We hear from the high achievers of the 2025 graduating class of Malvern College Hong Kong about the role the school has played in their journey, and the skills they’ve been encouraged to develop as learners.
For Malvern College Hong Kong, academic excellence is more than just a goal – it’s a core value woven into every student’s journey. The school says that its rigorous academic programmes, diverse co-curricular opportunities and nurturing community empower students to develop critical thinking, resilience and leadership skills that prepare them for success in university and beyond.
Headmaster Paul Wickes adds, “It’s the intrinsic motivation of our students and their ability to take responsibility for their own learning that drives our success – highlighting the importance of developing the whole person.”
The Malvern graduating class of 2025 exemplifies all of this – as we discover from their stories on these pages.
Fostering critical thinking
One of the new graduates is Hank Qiu, who credits Malvern’s emphasis on broad-based learning for inspiring his curiosity. Reflecting on his upcoming studies at the University of Chicago, Hank says, “The core programme helped me broaden my horizons with cross disciplinary knowledge and deepen my understanding of humanity – which is crucial in the AI era.”
His experience with the IB Extended Essay further strengthened his confidence. Hank’s Economics teacher highlighted his college-level analysis skills, which played a role in his current choice to study a double major in Economics and Mathematics or Computer Science. Hank adds that he’s keen to keep an open mind during his first years at university; “Perhaps I’ll find another major that attracts me through the cross-disciplinary exposure I experienced through the core programme,” he says. “I’d like to keep an open mind for my major choice.”
Resilience and balance
Resilience is a defining trait among Malvern graduates. Obi Chan, who is attending Baylor University in Texas on a full-ride scholarship, exemplifies this attitude: “Despite pressures from deadlines and setbacks, I persevered because I didn’t want to let myself down. The support from teachers and friends made all the difference.” Obi’s journey as a student athlete highlights how the IB programme, along with participation in school-supported sports such as golf and basketball, fostered her determination and ability to manage multiple commitments effectively.
It’s a similar story for Arianna Lau, who received a full athletic scholarship at Northwestern University. “Golf has taught me perseverance and goalsetting. These lessons translate into my academic life and help me face every challenge with confidence.”
Students at Malvern College Hong Kong also understand the importance of being well-versed in a range of interests and activities. Arianna demonstrates the value of balancing multiple passions: “Music has given me another way to express myself – playing in the Chamber Orchestra was one of my favourite experiences at Malvern.”
Leadership and personal development
Leadership is central to student growth at the school. Jasper Liu, who was honoured as Head Boy, says, “Leading the student council taught me problem-solving, communication and how to stay calm under pressure. These experiences have given me confidence to handle challenges in university and beyond.”
Jasper also highlights how the position enhanced his understanding of the ability individuals have in leadership roles to make a difference: “I cherished this role a lot, and it was very rewarding for me to see how my actions brought positive change to the student community.” Alicia Bay is another who has enjoyed the exposure to Malvern’s leadership opportunities. “Being the Head of House and part of the founding Sixth Form Council has helped me develop good social and leadership skills,” she says.
Alicia highlights the importance of creativity in her personal development, too. Her Higher Level Music project – conducting the school orchestra – not only challenged her musical skills but also provided a vital creative outlet during busy exam periods. “Music helped me relax and connect with others, showing me that balance and pursuing passions are essential for achieving academic excellence.”
Building role models for the future
Malvern describes its emphasis on role models as vital in shaping responsible and inspiring individuals. Current students see teachers and peers as examples of virtues such as integrity, dedication and leadership. Angelina Chung, a 2025 graduate, shares her experience of leading an after-school chemistry club for pupils from FY3-Hundred: “Teaching fundamental chemistry concepts with interactive methods not only enhanced my collaboration and planning skills but also made me realise how patience and dedication are essential qualities for a good teacher.” Her experience exemplifies how nurturing leadership and mentorship in students builds future role models.
Elliot Wang, a current Malvern College Drama Scholar, was selected to participate in Hong Kong Youth Arts Foundation’s Miller Performing Arts Production Likes and Lies.
He describes the significance of the opportunity: “It represented a major learning experience outside the classroom, helping me develop teamwork, discipline and resilience. It also aligns perfectly with our school’s values of fostering well-rounded individuals and celebrating artistic excellence.”
Foundation for lifelong learning
The core values at Malvern Hong Kong – integrity, curiosity and community – are lessons that graduates carry into higher education and careers. Sanni Tsui says, “The passion of my teachers and the supportive community fostered my curiosity and love for learning. These lessons will stay with me forever.”
Sanni articulates the value of enhancing learning through risk-taking, “Embracing risk-taking has taught me the importance of stepping out of my comfort zone and pursuing new opportunities. My curiosity drives me to explore diverse subjects and seek a deeper understanding, fuelling my passion for lifelong learning.”
A final word from the school: “As they move forward, Malvernians remain committed to lifelong learning, driven by a solid foundation built on academic excellence, ethical integrity and a genuine desire to make a positive difference.”
We look forward to hearing the next instalment of these graduates’ stories.
Congrats!
Well done to the Class of 2025 at Malvern College Hong Kong for their outstanding results in the IBDP – a third of students scored 40 points or higher, with one student achieving a perfect 45 out of 45, two others scoring 44, and three scoring 43.
Malvern College Hong Kong
3 Fo Chun Road, Pak Shek Kok, New Territories
3763 0111 | malverncollege.org.hk
This article first appeared in the Winter 2025 issue of Expat Living magazine. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe so you never miss a copy!
