I failed favourite subject, Tsang tells students
Chief Executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen has encouraged Form Five graduates not to be upset by bad exam results because he failed public examinations himself.
'Don't forget, someone who once failed in examinations is now the chief executive of Hong Kong,' Mr Tsang said in video clip showing his meeting with six secondary school students. The clip is posted on Mr Tsang's website.
Recalling how he failed in his favourite subject, history, he said: 'Studying is not only for examinations. Examinations are important, but they are not the most important thing in the world.
'History was my favourite subject when I was still a student. I read a lot of books about the French Revolution. When I did the examination, a question about the French Revolution was there and I felt quite excited, as it was my favourite topic. But I got carried away and lost track of time. I kept writing a lot about the French Revolution and spent lots of time on that question. I only answered two questions when I had to do five and I failed. I still remember what I learned back in secondary school. If you fail in examinations, I want you to know that I support you all in my heart. But don't forget many people have failed in examinations, including the chief executive.'
Pang Shuk-han, in charge of the Federation of Youth Groups' helpline, said students should have a reasonable expectation of their results based on their performance at school and how they did in previous exams.
Many students were worried about disappointing their parents. 'They should communicate with their family and let their parents know what to expect,' she said.
Ms Pang said some students were confused about the new language grading system. 'Some thought they were guinea pigs,' she said.
Emma Leung Yin-chun, a social worker at Samaritans Befrienders, said students with unsatisfactory results should share their burden with friends and family, or anyone they trusted.
