- Sham Pui-yan’s community service journey dates back to primary school; she has a deep desire to help others
- The Harrow International School student started the global youth initiative ‘We Want Well-being’ which helps students deal with mental health issues
Sham Pui-yan is the 2022-23 Grand Prize winner of the Student of the Year awards. Photo: SCMPSham Pui-yan’s community service journey began in primary school when she took part in a project addressing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
“We focused on ‘no poverty’ and ‘zero hunger’, organising a food drive and a bake sale. Even at that young age, I realised I had the power to make a positive difference,” said the 17-year-old student at Harrow International School Hong Kong.
This experience sparked her enduring commitment to community service and her desire to help others. But her work was not without challenges, such as when she volunteered as a tutor during Covid-19. Sham recalled facing communication barriers with a shy student.
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“It was difficult at first, but with patience and support from a school social worker, I built a rapport with him. We bonded over badminton, and he grew more confident using English,” she explained.
Sham has also been involved in events like the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Group’s “Speaking for All” series.
Working as a group leader, she helped secondary school students overcome their hesitation in using English. “Seeing them actively participate, unafraid of making mistakes, was deeply gratifying. It was a celebration of our shared passion for public speaking,” she said.
Her dedication and talents have recently earned her the Grand Prize at the Student of the Year Awards. The awards were organised by the South China Morning Post and solely sponsored by the Hong Kong Jockey Club. The theme this year is “Take action to drive positive change”.
The judges described Sham as a highly intelligent, confident, and positive individual committed to making a difference in the world – qualities sought after for the Grand Prize, the top award given to a Form Five or Six student.
Sham’s journey to drive positive change does not end here. Moved by the struggles of her peers with mental health issues, she started the global youth initiative “We Want Well-being”.
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She aims to educate people about positive psychology, saying, “I want to continue making a difference by helping others understand and prioritise their well-being.”
Reflecting on her awards, including Future Leader of the Year 2022 from Ivy House London, Sham emphasised the importance of participation and learning.
“My journey has been about trying new things, meeting new people, and learning from every experience,” she said.