Gary Mok Kwan-hoi, a graduate of PLK Mrs Ma Kam Ming Cheung Fook Sien College, exemplifies the saying, “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.”
Initially shy and reserved, he kept to himself at school. However, in recent years, he has taken on leadership roles, leading the school’s storytelling team and earning recognition in a public speaking competition.
Although he was considered overweight during his early teens, he joined the Hong Kong Sea Cadet Corps and dedicated himself to gym training.
During the pandemic, Gary, who identifies as an introvert, spent most of his free time playing video games at home rather than playing sports with friends.
A turning point for him came when he attended an astronomy summer class at the Chinese University of Hong Kong several years ago. There, he observed his peers eagerly raising their hands and asking questions.
“They were so articulate and knowledgeable. Initially, I was scared to raise my hand, even though I had questions,” the 17‑year‑old said.
Gary admits he did his best to meet physical education requirements at school, but was always hesitant to join extracurricular sports. Because every student must join a uniformed group, he signed up for the Hong Kong Sea Cadet Corps.
“I always considered myself slightly overweight and rather clumsy, not particularly good at team sports,” he noted.
One training session crystallised his transformation: he resolved to climb to the top of the rope and ring the bell.
“I wanted to prove to myself and my teammates that I could do it,” he said.
As he slowly ascended, his teammates cheered him on despite his struggles. Bolstered by that camaraderie, he persevered and completed the task.
His parents, pleased by his gradual improvement, encouraged him to get off the couch and train at the gym. Over six months, Gary lost 10kg and became stronger.
Determined to ditch procrastination, he followed up on a summer physics course at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology two years ago by seeking clarification from professors. A professor agreed to speak to him in person.
“I live in Tung Chung, so it’s 4km one way. It took me two hours to get to the university campus,” Gary recalled. The trip paid off: “The discussion helped me fully grasp the subject.”
Gary’s academic progress has been steady. He said he doesn’t have a single secret study method: “I use methods such as time‑blocking and approach my revision in a systematic way,” he explained.
“More importantly, it’s being diligent and proactive. Don’t procrastinate.”
His journey was recognised as he was named a winner in the Best Improvement category of the 2024/25 Student of the Year Awards, organised by the South China Morning Post and sponsored by The Hong Kong Jockey Club.
