A decade of success Innovation and Technology Scholarship supports local undergraduates to enrich themselves with cross-cultural I&T experience

The Scholarship is jointly sponsored and supported by the Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC) and HSBC, and organised by The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups (HKFYG). 

25 exceptional undergraduates from diverse backgrounds, such as medicine, physiotherapy, mechanical engineering, public health, speech and hearing sciences and other science-related areas of study, were selected from a pool of 163 candidates. All these outstanding awardees have gone through a highly competitive selection process and demonstrated excellence in their academic studies and possess a passion in I&T. 

The 25 awardees, from The University of Hong Kong, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, are expected to unleash their potentials through their participation in the Scholarship and become leaders of the next generation of I&T breakthroughs.

The Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Mrs Carrie LAM said, “This year’s Scholarship Award winners, from four Hong Kong universities, are pursuing degrees in medicine, sciences, engineering and the arts, with one among them studying fashion and textiles.  More than outstanding achievers, these young men and women serve as role models for the dedication and drive they bring to their studies and, no less important, for the innovative spirit that underlies everything they do. The Innovation and Technology Scholarship Award, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, puts a well-deserved spotlight on the next generation of Hong Kong leaders and innovators.”

The Chairman of the Awardee Selection Committee, Mr Bernard CHAN said, “Since I joined the Selection Committee, the awardees have always surprised me with their enthusiasm, knowledge and dedication in wanting to give back through innovation and technology.  Now, as we face this global pandemic, it is so heartening to discover that they really do wish to contribute their expertise in improving the public’s quality of life.” He also encouraged the awardees to push themselves beyond their current limits, and make their dreams or goals a reality.

Executive Director of The HKFYG, Mr Andy HO expressed The HKFYG’s honour at participating in the Scholarship for the last ten years.  “The Federation has had the privilege of seeing how enthusiasm, if nurtured, benefits everyone.  I would like to express our deep gratitude to the ITC and HSBC for their sponsorship and support. It is only through such community efforts can these young talents feel empowered to further develop their passions and interests in InnoTech.  The Federation is committed to fostering younger generations of InnoTech talents by organising workshops and competitions, so that a sustainable InnoTech culture can be built and strengthened in Hong Kong.” 

Group General Manager, Chief Operating Officer, Asia Pacific of HSBC, Mr David GRIMME said, “We believe talented people can positively impact diverse groups within our community. That’s why HSBC co-founded this scholarship programme with the ITC and HKFYG ten years ago. Hong Kong itself has become a dynamic hub for innovation, recognized as a leader across the region. Creative thinking and entrepreneurial spirit is exactly what we’ll need to rebound from the current challenges, we see this potential in this year’s 25 student awardees. We will increasingly look to creative thinkers and problem-solvers as we emerge from under this COVID-19 cloud.  I would like to thanks all our partners and members in the community, for their sustained support of Hong Kong’s emerging talent.”

Awardees of Innovation and Technology Scholarship 2020: (in alphabetical order)