The ESF Chairman’s Awards is a celebration of the world-class performance of our graduates. The awards recognize excellence in academics and outstanding achievement in Leadership, Commitment and Contribution to Service, Embodying the Spirit and Values of the School, Sport and Creativity. 

Today’s #ESFRapidFireQuestions feature Solomon Lam of Sha Tin College, who won the Chairman’s Award for Leadership and the Chairman’s Award for Excellence for achieving 44 points in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. He is now studying economics at the London School of Economics and Political Science in the UK.

You have earned "The Chairman's Awards for Leadership". What makes you a good leader?
To think “I can do better” without doing anything is a common pitfall. Actually contributing to making a positive difference is a much harder task, to which I attribute my successes to one main factor: a drive to succeed. Possessing drive is a crucial part of any genuine success, particularly in leadership. As a leader, you will face unfamiliar challenges that seem insurmountable; it is your responsibility as a leader not only to reject such pessimism but inspire within those around you a similar optimism and spirit.

How did your ESF education set you up for success?
In my mind, there were two main benefits of my ESF education: culture and community.

The first component of this is the support structure and culture I experienced in Sha Tin Junior School and Sha Tin College: I attribute my development in leadership to the culture of encouraging experimentation at ESF.

The second component of this is community: the opportunities at ESF schools to engage with incredible budding talent provide excellent opportunities for self-development and growth. Observing the excellence of my peers pushed me to find my own calling.

What advice would you give to other ESF students who would look up to someone like you?
Take advantage of the opportunities given to you! ESF schools offer this wonderful, protected environment in which you can tap into exciting new opportunities.