HKU hands out $46m in scholarships

At least 430 University of Hong Kong students from the SAR and 40 from overseas have been awarded nearly HK$46 million in scholarships jointly contributed by donors, HKU, and the government.

Among them, 22 students who attained an average score of 42 in their best five subjects in the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination were named President's Scholars.

Rocky Gu Lok-hei, one of the recipients of the Undergraduate Entrance Scholarship, received over HK$300,000.

He talked about his experience in anatomy dissection classes and his dedication to propelling medical advancements through research and innovation.

Other scholarships awarded include the Hong Kong Jockey Club Chairman's Scholarship for students with exceptional academic achievements; the Lee Shau Kee Top Athletes Scholarship for outstanding young athletes admitted to HKU through the Top Athletes Direct Admission Scheme; and the Belt and Road Scholarship, which recognizes outstanding students from Belt and Road countries.

Penelope Septier, a recipient of the Undergraduate Entrance Scholarship for Exceptional Academic Talents, is currently studying for a dual bachelor of social sciences degree jointly with the French university, Sciences Po.

Septier expressed gratitude to the institutions for their collaborative efforts in promoting cultural exchanges and highlighted HKU's pivotal role in facilitating knowledge transfer and providing a wealth of academic resources.

She recalled her internship at a local NGO specializing in human trafficking law, where she applied insights gained from her studies in psychology and criminology at HKU, laying the groundwork for a future career in international criminal law.

Carina Cheung Ting-ting, a recipient of the Hong Kong Jockey Club Striding On Scholarship, who is pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree, thanked her scholarship donors for offering financial stability and enabling her to pursue a career as a nutritionist.

Scholarships, with up to full tuition fees plus allowance, are designed to honor students who have excelled while also demonstrating resilience in overcoming challenges.

Cheung underscored the scholarship's role in facilitating her participation in a summer school program at another esteemed university.

The awardees attended the HKU Entrance Scholarships Award Ceremony last Friday, where representatives from 10 consulates came to extend their warm wishes. Twenty local secondary school representatives also attended the event.

Acting HKU president Richard Wong Yue-chim said the university is committed to nurturing future leaders.

"We will continue to provide our students with a world-class education that will empower them to become leaders and change-makers of tomorrow," he said.

Meanwhile, Hang Seng University of Hong Kong hosted its Scholarship and Award Presentation yesterday, honoring over 600 exceptional students with scholarships, including entrance, academic and co-curricular scholarships, worth about HK$15 million.

adelyn.lau@singtaonewscorp.com