Hong Kong’s DSE stars praise power of AI, eye local medical degrees
Some top scorers also planning overseas study, while one set to enrol in veterinary medicine
More than 55,000 candidates learned the results of their university entrance exams in Hong Kong on Wednesday, with many top performers saying that they had used AI to help with their studies.
At least 11 of the 16 star pupils in this year’s Diploma of Secondary Education (DSE) have opted to study medicine locally, while three plan to head to overseas universities and one is looking at a career as a vet.
A total of 55,489 candidates sat the DSE exams this year, a 10 per cent increase from the 50,591 last year. A record 16 students – 11 boys and five girls from 14 secondary schools – achieved perfect scores.
Competition for 15,000 government-subsidised places at the city’s eight public universities will be tougher than last year as 38.5 per cent of 42,795 day school candidates, or 16,393 students, attained the minimum entrance requirements, up from 38.4 per cent, or 15,629, last year.
Wang Haibo, a student at Hong Kong Chinese Women’s Club College in Sai Wan Ho, was the “ultimate top scorer” after achieving the highest grade across seven subjects – three core ones and four electives – as well as the extended maths module. He also secured an “attained” grade in citizenship and social development.
He said he would study medicine in Hong Kong, but had not decided on a university.