The 36th South China Morning Post Student of the Year Awards

Belinda Ng faced stiff competition for this year’s Student of the Year Grand Prize, but in the end, it was her talents that extend far beyond academic prowess that earned her the victory.

“I’m really honoured, really happy and really proud of what I’ve been able to do,” says Belinda, a 17-year-old Year 13 student at ESF’s South Island School and a junior reporter for Young Post, who adds that it felt “really strange” to be on the other side of an interview for once.

The award could not have gone to a more selfless individual. Belinda frequently engages in charitable activities, and for the competition judges, it was Belinda’s selflessness and willingness to give back to the community that convinced them she would be a fantastic role model for other students in the city.

“We wanted to see someone who is thankful for the support they’ve had along the way, and who has a clear and strong vision of giving back to society,” says Ken Ngai, deputy executive director of the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups.

In addition to the recognition that comes with such a prestigious award, Belinda will walk away with a $25,000 HKD cash bonus, which she plans to save and contribute to her dream of one day opening her own social enterprise- a bakery that employs members of Hong Kong’s underprivileged communities.

“It makes me very happy to see bread,” says Belinda about her bakery ambitions. “My parents literally have to drag me out of bakeries.”