number and email address
    • A maximum of three reference letters may be submitted
  • Scholarship

    • All nominations and supporting documents submitted should refer to the 2024/2025 academic year.
    • The five winning students in this category will each receive a HK$5,000 scholarship.

Best Improvement

About

The Student of the Year – Best Improvement Award is dedicated to those who have made a transformative leap forward in the past academic year. This may relate to their academic performance, other aspects of personal development or their active involvement in environmental or community causes. The key is to show how disciplined action and dedication can lead to significant personal growth, and how such efforts can drive positive change in their school community or beyond.

Entry Criteria

Open to Form 4 to 6 or Grade/Year 10 to 13 students

Judging Criteria
  1. A reflection on “Shaping My Possible: A Journey of Personal Transformation” (60%)
  2. Reference letters from school officials, coaches, counsellors, fellow volunteers or other professionals (40%)
  • A reflection on “Shaping My Possible: A Journey of Personal Transformation”

    Nominees must submit an essay (English max. 400 words; or Chinese max. 600 characters) or a video presentation in English or Cantonese (3 minutes max.) describing how they have nurtured their own personal growth, and how they have used this growth to contribute to wider society. This should include:

    • Specific examples of personal growth and how you took the initiative to move beyond your previous horizons in the past year
    • Any challenges or setbacks you have encountered along the way and how you overcame them
    • Key lessons learned from your improvement and how your personal growth has empowered you to enact wider social impact for a better tomorrow
  • Reference letter

    Reference letters are required from the likes of school officials, fellow volunteers, coaches, counsellors or other professionals in the field of education. These people should have worked with the student and know him or her well.

    • A reference letter can be in English (max. 200 words) or in Chinese (max. 300 characters) and should be sent together with any relevant supporting documents
    • Full details of the referees are required including their name, their school or organisation, position, contact number and email address
    • A maximum of three reference letters may be submitted
  • Scholarship

    • All nominations and supporting documents submitted should refer to the 2024/2025 academic year.
    • The five winning students in this category will each receive a HK$5,000 scholarship.

Community Contributor

About

The Student of the Year – Community Contributor Award celebrates those who have stepped forward with purpose to drive meaningful societal transformation. This award is for the bold pioneers who navigate the challenges of our community through sustained commitment — whether by supporting social enterprises, spearheading education initiatives, or providing compassionate caregiving. Beyond mere participation, the winning candidate must demonstrate "leadership in action," showing how their proactive engagement has redefined what is possible for those they serve and helped shape a better world.

Entry Criteria

Open to Form 4 to 6 or Grade/Year 10 to 13 students

Judging Criteria
  1. A reflection on “Contributions to shape a better tomorrow” (20%)
  2. Service hours and variety of voluntary work (40%)
  3. Community service (20%)
  4. Awards and other forms of recognition (20%)
  • A reflection on “Contributions to shape a better tomorrow”

    Nominees must submit an essay (English max. 400 words; or Chinese max. 600 characters) or a video presentation in English or Cantonese (3 minutes max.) describing their contributions to the community and how their actions have made a positive impact in the past year. This should mention:

    • Specific initiatives taken to empower others and drive positive change in their school or community in the past year
    • Specific community contribution goals during the past year and challenges or setbacks you encountered, detailing how you overcame these challenges with confidence
    • Key lessons learned from your experiences and how they can be applied to enact wider social impact and create a better tomorrow for all
  • Service hours and variety of voluntary work

    Nominees must submit a record of service hours endorsed by the relevant organisations which benefited.

  • Community service

    Nominees are expected to be part of a group, association or organisation which contributes to the Hong Kong community.

  • Awards and other forms of recognition

    Awards related to the category and other forms of recognition are considered, such as media interviews, appreciation from the general public for students' performance and more.

  • Scholarship

    • All nominations and supporting documents submitted should refer to the 2024/2025 academic year.
    • The winner of the category will receive a HK$10,000 scholarship. The 1st and 2nd Runners-up will also receive scholarships of HK$4,000 and HK$2,000 respectively.

Linguist

About

The Student of the Year – Linguist category is for students who have achieved a high level of proficiency in English, Cantonese or Putonghua. The judges look for precision and originality in use of the language, whether that is in writing short stories or speeches, or in debates. The nominee must also demonstrate how they have used their linguistic skills as a tool for leadership in action, driving positive change and inspiring others within the community.

Entry Criteria

Open to Form 4 to 6 or Grade/Year 10 to 13 students

Judging Criteria
  1. A reflection on “The power of language” (30%)
  2. Awards and other forms of recognition (50%)
  3. Community service (20%)
  • A reflection on “The Power of language”

    Nominees must submit an essay (English max. 400 words; or Chinese max. 600 characters) or a video presentation in English, Cantonese or Putonghua (3 minutes max.) describing their passion for language and their achievements in this category in the past year. They should also reflect on how they have used their skills and accomplishments to contribute to wider society. This should consider:

    • How your linguistic expertise has helped you to achieve personal growth, and also drive positive change in your school or community in the past year
    • Specific language-related goals for the past year and any setbacks or difficulties encountered along the way
    • Key lessons learned from your experiences and how they can be applied to enact wider social impact and create a better tomorrow for all
  • Awards and other forms of recognition

    Awards related to the category and other forms of recognition are considered, such as media interviews, appreciation from the general public for students’ performance and more.

  • Community service

    Nominees are expected to be part of a group, association or organisation which contributes to the community in Hong Kong by using or teaching languages.

  • Scholarship

    • All nominations and supporting documents submitted should refer to the 2024/2025 academic year.
    • The three winners in this category will receive a HK$10,000 scholarship. The 1st and 2nd Runners-up will receive scholarships of HK$4,000 and HK$2,000 respectively.

Performing Artist

About

The Student of the Year – Performing Artist category is dedicated to individuals who demonstrate exceptional mastery in one or more of the performing arts, including music, dance, theatre, drama, or singing. Nominees are expected to show how they have harnessed their artistic talents to inspire their peers and drive meaningful transformation within the community.

Entry Criteria

Open to Form 4 to 6 or Grade/Year 10 to 13 students

Judging Criteria
  1. A reflection on “Shaping the Possible through Performance”(30%)
  2. Awards and other forms of recognition (50%)
  3. Community service (20%)
  • A reflection on “Shaping the Possible through Performance”

    Nominees must submit an essay (English max. 400 words; or Chinese max. 600 characters) or a video presentation in English or Cantonese (3 minutes max.) describing their passion for performing arts and their achievements in this category. They should also reflect on how they have used their skills and accomplishments to contribute to wider society. This should mention:

    • How your expertise in the performing arts contributed to your personal growth and driven positive community impact in the past year
    • Specific performance-related goals for the past year and any setbacks or difficulties encountered along the way
    • Key lessons learned from your artistic journey and how these experiences empower you to lead others toward a more vibrant and better tomorrow for all
  • Awards and other forms of recognition

    Awards related to the category and other forms of recognition are considered, such as media interviews, appreciation from the general public for students’ performance and more.

  • Community service

    Nominees are expected to be part of a group, association or organisation which contributes to the performing arts community in Hong Kong.

  • Scholarship

    • All nominations and supporting documents submitted should refer to the 2024/2025 academic year.
    • The winner of the category will receive a HK$10,000 scholarship. The 1st and 2nd Runners-up will also receive scholarships of HK$4,000 and HK$2,000 respectively.

Scientist & Mathematician

About

The Student of the Year – Scientist & Mathematician category is for individuals who demonstrate exceptional aptitude in the sciences (including physics, chemistry, and biology) or mathematics. To merit consideration, candidates should demonstrate a high standard of achievement in a relevant subject over the past year. Each nominee must also demonstrate how they have used their skills and achievements to drive meaningful transformation in the community.

Entry Criteria

Open to Form 4 to 6 or Grade/Year 10 to 13 students

Judging Criteria
  1. A reflection on “The Science of Discovery: Shaping a Better Tomorrow” (30%)
  2. Awards and other forms of recognition (50%)
  3. Community service (20%)
  • A reflection on “The Science of Discovery:Shaping a Better Tomorrow”

    Nominees must submit an essay (English max. 400 words; or Chinese max. 600 characters) or a video presentation in English or Cantonese (3 minutes max.) describing their passion for science and mathematics, and their achievements in this category. They should also reflect on how they have used their skills and accomplishments to contribute to wider society. This should mention:

    • How your expertise in science or mathematics has fostered personal growth and empowered you to drive positive change or innovation in your school or community over the past year
    • Specific subject-related goals for the past year and any setbacks or difficulties encountered along the way
    • Key lessons learned from your experiences and how they can be applied to enact wider social impact and create a better tomorrow for all
  • Awards and other forms of recognition

    Awards related to the category and other forms of recognition are considered, such as media interviews, appreciation from the general public for students’ performance and more.

  • Community service

    Nominees are expected to be part of a group, association or organisation which contributes to the community in Hong Kong through an activity related to science or mathematics.

  • Scholarship

    • All nominations and supporting documents submitted should refer to the 2024/2025 academic year.
    • The winner of the category will receive a HK$10,000 scholarship. The 1st and 2nd Runners-up will also receive scholarships of HK$4,000 and HK$2,000 respectively.

Sportsperson

About

The Student of the Year – Sportsperson category recognises individuals who have achieved excellence in sports, whether as a standout individual athlete or a pivotal team player. Nominees are expected to have made efforts to promote their sport, or physical well-being in general, within the community, or been a role model by offering support and encouragement. The judges will assess sporting excellence in terms of achievements in competition, relative to the individual’s physical abilities, or through efforts drive meaningful transformation in the sporting community.

Entry Criteria

Open to Form 4 to 6 or Grade/Year 10 to 13 students

Judging Criteria
  1. A reflection on “The spirit of sportsmanship” (30%)
  2. Awards and other forms of recognition (50%)
  3. Community service (20%)
  • A reflection on “The spirit of sportsmanship”

    Nominees must submit an essay (English max. 400 words; or Chinese max. 600 characters) or a video presentation in English or Cantonese (3 minutes max.) describing their passion for sport and their achievements in this category. They should also reflect on how they have used their skills and accomplishments to contribute to wider society. This should mention:

    • How a passion for sport was used to achieve personal growth, and also drive positive change in their school or community in the past year
    • Sporting-related goals for the past year and any setbacks or difficulties encountered along the way
    • Key lessons learned from the spirit of sportsmanship and how these can be applied to lead others toward a wider social impact and a reimagined future for all
  • Awards and other forms of recognition

    Awards related to the category and other forms of recognition are considered, such as media interviews, appreciation from the general public for students’ performance and more.

  • Community service

    Nominees are expected to be part of a group, association or organisation which contributes to the sports community.

  • Scholarship

    • All nominations and supporting documents submitted should refer to the 2024/2025 academic year.
    • The winner of the category will receive a HK$10,000 scholarship. The 1st and 2nd Runners-up will receive scholarships of HK$4,000 and HK$2,000 respectively.

Visual Artist

About

The Student of the Year – Visual Artist prize is for those who have excelled in one or more areas of artistic endeavour. This can include drawing, painting, sculpture, crafts and multimedia projects. It could also be in graphic design, interior design or fashion design, but photography is not included in this category. Nominees are expected to demonstrate outstanding talent by way of notable personal achievements. Each nominee must also demonstrate how they have used their skills and achievements to drive positive change in the community.

Entry Criteria

Open to Form 4 to 6 or Grade/Year 10 to 13 students

Judging Criteria
  1. A reflection on “Shaping the Possible through Art” (20%)
  2. Portfolio (30%)
  3. Awards and other forms of recognition (30%)
  4. Community service (20%)
  • A reflection on “Shaping the Possible through Art”

    Nominees must submit an essay (English max. 400 words; or Chinese max. 600 characters) or a video presentation in English or Cantonese (3 minutes max.) describing their passion for visual art and their achievements in this category. They should also reflect on how they have used their skills and accomplishments to contribute to wider society. This should mention:

    • How your passion for the visual arts has fostered personal growth and empowered you to take the lead in driving positive change or social awareness within your school or community over the past year
    • Original goals as a visual artist for the past year and any setbacks or difficulties encountered along the way
    • Key lessons learned from your experiences and how they can be applied to enact wider social impact and create a better tomorrow for all
  • Awards and other forms of recognition

    Awards related to the category and other forms of recognition are considered, such as media interviews, appreciation from the general public for students’ performance and more.

  • Portfolio

    • Only photos or images of artworks should be submitted. The judges do not require the actual work (e.g. sculpture or painting on canvas).
    • The date the artwork was completed and a brief description of no more than 100 words in English or Chinese should be provided for each item.
  • Community service

    Nominees are expected to be part of a group, association or organisation which contributes to the visual arts community in Hong Kong.

  • Scholarship

    • All nominations and supporting documents submitted should refer to the 2024/2025 academic year.
    • The winner of the category will receive a HK$10,000 scholarship. The 1st and 2nd Runners-up will also receive scholarships of HK$4,000 and HK$2,000 respectively.

Sustainability Advocate

About

Student of the Year - Sustainability Advocate category is for individuals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment and leadership in action by promoting a greener, more resilient future. Nominees must showcase a profound understanding of sustainability principles and have been actively engaged in activities that promote sustainable practices. These efforts may include organising sustainability-focused events, leading environmental clubs or initiatives, implementing eco-friendly practices within the school or advocating for sustainable policies, as a way to influence their peers and the wider community to move towards a more sustainable future.

Entry Criteria

Open to Form 4 to 6 or Grade/Year 10 to 13 students

Judging Criteria
  1. A reflection on “Advocating for Change: Shaping a Sustainable Future” (40%)
  2. Community service (40%)
  3. Awards and other forms of recognition (20%)
  • A reflection on “Advocating for Change: Shaping a Sustainable Future”

    Nominees must submit an essay (English max. 400 words; or Chinese max. 600 characters) or a video presentation in English or Cantonese (3 minutes max.) describing their passion for sustainability and their achievements in this category. They should also reflect on how they have used their skills and accomplishments to contribute to wider society. This should mention:

    • Your personal journey as a sustainability advocate and how you have taken proactive steps to lead others in environmental stewardship and personal growth over the past year
    • Goals related to sustainability for the past year and any setbacks or difficulties encountered along the way
    • Key lessons learned from your experiences and how they can be applied to enact wider social impact and create a better tomorrow for all
  • Awards and other forms of recognition

    Awards related to the category and other forms of recognition are considered, such as media interviews, appreciation from the general public for students’ performance and more.

  • Community service

    Nominees are expected to be part of a group, association or organisation which contributes to the wider understanding and promotion of sustainable practices.

  • Scholarship

    • All nominations and supporting documents submitted should refer to the 2024/2025 academic year.
    • The winner of the category will receive a HK$10,000 scholarship. The 1st and 2nd Runners-up will receive scholarships of HK$4,000 and HK$2,000 respectively.

Most Nurturing Environment

About

The Student of the Year – Special Award for Most Nurturing Environment is presented to a school that has provided notable support and encouragement to help students with diverse talents realise their full potential. This includes paving the way to tertiary education and sought-after careers, or opening up new possibilities for those who are daring to navigate the unknown.

Theme for SOTY 2025/26

Leadership in Action: Shaping the Possible

All secondary students, whatever their individual talents and aptitudes, benefit from a strong support system. To become leaders in action, they require a foundation that helps them face the challenges of moving through the grades and embarking on journeys toward future frontiers.

As such, an essential task for schools is to create an environment that provides this vital support. It may come in the form of personal guidance, practical advice, or the encouragement needed to step forward with purpose.

Many Hong Kong schools go well beyond that. Each year, this award highlights instances where schools have gone out of their way to assist students and the wider community.

This year’s theme, "Leadership in Action: Shaping the Possible," recognises the power of a nurturing environment in cultivating the bold pioneers of tomorrow. Judges will be looking for examples of all-round support, alumni network initiatives that drive student growth, and specific schemes that foster holistic development. We seek to honour schools that empower students to reimagine what is possible, creating a lasting societal impact that extends far beyond the campus.

Judging Criteria
  1. Practical support and initiatives to foster holistic student development within the school and beyond - 85%
  2. Overall mission and plans for the future - 15%
  • Support and initiatives to help students and the community

    Judges will evaluate each nominated school based on the following:

    • The practical support, encouragement and assistance offered to students and the wider community to achieve distinct goals and objectives
    • Evidence of how school policies and programmes have acted as a catalyst for
  • Overall mission and plans for the future

    Strategic plans for the school to provide ongoing guidance in academic, extracurricular, and community-based activities, ensuring students are equipped to lead and thrive in a reimagined future.

  • How to enter

    Any nominee for the Award must be a registered secondary school in Hong Kong. Schools are required to submit the following to complete the nomination process:

    • A written essay in either English (max. 800 words) or Chinese (max. 1,000 characters) or a video presentation (max. 5 mins).
    • Proof of any awards and other forms of recognition, including media interviews and photos, received during the 2024/25 academic year.
  • Nomination procedure

    • Completed nomination forms must be submitted together with required documents online. Late submission or nomination via fax, post, email or other digital formats will not be accepted or processed.
    • The nomination period runs from 10 February to 7 April, 2026.
    • The winning school will be selected by our advisory board members and, subsequently, will be announced and receive their prize at the Awards Ceremony to be held in July 2026.