Passion and determination are the keys to success, says Joanna Yu Tsun-yan, the newly crowned South China Morning Post Student of the Year.
The St Paul's Co-educational College sixth-former beat five finalists in the closely-contested final at the Hong Kong City Hall on Monday night.
Fifian Chiang Ka-yan of St Mary's Canossian College and Eric Li Lap-bong of Diocesan Boys' School were runners-up.
Brian Lo Ka-chung of Li Po Chun United World College, Michelle Vickers of Shatin College and Joanna's schoolmate Vanessa Lam Wing-yun were awarded certificates of excellence.
During the final, the students shared ideas on how technology is changing the media. They were then individually interviewed by judges Secretary for Education and Manpower Arthur Li Kwok-cheung, general manager of main sponsor EF Education First Philip Johnson, and Post editor Fanny Fung.
The finalists were asked what they would be doing in 30 years' time.
Inspired by Microsoft founder Bill Gates, Joanna said she wanted to become a successful businesswoman and make money to help the needy.