We are bursting with pride to share that South Island School Alumna, Sa’diyya Nesar, has been honored with the prestigious Lion Rock People’s Choice Award at the Spirit of Hong Kong Awards. This award, decided by public vote, recognizes individuals who embody the resilient “can-do” spirit of Hong Kong.
As a celebrated author, TEDx speaker, and advocate, Sa’diyya has spent years turning personal adversity into a powerful platform for inclusion and empathy. Born with a rare congenital muscle condition called Myopathy, Sa’diyya’s journey is one of incredible perseverance, navigating the physical challenges of her disability with a grace that has inspired many both within and beyond our school gates.
Reflecting on her time at SIS, Sa’diyya shared a moving message with our current student body:
“Stay focused on your goals by moving forward. I walked from class to class as a student at SIS, despite muscle weaknesses, and the fear of falling. What kept me going was the dream of writing books, and the trust that my parents, teachers, and peers believed in me. Sometimes we do not realize how deeply others believe in us. Sometimes we may even face discouragements, or different forms of biases, but remember that there are always those who see our potential.
Your role is to keep discovering your passions and to try your best. Trust that your efforts will bear fruit. It may take months, years, or even decades, but those fruits do emerge. Rise with grace. Your efforts are never wasted, and there will always be doors meant for you to push open.”
Today, Sa’diyya is the author of Hearts that Remember and Strength from Within. Her work continues to break barriers in disability, advocacy and interfaith harmony. Congratulations, Sa’diyya! You are a true embodiment of the SIS spirit.
