ITC admits three top achievers with 5*/5** in five subjects

Three high-calibre students with top scores in the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) examination 2021 have been admitted to the BA (Honours) Scheme in Fashion and Textiles at ITC. A one-off entry scholarship was granted to these outstanding students to recognize their academic potential.

Prof. Jintu Fan, Head and Chair Professor of ITC, had this to say about the competence of the applicants: “This year has been an exceptionally difficult year for HKDSE candidates as they faced different challenges and various uncertainties due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet we see them striving for self-improvement and achieving outstanding results."

"I am thankful for the support of my parents and friends. Most importantly, thanking myself for putting in effort and my determination to choose ITC.” Jennifer, Raimondi College graduate

One of these academically outstanding students, Lai Cheuk-ying Jennifer, received an admission scholarship of HK$35,000 with a score of 30.5^# for her five best HKDSE subjects. Jennifer stated that “It all started with a concert”. She was impressed by the costumes and styling of Hins Cheung at his 2020 concert, which were created by three ITC alumni Derek (DEMO.), Kit Wan (Kit Wan Studios) and Constance Lee (ConStyle). She aspires to their success by starting her academic studies at ITC.

After receiving an outstanding HKDSE score, Jennifer’s parents asked if she wanted to study abroad. However, she insisted that she wanted to stay in Hong Kong. “I was surprised that the local designers can create such fascinating designs!” She has confidence in the local fashion industry and would like to create her own brand in the future. “Maybe one day Hins Cheung will wear my designs.”

A graduate of Raimondi College, Jennifer majored in Biology, Chemistry, and the Visual Arts. Despite achieving two 5s in Biology and Chemistry, her true passion is in the Visual Arts. “I enjoy the process of making my own garments. The sense of achievement gained is beyond words after seeing the final product.” She sees ITC as the bridge to reach her goals where she can equip herself and grow her networks. “There are many talented students at ITC and I can learn so much from them. ITC is a place where I can build my networks.” 

In the coming years, she plans to engage in different aspects of university life. “I would like to be in an intern for local brands like INITIAL and DEMO.” Her targeted destination for the exchange programme is the London College of Fashion.

HKDSE exams are always a nerve-racking time for students so Jennifer offers some insights  to those who will be taking the DSE. “It can be stressful and tiring during the HKSDE, but I knew that it was only going to last a very short period of time.” She balanced her study and rest time. “After 6-8 hours of studying, I just laid down on the sofa and watched TV. I would suggest not to push yourself too hard.” She also shares an final tip to prepare for the examinations. “I brought my study notes everywhere with me and glanced at the pages when I was on the road, even if my intentions were not to review or memorise anything. I found that it is really important and effective to become familiar with the syllabus.”

"As long as I am determined enough to achieve a goal, I would do my best to achieve it. I was determined to gain admission to ITC regardless of my final DSE score." Karina, Our Lady's College graduate.

Another high achiever is To Hang-yin Karina who is a graduate of Our Lady's College. She received an admission scholarship of HK$25,000 with a score of 27.5^# for her five best subjects. When Karina was a child, she often dreamt of studying fashion design. She loved going to adventure parks to play mix-and-match games. Her parents also love fashion styling and shopping, and in particular, clothing. Therefore, this childhood environment 'nurtured' her interest in fashion styling. Her dream job is to be a fashion stylist. Being professionally trained at ITC in the next coming four years on fabrics, materials, and tailoring, she believes that she will be fully equipped for a career in the fashion industry.

Karina struggled internally when completing her JUPAS form. She was worried that her parents would not support her decision to apply to ITC. In the end, Karina’s parents gave her their unconditional support, even though they knew that Karina had a variety of options from HKU and CUHK due to her outstanding HKDSE results. 

Karina also shared her experience with admission and provided some tips. "You don't need to rush the preparation of your portfolio during the examination months, don't waste your precious time for reviewing the exam material." As for setting a review timetable, Karina believes tha everyone has their own schedule and pace of studying. She did not set a specific time for herself to review the materials because "It will be more stressful for me."

Karina believes that it is not uncommon that ITC students do not have Visual Arts knowledge. "Having studied Visual Arts is certainly an advantage, which provides the foundation for drawing, and allows you to pick up fashion drawing much more easily. However, all students will be trained to draw and paint at ITC. So they don't really need to worry too much about not being able to adapt to the syllabus."

“Hirohiko Araki – my muse for my fashion path.” Shirley, Christian and Missionary Alliance Sun Kei Secondary School graduate

Lin Tsz-wing Shirley, who received a scholarship of HK$15,000 with a score of 21.5^# for her best 5 subjects, is passionate about art and studied Visual Arts during her secondary school years. “I am interested in any kind of design, especially fashion design. Fashion is art too, as the garment could be a form of art, allowing us to express ourselves."

“I did a lot of research about ITC before finalizing my JUPAS choices. I found that there are many learning resources. I felt that ITC would a great place for me to achieve my fashion dreams."

Among the five specialisms in the BA scheme programme, Shirley is interested in Intimate Apparel and Activewear as her specialism. She was impressed by the amazing work of the final year students during the freshman seminar. She would like to explore more about the industry, for example, the techniques and the crafting processes. She is also inspired by Victoria’s Secret and the fashionable intimate apparel designs that highlight the beauty of a woman’s body.

Shirley is no ordinary girl. She is not interested in the “Five must-do items at University*”.  She just wants to stay focused on her academics and help other people. “When I first came to PolyU, I felt so nervous and lost. Luckily, the student ambassador gave me a lot of guidance and support. Wouldn’t it be meaningful to guide someone like me in the future?”

*study, apply for dormitory stay, join a committee of a university-based student organisation, accept a part-time job, and start a love-relationship

Shirley says, “I want to thank all my allies at PolyU who gave me tremendous support and interesting learning experiences last semester. I would also like to give a big thank to all of my secondary school classmates for caring about me a lot, and my teachers for giving me valuable advice and encouragement.”

Shirley shared a simple tip to students who are facing the DSE: Practice makes perfect. "I know it may sound really cliché but that’s what I did when preparing for the HKDSE, especially Visual Arts. You really need to do a lot of prep work before and during the examination weeks. Stick to your goals and you will achieve them one day."

^#The PolyU scoring system giving bonus points to applicants achieving 5 or above, where Level 5** = 8.5; 5*= 7; 5 = 5.5.