Wong Chak Lam, Brian, a third-year social work major, was selected as one of the awardees in the “Ten Outstanding University Students Selection 2023” held by the Hong Kong Ming De Association in November of last year as a result of his substantial time commitment and dedication to community services and personal development.

The selection of awards is based on students' participation in public welfare affairs. Wong has been involved in several volunteer initiatives to increase his involvement in social services, such as beach cleaning activities, corporate visits, and environmental education days.

Wong was selected as one of the awardees in the “Ten Outstanding University Students Selection 2023”. 

"I'm thrilled because not only does the award acknowledge my work, but the scholarship offered also provides me with the opportunity to take part in an overseas volunteer trip," Wong expressed.

In addition, the Hong Kong Ming De Association arranged various workshops for applicants to improve their workplace skills, including resume writing, entrepreneurship advice, and public speaking. Through this, students can receive support and equip themselves to prepare themselves for joining society in the future.

Wong (at the back) joined the beach cleaning activity and made new friends. 

When asked what the most intriguing aspect of his journey to earn the award was, Wong responded that, unexpectedly, the judges' interview had been one of his most memorable experiences.

He recalled being taken aback when former Secretary for Education Eddie Ng asked him if he had enough time to spend with his family while engaging in a variety of extra-curricular activities. This question led him to the realization that making contributions to society and spending time with family are equally important.

Over the last few years, Wong has made a wide range of contributions to the community through his experiences as an online tutor, an intern with the Social Welfare Department, and a volunteer with elementary and secondary school students' leadership development programmes. Additionally, Wong participated in an e-sports-related start-up business. He has however managed to sustain an exceptional GPA over a CGPA of 4 while leading a balanced life and spending time with his loved ones.

Spending his childhood in Australia, Wong did not have many ties to his peers in the city. He was very grateful that taking part in the Hong Kong Ming De Association's events had allowed him to forge lasting friendships as well as to establish a stronger sense of belonging to the community.

Wong was invited for an interview at Metro Broadcast.

This year, Wong will transition from being a participant in the ceremony to a committee member to assist the upcoming participants. He aimed to have the “Ten Outstanding University Students Selection” well-organized so that those participating in the following year might benefit in the same way as he had this year.

“Awards should not be our primary goal. Give it your all; the rewards will come along," Wong continued, emphasising that endeavours must mount up in all endeavours — academic or volunteer.

With a background in social work studies, he saw that a lack of social workers is causing a large number of individuals in need to wait for support. He hopes his efforts will encourage greater community service from the public.

"Don't underestimate your ability as an ordinary citizen; our society needs more volunteers," he added.