Schoolboy plunges to death after receiving DSE test result

A 17-year-old secondary six student yesterday fell to death after receiving his Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education exams result.

The boy fell from Kai Lok House at Kai Yip Estate in Kowloon Bay at 9.30am. He was certified dead at the scene by emergency personnel.

It is understood that the boy was a DSE candidate this year and the police found a suicide note in the lift lobby on the 15th floor of Kai Lok House.

The boy stated in his suicide note that he was disappointed in his exams result and the education system in Hong Kong, sources said.

Sources added the boy was raised by his father in a single-parent family.

His father was devastated and cried upon seeing his son's body.

"My son, I didn't force you [to do anything] and I didn't give you pressure, why did you do this?" the father said while crying.

Psychotherapist Jennifer Wong Ming-wai said family and friends of DSE candidates should accompany them when checking the results.

Wong reminded them not to criticize students if the result is not satisfactory, adding they should tell students that they will be by their side when facing difficulties.

She also encouraged students to realize their value, saying they can always have a bright future no matter the scores. When facing pressure, students should share their feelings with family members, friends or social workers at school, she added.