Club scholarship honours 27 students for outstanding achievements

06/08/2012

The Hong Kong Jockey Club today (8 June) awarded scholarships to 27 tertiary students in recognition of their outstanding academic performance and commitment to serve the community.  The grants will support the tuition fees and living costs of the scholarship recipients.

At the presentation ceremony today, Club Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges joined Secretary for Development Carrie Lam and representatives from the city’s tertiary institutions, as well as families of the Scholars.

The Club’s Executive Director, Charities, Douglas So told the guests that the scholarship scheme not only recognises and confirms the outstanding performance of the students, it also encourages them to actively take part in community services.

The Secretary for Development, Mrs Carrie Lam, gave the Scholars a few tips on leadership and said that the Club has her vote as the organisation with the greatest leadership during her 30 years’ experience in the public sector. She said leadership required a lot of passion, courage and perseverance and the Scholars should allow themselves to be compassionate, to be emotional at times and to be touched. She also encouraged the Scholars to never give up and think out of the box and challenge the status quo calmly.

The 27 scholarship recipients for academic year 2011/12 – 19 from Hong Kong and eight from the Mainland – are all first-degree students at one of Hong Kong’s eight UGC-funded tertiary institutions and the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA).  They were nominated by their respective institutions on the basis of outstanding academic performance, as well as active participation in community services.  Each student receives a grant totalling around HK$290,000 over the three years of his or her study to cover tuition fees, academic expenses and living costs, subject to continued academic excellence and participation in community services for three years.

“I had a car accident when I was in primary four and almost had to have my limbs amputated due to bone fractures,” said Global and Environmental Studies student Cathy Zou from The Hong Kong Institute of Education. “I met a lot of strong-willed people in the hospital and they inspired me to cherish life and help others in my own way. The Club’s Scholarship allows me to join more volunteer work, thus widen my horizon and learn more about those people I want to serve. I hope to make good use of what I’ve learned and join a local NGO after graduation, so as to serve people in need.”

Fine Arts student Kenneth Hui from HKAPA had longed to become a professional dancer in a bid to fulfil his father’s dream. He said the Club’s Scholarship can make his dream comes true. “The scholarship significantly helps my life and peace of mind, and gives recognition to my career,” he remarked. “There are only a few local male ballet dancers in Hong Kong. I hope to join overseas exchange programmes in future to enhance my skills and techniques, and let more people know that male ballet dancing can be very cool too.”

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. 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$290,000 over the full three-year period.  So far, 343 students have been awarded scholarships, of whom 256 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 is not only one of the world's leading horse racing organisations but also a world top 15 charitable organisation and Hong Kong’s largest community contributor, donating HK$1.6 billion in 2011. It is also a major taxpayer, Hong Kong's single largest by far, generating over HK$15 billion a year for public funds. The Club pioneers technology applications for sporting and betting entertainment, striving for the highest levels of customer service. As a membership club, it is recognised as one of Asia’s most prestigious, with more than 23,000 members. These multifaceted roles make it a well-respected and remarkable organisation, dedicated to its mission of enhancing the quality of life for all Hong Kong people.

Attachments:
1. Fact Sheet of The Hong Kong Jockey Club Scholarship Scheme
2. Fact Sheet of The Jockey Club Scholars Alumni Association