Hiccup-free start to DSE exams

Cheng Wong

More than 3,900 candidates took part in the Diploma of Secondary Education visual arts examination yesterday, with about 90 percent using the updated Check-in Smart app.

The Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority said the overall operation of 58 exam centers and more than 240 special education needs centers was smooth.

HKEAA chairman Paul Lam Kwan-sing highlighted the cooperation of schools in two large-scale drills under public examinations support system 2 to test its capacity, as well as the training provided for examination staff.

Lam said the authority will closely monitor examinations for the four core subject starting today, while also preparing appropriate contingency plans to ensure the DSE runs smoothly.

The visual arts exam, the first subject, began at 8.30am yesterday, with many candidates arriving outside centers by 7.30am, following last year's hiccups with the Check-in Smart app.

Some candidates voiced worries about potential issues occurring again that might disrupt the exam, while others felt confident effective measures were in place. A student named Luk arrived at around 7.50am due to concerns about the app.

"Although I feel a bit nervous, I hope to perform at my best," he said.

Another student, Wong, said she woke up early to double-check her art supplies and reference materials to avoid forgetting anything.

She said she also felt nervous and worried that the cold weather might affect her mood during the exam and force her to "make a mistake."

About 55,000 candidates registered for the DSE examinations this year, an increase of about 10 percent from last year. Among them, over 10,000 are private candidates, representing a rise of more than 37 percent compared to 2024.

Some candidates are worried that competition for university places will be tougher this year, but they also believe they have an advantage over private candidates since they regularly trained for their subjects at school.

Many parents accompanied their children to venues. Mother Tang said she just wanted to "give [her daughter] some encouragement."

cheng.wong@singtaonewscorp.com