Vincent's athletic drive earns academic glory

A VERY athletic-looking young man wearing the broadest of smiles as he gazes at an academically stunningly achievement - that was Vincent Tam Shing-fai of Kowloon Wah Yan College studying the five As on his English Advanced-Level exam results slip.

The well-built 19-year-old scored A(1) in Physics, Pure Mathematics, Use of English [AS], Ethics and Religious Studies [AS], and an A(2) in Chemistry.

''I had no idea I would get five As!'' Vincent said. ''I thought I might have a chance of getting distinctions in the science subjects, so I was thrilled to get As in Use of English and Religious Studies.'' Asked whether he had a formula for academic success, Vincent said he kept to a basic practice of persistent revision of notes, total attention in class, raising questions in class about things he did not understand - and maintaining good health.

To stay fit, Vincent plays badminton and swims. The die-hard fan of Pete Sampras also loves to sharpen his wits by playing bridge.

He demonstrates he is neither a bookworm nor an introvert by taking up posts like those of chief librarian and chief editor on the school's editorial board.

It may come as a surprise that Vincent, who has such an active life, both in and out of the classroom, actually gives tuition to classmates with study problems.

A group of close friends described the outstanding student as ''down-to-earth, sincere, helpful, opportunistic, persistent, and definitely not pompous''.