Jockey Club rewards students for outstanding achievements

03/21/2014

Since 1998, The Hong Kong Jockey Club has been awarding scholarships to students in recognition of their outstanding academic performance and commitment to serve the community. This year, 36 tertiary students were granted scholarships to cover their four years of academic and living expenses, while 25 graduates turned their extraordinary talents to new endeavours.

The achievements of these outstanding Scholars and graduates were celebrated last night (20 March) at the Presentation Ceremony cum 13th Graduation Celebration Dinner hosted by the Club.  Attendees included Club Chairman T. Brian Stevenson, Professor Frederick Ma, Club Stewards Steward Anthony W K Chow, Dr Eric Li Ka Cheung, representatives from nine tertiary institutions, as well as families and friends of the Scholars

Mr Stevenson noted that a well-rounded education is critical for Hong Kong’s sustainable growth. The Club has contributed some HK$3.1 billion to education and training projects over the past decade. “Besides supporting the community ourselves, we are always very keen to encourage others to play their part – and I think that philosophy stands out in the Jockey Club Scholarship Scheme, which is perhaps unique in Hong Kong in recognising students who not only demonstrate academic excellence, but also a dedication to community and volunteer service.”

This year’s guest speaker Professor Ma encouraged the Scholars to live a life with passion, dream, perseverance and humility and most importantly, to leave a legacy by what they give back to the community.

The 36 Scholars are from the eight UGC-funded tertiary institutions and The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts. 

Music devotee Marco is one of the Scholars, and now studying a double major programme in Psychology and Music at CUHK. He wishes to integrate the two and support the development of music therapy in Hong Kong. He intends to set up a society in September, teaching children to play musical instruments for free. “Owing to lack of financial support, some under-privileged children don’t have the chance to learn musical instruments. The Club’s Scholarship allows me to devote myself to serve the community and more children are able to enjoy playing music,” Marco said.

Kathy Tung, who graduated from The Hong Kong Institute of Education, is now working for a secondary school at Tin Shui Wai as an English teacher. Being dedicated to volunteer works, Kathy finds the Jockey Club Scholars Alumni Association provides her with a platform to organise community projects. “It’s a blessing to be able to help others; I hope to bring changes to beneficiaries through community services. As some of my students come from broken families or with emotional problems, I wish to share with them my invaluable experience and let them learn to be content.”

Since 1998, the Club’s total contribution to the Scholarship Scheme amounts to almost HK$200 million.  So far, 306 Scholars have graduated, more than half of whom completed their Bachelor’s degree with First Class Honours.

Under the Jockey Club Scholarship Scheme, 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 is subject to the student’s satisfactory performance. To complement the new academic structure for senior secondary and higher education, a restructured Phase II of the Scholarship Scheme was introduced from the academic year 2012/13. Each of the nine institutions award three Scholarships to local students and one to Mainland students. The Scholarship covers the student’s four years of academic and living expenses.

About the Jockey Club Scholars Alumni Association
Set up 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 children with disabilities. 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 Hong Kong’s largest community contributor, donating HK$1.95 billion in 2012/13. In addition, the Club is a major taxpayer, Hong Kong’s single largest by far, generating over HK$17.64 billion in 2012/13 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. 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.