Jockey Club scholars reaffirm pledge to pursue their dreams

11/30/2011

The achievements of 33 outstanding students who graduated under The Hong Kong Jockey Club Scholarship Scheme were celebrated last night (29 November) at a Graduation Dinner hosted by the Club.  Attendees included Club Chairman T Brian Stevenson, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Institute of Contemporary Culture Ada Wong, Club Steward Anthony W K Chow, representatives from the city’s tertiary institutions, as well as families and friends of the scholars.

Mr Stevenson noted that the Scheme is not just about providing financial support but more importantly, it has given the Scholars the opportunity to gain more life experiences and inspire them to make a difference in the city.

“Unlike other scholarships, the Scheme not only rewards for academic excellence, but also acknowledges students’ passion and commitment for contributing to society, which is a core value of the Jockey Club,” Mr Stevenson remarked. “I am delighted that the Scheme has proved so successful, and it is my aim in the coming year or two to make it more prominent still, in terms of the number of top-quality students honoured and the diversity of disciplines they cover.”

This year’s keynote speaker, Ada Wong encouraged students to make a difference to society by becoming social innovators. “Government now see social innovation as a driver for social change,” Ms Wong observed. “To become social innovators, young people must be socially-minded and determined to make a difference. Of course, they should understand that new solutions could only be found by crossing boundaries, synthesising knowledge and connecting the dots.”

The 33 scholars who graduated this year from the eight UGC-funded tertiary institutions and The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA) included 10 from the Mainland.  Two of the scholars, Szeto Kin and Sharon Lai, shared their thoughts and experiences.

To pursue his musical dream, 23-year-old John Szeto Kin enrolled in HKAPA in 2006 to study erhu and gaohu. Soon after his graduation this year, he became the youngest full-time performer in the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra, while continuing his studies in conducting at HKAPA. John says the Scholarship not only helped pave his musical path but also changed his family’s perspective on his career choice. “When I was in primary six, my elder brother had to quit school to support our family after our father passed away,” he recalls. “My family strongly objected to my decision to study music until I received the Jockey Club Scholarship. They were then relieved and that really helped my development in music.” John says that by helping him pursue his career, the Scholarship ultimately helped him to realise his goal and thank his brother for supporting him over the years.

Sharon Lai is an English teacher and novelist. From an early age, Sharon enjoyed learning, and volunteered to teach while she was in secondary school.  This led to her writing a novel based on that experience when she was 17. After she entered Hong Kong University, her father’s health deteriorated and the family encountered financial difficulties. That’s when the Jockey Club recognised her outstanding performance in school and in community service as worthy credentials for the Scholarship. “I did not have to worry any more,” she said. “The Scholarship not only helped cover my tuition fee, but also my sister’s, which really helped alleviate the financial burden of my family.” Sharon graduated with a bachelor degree in Language Education. She hopes to publish another book about her teaching experiences and continue contributing to the education sector.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club Scholarship Scheme was established in 1998.  It provides an average of 27 scholarships each year for local and Mainland students to pursue three-year first degree courses in the eight UGC-funded institutions and The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts.  It was originally planned as a ten-year scheme, but to dovetail with the new academic structure for senior secondary and higher education (commonly known as the “3-3-4” system) it has been extended to 2011/12, the last year before universities launch the four-year curriculum.  The Club’s total contribution amounts to HK$107 million.

Scholars are chosen by their respective tertiary institutions on the basis of outstanding academic ability as well as their community service record and other talents.  Renewal of the scholarship depends on the level of the student’s performance.  Each student receives approximately HK$300,000 over the full three-year period.  So far, 316 students have been awarded scholarships, of whom 216 have graduated.

About the Jockey Club Scholars Alumni Association

Launched in 2002 with the Club’s support, and officially inaugurated in 2004, the Alumni Association aims to build a strong network of Scholars who can make good use of their diverse backgrounds and expertise to serve the community. The Association has organised a number of community service projects for elderly people, secondary school students, single-parent families, at-risk youth, young new arrivals and disabled children. The Club believes the Scholars’ enthusiasm helps promote the spirit of volunteerism, philanthropy and commitment to the community.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club

Founded in 1884, The Hong Kong Jockey Club has become one of Hong Kong’s best known and respected organisations, providing the public with world-class sporting entertainment as well as being the city’s major non-Government community benefactor, now donating more than HK$1 billion a year to charitable and community projects.  It has been a part of Hong Kong through good times and bad, sharing the city’s growth and development with its people, and is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for future generations.