The Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) results were recently released, and there were 16 top scorers from 14 different schools, the highest number recorded since 2012. This week, we have two more HKDSE graduates – Ken Mochizuki and Mohan Kumar Sapkota – on Straight Talk.

They share with us their plans and their view on the education system and policy, and help us answer the question "Can our education system deliver Hong Kong’s future leaders?"

Check out the full transcript of TVB’s Straight Talk host Dr Eugene Chan’s interview with two DSE graduates:

Chan: Good evening! I am Eugene Cha,n and welcome to Straight Talk. Can our education system deliver Hong Kong's future leaders? Previously, we had two of our top-scoring DSE graduates on our show, sharing their experiences and insights into the system that shaped them. In this episode, we will focus on students with specific talents and the challenges that non-Chinese speaking students face, navigating the different culture, system, and emphasis in education. We have Ken Mochizuki and Mohan Kumar Sapkota in the studio with us. Welcome to both of you! So, you are Ken, you are Mohan. We will start with you, Ken. Where are you from originally?

Ken: My dad is Japanese, so originally we are from Japan, but my mom is from Hong Kong. So, I am mixed of Japan and Hong Kong.

Chan: But you can speak Cantonese quite well.

Ken: Yeah.

Chan: Right. Which school did you go to, and how did you go with the DSE this year?

Ken: I have graduated from ELCHK Lutheran Secondary School, and it is a local school. And I got my DSE result, like average, best five around 18.

Chan: Right. And Mohan where are you from? And which school did you go to?

Mohan: So, originally, I am from Nepal, and I went to Salesians of Don Bosco Ng Siu Mui Secondary School in Hong Kong. And my DSE scores are quite decent, I would say. And I think that would put me in a place that I can pursue my desired program in university.

Chan: Right. Are you happy with the results?

Mohan: I would say yes. I am not totally happy, but I would say I am satisfied with my results.

Chan: Right. And you?

Ken: I think it is acceptable, but I think I can do better.

Chan: Right. So, in the last episode, I talked to the students, and they said this year's exams are harder than before. Do you agree?

Ken: Yes. I think compared with the papers we have done before, this time it’s a bit difficult.

Chan: Right. And do you feel the same way?

Ken: I do believe the same. And I think this year's maths paper was more difficult than the previous years. And, for other subjects, I think it was okay.

Chan: Right. With the result you have got so far, was it a surprise? Did you do better than you thought?

Ken: I think it is an okay result.

Chan: Right.

Ken: Because I should be able to do better in some subjects, like ICT.

Chan: Right. And you, Mohan?

Mohan: I think I did as predicted.

Chan: Right.

Mohan: And I would say there is a lot of room for improvement as well. So, I think I can do better in my further studies.

Chan: Right. In hindsight, would you have done anything differently given the results today? For example, you thought you would be able to do a bit better. What else would you have done differently?

Mohan: I would say, maybe, while preparing for the DSE exam, I would have put more time into it, I would say.

Chan: Right.

Mohan: And also, maybe I could have learned more skills that are technically supportive for specific exams, such as some exam skills for specific subjects.

Chan: Right.

Mohan: I could have focused on that one rather than enhancing my knowledge only.

Chan: Right. Don't worry, you still have a lot of exams coming up. I am sure you can improve. And Ken, how about you?

Ken: Yeah, same. I would do more practice if I could. And for example, like ICT, this subject, because I have quite confidence in this subject, so I didn't put a lot of time into it. But should I have put more time into it, maybe I would have got better results.

Chan: What is ICT actually?

Ken: ICT is Information, Communication, Technology.

Chan: I see. Right. The reason why we invited you today, Ken, is I know you have a specific talent in engineering. And for the viewers' interest, you are going to City University to do Electrical Engineering.

Ken: Yes.

Chan: In particular, you are doing a system called the School Nomination Direct Admission Scheme.

Ken: Yes.

Chan: So, what exactly is that? And how do you get involved in that scheme?

Ken: The scheme is called SNDAS. So, it is designed for students who have some special talent. Each local school can suggest two students to eight of the Hong Kong universities, and they can choose one subject only, and see if the university sends them an offer based on their performance in the field they are interested in, and also the interview.

Chan: Right. So, do you think without SNDAS, you would have been able to get into City University to do Electrical Engineering?

Ken: Yes. I already got an offer from SNDAS.

Chan: Right. So, SNDAS does help you to get the offer.

Ken: Yes.

Chan: Without SNDAS, would you be able to get in?

Ken: Not really, because the subjects I studied in DSE are ICT, Economics, and BAFS, which is not really related to engineering.

Chan: Right.

Ken: So, it is difficult to get into engineering-related subjects with the subjects I have chosen for DSE.

Chan: Right. So, that means nowadays, the schools in Hong Kong will be able to support the students if they see you have a specific talent, but you may not have the subjects. So, they can give you a direct referral or suggestion, or nomination to the university.

Ken: Yes.

Chan: Right. And Mohan, I mean, you told me earlier that although you were born in Hong Kong, you have been away, only coming back in Form 3?

Mohan: Form 4.

Chan: Form 4. So, two years in Hong Kong? Basically, as an NCS student, we call non-Chinese speaking students, do you find it challenging?

Mohan: Yes, definitely, in terms of making friends and socializing, it is very difficult when you don't know the language. And for me, I couldn't speak Cantonese and I didn't learn it before, so it was hard for me to find like-minded friends. And I think it was quite difficult for me in the beginning to connect with my classmates, and let's say, connect with my teachers effectively. But I think eventually, I could understand a little bit of Cantonese. And also like, I think even my classmates managed to understand English, and eventually I got to make new friends and connect with the people there.

Chan: Right. Mohan, a lot of people would say Hong Kong is sort of a bilingual society, a lot of people can speak English. But do you find that in the school that you went to, what would you say the English level? Would you be able to communicate with most Western English speaking people? Or you think because of lack of practice, they may be a bit shy?

Mohan: I think not the majority of the people in my school are able to speak English fluently and communicate. So, there is a kind of language barrier there. But like many of the students over there can actually speak English and connect to the westerners, and also those who don't speak Cantonese and communicate in English. So, I think it is kind of a mix of both students who can speak in English and also those who cannot speak in English.

Chan: Right. Ken, you have a Japanese background. I am sure you can speak Japanese very well. But do you have an issue with your school in terms of communicating?

Ken: Not really, but actually I can’t speak Japanese.

Chan: Oh, you can’t speak Japanese.

Ken: I am born and raised in Hong Kong.

Chan: Right.

Ken: So, I speak Chinese, so it is okay for me.

Chan: Right, so you don't have that issue. But were the students friendly to you?

Mohan: Yes, they are friendly, and I think the problem was the mutual understanding. We couldn't connect with each other because of the language. And other than that, I think they are respectful and we could have mutual respect. And I think the bonding could not be there because of the language barrier, that’s it.

Chan: Right, so what is your plan for university?

Mohan: I’d like to pursue a degree in business or maybe in finance in the future. And hopefully, I will get into the degree I want with my results I have for DSE.

Chan: And for Ken, I know you want to be an engineer for sure, right? Engineering, right? Do you think City University will provide you the background and education that you will have a career in engineering, do you think?

Ken: Yeah, of course. The reason I want to apply to CityU or want to join CityU is because of the ‘HK Tech 300’.

Chan: The ‘HK Tech 300’?

Ken: Yes, ‘HK Tech 300’. CityU, I saw that they support their students to start their businesses because one of my goals is to start my own business ...

Chan: Right.

Ken: … and making some technology-related products. So, I think having some program, like ‘HK Tech 300’ can really help me a lot. So, I think CityU can definitely help me to do what I want to.

Chan: Right. Then why do you want to do business, Mohan?

Mohan: When I was young, I was thinking, like, so people were asking me what kind of job you want to do, and I thought why can't I create a job for myself?

Chan: I see.

Mohan: I felt like creating a job for myself. And doing business is the only way I can create a job for myself. And I could explore my entrepreneurial skills, and I could also, by the business, I could also provide employment opportunities to others. Then, why not business?

Chan: Right. So, if you had watched our last program, the last two students were quite contrasting things that you guys are doing. They are going overseas to study, and you are staying in Hong Kong. How would you see the opportunity staying in Hong Kong, as compared to going abroad to study? Do you think … what is the advantage of staying in Hong Kong? What do you think, Ken?

Ken: I think the advantage of studying in Hong Kong is that you can keep the opportunities.

Chan: Right.

Ken: Because there are some opportunities that they keep for students who are staying in Hong Kong. And also we can see a lot of students that are coming to Hong Kong from other countries because I joined some program in CityU, and I saw lots of international students. They are from everywhere, from across the world. And for students who are in Hong Kong originally, we can also take those opportunities. So, I think that is the advantage for us.

Chan: Right. If I have remembered correctly, I think CityU is ranked one of the most international cities (universities) in the world. I mean I was a council member, that is why I knew this. So, I think you picked the right university as well. How about you, Mohan?

Mohan: I think staying in Hong Kong will definitely provide me more opportunities to develop my network in Hong Kong. So, like knowing more people in Hong Kong, as eventually, I want to start my business in Hong Kong. I think staying in Hong Kong will definitely help me.

Chan: Right. What type of business do you want to start?

Mohan: Probably in the finance sector.

Chan: Right, okay. So, to both of you, we will take a short break now, and viewers, stay with us, we will be right back.

Chan: Thank you for staying with us. We have been exploring the question “Can Hong Kong's education system deliver our future leaders?” Our focus this evening is on students with specific talents, like Ken Mochizuki, and on the challenges that non-Chinese speaking students like Mohan Kumar Sapkota face. So, Mohan and Ken, thank you for coming again. I know Ken, I feel very happy for you because you are able to do the subject that you like, Electrical Engineering, and you have a passion for it. And Mohan, you want to do business, and Hong Kong will give you that opportunity. We talked about different things. And this part, we want to know what you think of Hong Kong's system. Ken, maybe we start with you. Being a DSE student, how do you see Hong Kong's education system? Would you … how would you suggest to the education secretary to make it even better for you?

Ken: I think the DSE system is good now, but I think we can add more parts like critical thinking, and train students in communication because I have seen a lot of my classmates and maybe some other DSE students, they don't really have enough communication skills. So, because I have joined a lot of different innovation competitions, and communication skills is very important right now. And DSE students, they don't really have good communication skills. So, I think the Hong Kong education system should add more on this part.

Chan: Mohan, what do you think?

Mohan: I feel like the Hong Kong education system should focus more on creating more entrepreneurs for future, as the business environment in Hong Kong is very fruitful for new startups, as well as the tax systems and everything is perfect, as it is very appealing for new businesses as well. I think in the DSE curriculum, if those kind of, let's say, curricula that would enhance the entrepreneurial skills of the students and also develop their critical thinking skills, would be much better to create those businessmen in future.

Chan: Right. Mohan, you told us you have been back only in Form 4, and previously, although you are born in Hong Kong, you studied in Nepal. How do you see the difference between the education system here and Nepal?

Mohan: I find, as Nepal is not that developed and is still developing, right? And I could see a lot of implementation of advanced technology in Hong Kong, and also like the use of electronic media in education. For example, e-notes and those kind of stuff were not provided in Nepal back there. And I feel like the teaching system is also a little bit different because in my school itself, we have a split group system, where we are divided in groups according to our ability in different subjects. Let's say in Chinese …

Chan: You mean in Hong Kong, right?

Mohan: … yes, in Hong Kong. I think that is a good part of the Hong Kong education system, where like in schools, they divide students into different groups according to their ability, and like which will help them achieve excellence in their specific subjects. So, I find that is the difference.

Chan: Right. Ken, I mean we have heard what Mohan talked about Nepal. But in Hong Kong, I mean we have faced a lot of challenges in the last few years. You are brought up in the system, we had COVID was very disrupting to everybody in business and everything. And recently, Hong Kong is going through some challenges economically. You know a lot of shops have not been able to survive. As a young person, what do you think Hong Kong's future is going to be?

Ken: I think Hong Kong has a positive future. Why I say that is because we can see that recently Hong Kong government, they spent a lot of money in innovation.

Chan: Right.

Ken: And maybe you refer that the government are building their own AI model. And it is good because technology can represent one place is good or not, can decide one place become a good place or a bad place. And seeing that, the Hong Kong technology growing so fast, so I think the future of Hong Kong will be very good.

Chan: And you will be staying here?

Ken: Yeah, I think so.

Chan: Right. So, Mohan, you are obviously, you have the genes to be a business person. I can feel that. You want to be an entrepreneur. Hong Kong is famous for being an international financial center. Will you see that still continuing in the years to come? How about the challenges from neighboring cities? Are you worried?

Mohan: So, first of all, I think the competition here in Hong Kong is very keen. And I think so opening up with different cities and also like the competition from different cities will be, of course, higher when the economy is growing. And I believe that to cope with those kinds of challenges, of course, we need to develop more strategies and plans. And also, we need to develop our business according to the environment, which is unforeseeable. And I believe going to some bachelor's degree programs in the future in business, would definitely help me analyze those kind of situations and develop my business plans according to it.

Chan: But do you think Hong Kong's international financial center's position will be quite strong in the years to come, do you think?

Mohan: I do believe yes, because in recent years we can see COVID hit, and like the geopolitical situation overall is not good right now. But I think it is improving. And I do believe in a few years, Hong Kong will definitely improve, and like also a lot of businesses are attracted to Hong Kong, and they are planning to move to Hong Kong as well.

Chan: Right. I am sure there will be a time when you graduate, you will be just at the so-called upward swing. So, Ken, a lot of, I am sure, your friends or your colleagues, will always talk to you about going to the mainland, sort of having a deeper integration with mainland, or even the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Do you see yourself and your friends going to work there, living there, and developing a career in the GBA? Or you want to stay in Hong Kong?

Ken: Personally I want to stay in Hong Kong. But I saw a lot of people, they are planning to go to the GBA because if you talk about technology, like doing chips development, for example, Hong Kong is quite impossible for you to do some chips development because you don't have enough place, and you don't have enough talent. But for GBA, they have a cheaper place and more talent. So, maybe some feel the GBA is better than Hong Kong. But of course, some feel Hong Kong is better than the GBA. For example, like we have more money.

Chan: Right.

Ken: So, I think for me personally, I will stay in Hong Kong.

Chan: Right. Mohan, I mean you are in business, I am going to ask you business-related questions. Do you see the GBA as a potential big market or what we call a realistic market? I mean we talk about like over 80 million people, they have a much bigger economy, Shenzhen is doing well. But do you think Hong Kong people can benefit from that successes across the border?

Mohan: Yes, definitely, because more population means more customers. And also the opportunity for businesses to expand, and the way they expand is how they grab their customers to their business. And I think GBA will definitely help the companies expand their customers. And also I think they will have more opportunities in GBA to attract more, let's say, talented people. And also let's say, if you are in a production line, let's say the cheaper cost, cheaper labor costs, and rents would definitely be helpful for a growing company.

Chan: Would you go there as a non-Chinese speaking person to have a career there?

Mohan: If the language barrier is not a problem, I would definitely go there. But if I really want to go there, I will definitely learn Chinese first, and then enter the market.

Chan: Right. So, let's move on to something you can suggest to the leaders in Hong Kong. I mean, Ken, you talked about the education system, I am sure you will support the STEAM development. So, what resources or support do you think the government should provide for teenagers, so that they can be more engaged in the STEAM development? What do you think the government should do?

Ken: I think we already have enough support. For example, like I have joined a lot of different gifted programs …

Chan: Right.

Ken: … or sponsored by the government. But the big problem is that most of the normal students from normal schools, band 2 schools, they don't really know there is some program like gifted programs, like access and education system.

Chan:  Gifted program?

Ken: Yes, gifted program, like access and education system. So, it is very important for the government to promote those programs to every student.

Chan: You mean that all these good programs should be better communicated to the schools?

Ken: Yes.

Chan: Mohan, being a non-Chinese speaking student, sorry, I have to ask you all the time because you have been through that, what can the Hong Kong system do so that we encourage more non-Chinese speaking students to come to Hong Kong to have education, to have a career, to be entrepreneur in Hong Kong and the mainland? What should the government do?

Mohan: So, first of all, I would say the government can introduce some workshops for their students to learn Chinese. And other than that, I think the Hong Kong government can also provide an environment where the non-Chinese students can learn in English. It is mandatory for the students to choose a Chinese subject, right?

Chan: Right.

Mohan: Other than that, I think if the government allows students to learn like a second language, but that language can be of their choice …

Chan: I see.

Mohan: That would be much better.

Chan: Right. You think the language ability should be expanded in such a way that Hong Kong can even become more international. So, for both of you, I mean, you know that the chief executive is going to deliver his Policy Address in September. Being a young person, DSE diplomats, what would you say to the chief executive? What would be on your wish list? You first, Ken.

Ken: If I can say something to him, I would say that he can give more support to technology and STEM-related education, especially for secondary students, because it is a very important period for us to develop our interests.

Chan: Right. Mohan?

Mohan: So, I feel like if the government could provide some incentives to new startups and young entrepreneurs in future, and also like if the government could provide some different kind of, let's say, educational scheme, that would provide the new, let's say, new businessmen, coming into the business with more insights of the market, then it will be much better.

Chan: Right. I am afraid that is all the time we have. I wish I could talk to you more to understand what you are thinking. So, as we conclude our discussion, I want to express my appreciation to our DSE students this evening, Ken and Mohan, and previously guests like Calvin and Caron – all top talents and products of the Hong Kong education system. We wish you all a very bright future and certainly, Hong Kong's success will depend on you. So, thank you for joining us on Straight Talk, and have a good evening.