SOTY 22/23: Community Contributor winner’s commitment to service helps her make a difference on a global scale
- Wong Sze-kiu is vice-president at Dream Compassioneers, a cross-school international volunteering organisation for education
- Batting for the power of collective effort, the Hong Kong teen says, ‘A single spark can start a prairie fire’
Wong Sze-kiu is the winner of the Community Contributor award at the Student Of The Year awards. Photo: Handout Wong Sze-kiu began her journey into the world of service in primary school with a simple act – selling flags to support a cause greater than herself.
Shy by nature, she was amazed at her younger brother’s boldness as he fearlessly approached passers-by and asked them to contribute.
Little did she know that this shared experience would sow the seeds of change within her.
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As time passed, Wong’s commitment to service blossomed. She became actively engaged in initiatives that transcended the boundaries of her community. Wong’s dedication led her to the role of vice-president at Dream Compassioneers, a cross-school international volunteering organisation for education. This platform allowed her to make a difference on a global scale.
The culmination of Wong’s efforts came when she was awarded the title of Community Contributor at the esteemed Student of the Year Awards (SOTY) in 2023. The awards were organised by the South China Morning Post and solely sponsored by the Hong Kong Jockey Club.
One particular experience left an unforgettable mark on Wong’s journey: an encounter known as “Dialogue in the Dark.” In the depths of a sensory deprivation facility, Wong and others ventured into a world devoid of light, guided by visually impaired individuals. The shadows became their companions, and whispers replaced the visual symphony of everyday life.
As the darkness enveloped her senses, Wong’s perspective shifted. She experienced first-hand the struggles faced by visually impaired individuals, gaining insight into their resilience and determination.
During the final moments of this journey, the guide, his voice filled with wisdom and vulnerability, revealed his own visual impairment. His words lingered: “The world of light is waiting for you.”
Those words resonated with Wong, awakening a profound understanding of the transformative power of service. She realised that the darkness she had experienced during the activity was merely a metaphor for the challenges faced by marginalised communities.
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With new-found clarity, Wong resolved to dedicate her life to illuminating the lives of others and to be their guiding light.
Driven by her purpose, Wong organised a multitude of activities, such as international volunteering projects and free tutorials in resource-constrained settings. Wong’s initiatives extended beyond her community, shedding light on pressing social issues and encouraging secondary school students to volunteer.
Throughout her journey, Wong recognised the power of collective effort and how small acts of kindness could make a huge difference. Quoting an ancient adage, she remarked upon each individual’s potential, saying: “A single spark can start a prairie fire.”
As Wong Sze-kiu continues her academic pursuits in Early Childhood Education at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, she carries an unwavering belief in the profound impact of service. Her story reminds us that within every act of kindness lies the power to provide a beacon of hope in the darkest of times.
“In the humblest of acts, we discover the power to ignite change and illuminate the world with compassion,” she said.