Benita Wong Pui-ting, diagnosed with autism, hyperactivity and attention deficit, is among 45 winners of the Hong Kong Jockey Club Scholarship this year for her outstanding academic performance and commitment to serve the community.

Since 1998, the scholarships have been awarded to more than 800 outstanding students, contributing HK$640 million.

Wong, a year three Chinese medicine student at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, said she might use the scholarship to apply to an overseas master program in neuroscience or psychology.

She said the insights she gained from being one of the club's scholars provided her with opportunities to visit places such as sheltered workshops and serve people from all walks of life.

"These opportunities are too precious, you cannot buy them with money," she said.

Having been diagnosed with special educational needs at a senior primary school, Wong said she has to spend more time and effort than her classmates in schoolwork and examinations.

"For others they can finish the exam paper within the time limit. I can only complete 80 percent of it," she said.

Yet this did not stop her as she had found a way to enjoy learning by making her notes look like colorful rainbows, which helps her memorize and recall the points for exams. She eventually got 28 points for her best five subjects in the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education, with a 5** for geography.

She is now a certified special-needs student tutor who hopes to use her expertise to help more students.

Another awardee, Jabez Lam Kin-ngai, wants to become a social worker, especially for those with mental health issues and special educational needs.

Doris Wong Mei-yue, a year three civil engineering student at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and an assistant netball coach, is determined to give back to society through her knowledge of civil engineering.

Benita Wong

Smart students beat challenges