Innovation and Technology Scholarship Award Scheme 2018 Award Presentation Ceremony

Hong Kong youngsters are full of innovative ideas and passions. However, when it comes to making a career in the innovation and technology industry, they still need to amass experience and expand their visions. Organised by the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups, jointly supported and sponsored by the Innovation and Technology Committee, and The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited, the Innovation and Technology Scholarship Award Scheme (the Scheme) has been set up. Since 2011, 25 innovative minded university students were selected every year, and each was awarded with HK$150,000 as their scholarship. Furthermore, tailor-made training programmes were provided to achieve their “Tech” dreams.

This year 25 local undergraduates received their awards at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on 23^rd April. Student awardees come from different branches of study, including science, engineering, computer, and health-related disciplines. Within the coming year, they will be supported to attach in the world’s top institutes in overseas or Mainland China, and with a chance to experience living in an academic environment outside Hong Kong.  Each awardee will be matched with a well-known scholar as a mentee receiving precious guidance in their learning process. In addition, the Scheme will also provide awardees with the opportunities to take internship locally and make use of what they have learned to apply to local community works.

The Chairman of the Scheme’s Awardee Selection Committee, the Honourable Bernard Chan, GBS, JP, commented: “The quality of the candidates this year are of exceptionally high standards. Many of them are having incisive perspectives about applying cross-disciplinary technology in their fields of profession. Those ideas are unique and very practical at the same time”. He further looks forward to awardees receiving great benefits from the Scheme in the coming year, and channel back such benefits to the community.

One of the guests of honour of the Ceremony, the Honourable Nicholas W. Yang, GBS, JP, Secretary for Innovation and Technology, complimented the Scheme on nurturing more technology talent for Hong Kong. He said: “By participating in some world-acclaimed overseas or Mainland universities, and pairing with reputable academic or professional mentors, the Scheme helps expand the network of awardess and widen their horizons. Many of the past awardees are embarking on their careers in innovation and technology, and are inspiring more young people to pursue a career in the field.”

The Scheme has been sponsored by The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited for the past 8 years. Mr Raymond Cheng, Group General Manager & Chief Operating Officer, Asia Pacific, encourages awardees to take full use of the present opportunities to be at the forefront of the globe. He said, “Same as previous years, I enjoyed engaging with all the young talents. Their understanding of technologies and social issues, innovative thinking, academic capabilities, and adoption of research results to practical problem solving really impressed me. I believe the scholarship scheme will help further broaden their perspectives, enrich their further study of technology and enable them to be future leaders of technology in a variety of fields.”

The Executive Director of the Scheme’s organiser, Mr Andy Ho of The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups (HKFYG), is deeply grateful to all partners and industry pioneers who have supported and contributed to youth development through this Scheme. He encouraged talented young people to continue tackling problems on their journey of scientific study and to make the most of the opportunity to gain valuable experience. He said: “HKFYG aims to nurture an innovative mindset in young people whose knowledge of science can be applied to reality. Through the Scheme, undergraduates with great potential are given a series of training opportunities that can enrich both their passion for the lifelong careers in the innovation and technology field and their ability within the industry.”

Attached are this year’s ceremony photos, and a list of this year’s awardees.  For further enquiries and arrangement of awardees’ interviews, please contact our public relations firm.

List of 25 Awardees