Hong Kong's smartest secondary school graduates give their thoughts on pro-democracy Occupy protests

STAFF REPORTERS

PUBLISHED : Thursday, 16 July, 2015, 3:56am

UPDATED : Thursday, 16 July, 2015, 3:56am



Chan Lok-pong

We asked the 11 pupils who got top marks in the Diploma of Secondary Education exams whether they joined last year's Occupy protests and for their views on the campaign.

Chan Lok-pong, 17, King's College, Western district, who did not join the protest: "My standpoint is neutral. Furthermore, I was slightly shaken by the scale of the movement, as well as the violence that various participants in the movement faced. It was unnecessary for them to risk getting injured."

Cheung Tik-fung, 18, Queen's College, Causeway Bay, who did not join Occupy: "Although I did not take part, I admired the spirit of those who did."

Lam Ming-tuen

Lam Ming-tuen, 18, Queen's College, who did not join Occupy: "The path to democracy is always going to be long and arduous."

James Kwok Chun-kan, 17, HKUGA College, Wong Chuk Hang, who did not protest: "I didn't take part because I was worried about extreme violence at the scene. But the campaign was good as it gave people a chance to voice their opinions."

Tam Lok-man (left)

Melody Tam Lok-man, 18, HKUGA College, who did not protest: "I was afraid the movement would get out of control. But if people express their opinions rationally, it's OK."

Vienna Chin Hoi-yiu, 18, St Mary's Canossian College, Tsim Sha Tsui, who joined the protests: "It made me go out and see what was happening. It was a chance for me to realise pupils could not simply study indoors, but should go out and explore more about the real society."

Wong Chi-yiu, 17, St Mary's Canossian College, who joined Occupy: "It was a heated topic among all my schoolmates and teachers. Teachers taught us how to think critically and be objective."

Ko Tsz-ngok, 17, Shun Tak Fraternal Association Leung Kau Kui College, Tuen Mun, who joined Occupy: "It was a distraction [from studies] because I wanted to be aware of social matters."

Chung Yick

Chung Yick, 18, HKTA Tang Hin Memorial Secondary School, who did not protest: "After seeing how chaotic Hong Kong was … I would really like to study government and law at the University of Hong Kong. It will give me a different perspective on … political issues."

Lau Hiu-ching (left)

Lau Hiu-ching, 17, Diocesan Girls' School, Jordan, who did not join Occupy: "The participants' aims are very worthwhile, but with the methods they used, I wouldn't take part in it."

Wong Hoi-shuen, 17, St Paul's School (Lam Tin), who did not join the protests: "I think Hong Kong deserves democracy."

http://m.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education-community/article/1839952/hong-kongs-smartest-secondary-school-graduates