In the rapidly developing field of education, university admissions are no longer a simple matter of scores and rankings. This is particularly true for the graduates of the Class of 2024. They are about to enter a new stage of their lives, and face unprecedented choices and challenges. As humanity rushes into the age of Artificial Intelligence (AI), how should people discover their own irreplaceable values?

We are delighted to report that graduates of the Class of 2024, because of their own hard work and talent, have received conditional offers from some of the world's top universities, including the University of Cambridge, the University of Oxford, Stanford University, Cornell University, and other schools. The graduates will have the opportunity to enter the most competitive fields of study at these universities.

What is particularly gratifying is that, with the help of the entire community, including parents, teachers, Careers and University Guidance Officers, and alumni, the graduates will be able to explore their inner passions and aspirations in depth. Instead of blindly pursuing top-ranked institutions, they have chosen universities that best suit their interests, strengths, and career plans.

At our holistic educational organisation, we recognise that each student has unique potential and aspirations. We believe that the ultimate goal of education is not to shape students into a uniform standard, but rather to foster their creativity and spirit of exploration, thus enabling them to excel in their chosen fields.

Dr Betty Chan Po-king, CEO & School Supervisor of YCYW, has said in an interview: "Our mission as educators is to prepare children for the future—and their future is not only about being admitted to a prestigious university. What we are concerned about is educating students for their future. We hope parents agree with us on that point. Obtaining a diploma, or even a doctorate, is just one part of life's journey. Far more important is how our students will fulfil their responsibilities in their careers, to their families, and in the long term. This is what is important when we educate our students."

YCYW is committed to providing students with counselling for further education that goes beyond the mastery of how to take exams. Our philosophy is to develop the ability of our students to deal with long-term learning, their lives, and the future challenges they will face. 

Yew Chung and Yew Wah schools offer comprehensive Career and University Guidance programmes, including the University Preparation Programme. These programmes  help students gain admission to their ideal university and adapt to its learning style, so that they can make full use of its resources and thus further improve themselves.

In addition, the Advanced University Preparation Programme provides students with content-rich reading lists to cultivate their understanding of topics such as science, society, the environment, and geopolitics. YCYW teachers and academics from international universities host meetings to stimulate discussions and debates about these topics.

In 2020, YCYW formed a team of experts to review all university applications to institutions in the United Kingdom, the United States, and Hong Kong SAR. This review process includes examining all application materials submitted by students and the schools’ Careers and University Guidance Officers to ensure the quality and suitability of the materials.

In October 2023, the Careers and University Guidance Office (CUGO) organised the inaugural "Somerset Elite Applications Programme" at Somerset, UK, which provided students with the opportunity to visit elite universities and receive face-to-face counselling from experts on how to apply to prestigious institutions. This programme allowed students to gain a more intuitive understanding of the university environment.

In addition to providing support related to further study at universities, the Careers and University Guidance Officers are also committed to helping students consider their future career plans at an early stage. They encourage students to choose the university major that best aligns with their career goals or talents.

Yew Chung Yew Wah schools offer a range of programmes to prepare students for a meaningful life beyond the university. For example, YCIS Shanghai's "Me at 30" programme encourages Year 11 students to think critically about what a meaningful life entails and to explore different aspects of professional work through internships. Whilst a unique focus on the Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teens in Year 10, gives students life skills and a purpose that set them up for success.

Moreover, YCYW's global alumni network provides students with opportunities to gain valuable insights into university life and emerging career trends.

According to Mr Nick Strong, Division Head of CUGO, starting from next year, the organisation will provide Specialist Career Training to all career and education counsellors. Through this training, counsellors will be able to provide guidance on a variety of career paths, including those that require a university education, as well as alternatives, such as direct employment after high school and degree apprenticeships.

For the graduates of the Class of 2024, admission to university is not an end, but a new beginning. We hope they will maintain their curiosity and confidence as they bravely embark on their own unique explorations of their life paths ahead.