Innovation and Technology Scholarship 2024

Hong Kong’s flourishing innovation and technology (InnoTech) industry, backed by its world-class InnoTech infrastructure and acknowledged global accomplishments, is replete with vast opportunities. It is well-positioned to establish itself as an “International Innovation and Technology Centre”. To echo the Government’s strategy in InnoTech development and nurture more future leaders, Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC), HSBC, and The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups (HKFYG) have jointly launched the “Innovation and Technology Scholarship” since 2011.

Hong Kong strives to enhance its global InnoTech reputation by nurturing cross-disciplinary talent and promoting research implementation. This year, the Scholarship has transcended the disciplinary boundaries to attract young talents with InnoTech passions. In alignment with future social development trends, the awardees were selected against six “InnoTech Areas”, including “Advanced Manufacturing”, “Artificial Intelligence and Robotics”, “Business and Financial Technology”, “Life and Health Technology”, “Sustainability and Green Technology” and “Multidisciplinary Technology and Others”. The Scholarship provides a distinctive opportunity to convert research into pragmatic solutions, leverage technology for community engagement, and drive sustainable social advancement.

The Innovation and Technology Scholarship Award 2024 Presentation Ceremony was held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre today (June 11). The Hon Michael WONG, GBS, JP, the Deputy Financial Secretary of the Government of the HKSAR officiated at the Ceremony and recognised the achievements of the 25 awardees. All awardees are respectively from HKU, CUHK, PolyU, HKUST, CityU, and HKBU, encompassing diversified areas, including Computational Finance and Financial Technology, Global China Studies, Medicine, Veterinary, Biotechnology and Business, Biomedicine, and Arts Technology.

The Hon Michael WONG, GBS, JP, the Deputy Financial Secretary of the Government of the HKSAR affirmed that the government would continue to put in resources to build a vibrant InnoTech ecosystem with focus on enhancing InnoTech infrastructure, research capacity, nurturing talent, etc. He also encouraged the awardees, pointing out that InnoTech is the road to propel Hong Kong towards high-quality development. By taking the right path, Mr Wong assured the awardees that there would be ample opportunities lying ahead.

Ms Marina TONG, the Chief Operating Officer, Hong Kong, HSBC said, “Innovation and technology drive Hong Kong’s continued success as a global financial hub. At HSBC, we are committed to shaping the future by nurturing tomorrow’s leaders. Over the past 14 years, we have empowered 350 talented undergraduates with the resources and support needed to excel in the dynamic world of technology through the Innovation and Technology Scholarship. I am excited to see how our scholars will leverage their bold ideas to create more sustainable communities in the future.”

Ms HSU Siu-man, Executive Director, The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups said “This year, the Scholarship has, for the first time, broken the boundaries of disciplines and established six major areas of innovation and technology. We encourage these creative minds to make good use of the Scholarship resources to realise their pioneering ideas. The Scholarship can serve as a bridge connecting different individuals, bringing together expertise and ideas from different fields, sparking ground-breaking ideas of young talents while igniting their passions to be the changemakers of tomorrow.”

The Hon Bernard CHAN, GBM, GBS, JP, the Chairman of the Awardee Selection Committee also said “It is the fourteenth time that I have chaired the Awardee Selection Committee. In each cycle I gained insights into the evolving trends in technology and innovation. Through the interviews with the students, it is clear that the future will be centered around artificial intelligence and its potential to transform society. In an era of rapid technological evolution, we are not simply keeping pace but pushing the boundaries of what is possible, combining a unique blend of intellect, perseverance, and creativity.”

Every year, 25 outstanding university students are selected to receive a scholarship of up to HKD150,000 which supports their participation in a series of elite-nurturing initiatives, including overseas/ Mainland attachment, local internship, mentorship, service project, as well as ideation and achievement showcase programmes. The Scholarship aims to support the development of the next generation of InnoTech talents in Hong Kong, enabling them to take up leadership roles and inject new impetus into the InnoTech development of Hong Kong.

Details of the Scholarship can be found at innotechscholarship.hkfyg.org.hk

Innovation and Technology Scholarship 2024 List of Awardees

(Sorted by designated “InnoTech Areas” of the Scholarship and in alphabetical order of surnames)