Ian Wong Earns Honourable Mention

Ian W (L6) has achieved outstanding recognition in the Horizon Academic Essay Prize 2026, receiving an Honourable Mention for his compelling response to the theme “The Pursuit of Progress.” His work was ranked among the top 10% of 1,656 submissions from 88 countries, marking an impressive international accomplishment.

 Ian’s essay, “From Awareness to Action: Challenging the Stigma of Mental Health,” explored one of today’s most pressing global issues. His response argued that while awareness of mental health has improved, meaningful progress requires coordinated action across multiple sectors. Drawing on historical context, he traced how perceptions of mental illness have evolved from superstition and stigma to a more scientific understanding, while highlighting the persistence of societal and institutional barriers. Ian proposed a range of clear, practical solutions across education, workplaces, government policy, and wider society to improve attitudes towards mental health and expand access to support.

Ian’s achievement reflects both academic excellence and a strong commitment to addressing real-world challenges, and we congratulate him on this well-deserved recognition.