More students recognised with extension of HKJC Scholarship to complement 3+3+4 system

19 March 2009

In recognition of their outstanding academic performance and commitment to serve the community, 28 tertiary students were awarded Hong Kong Jockey Club Scholarships at a presentation ceremony held today (19 March). The grant will support the academic expenses and living costs of the scholarship recipients. The Club also announced that it would extend the Scholarship Scheme up to 2011/2012, the last academic year before the new structure for senior secondary and higher education, commonly known as the "3+3+4" system is introduced at Hong Kong's tertiary institutions.

The Scholarship Scheme was established by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust in academic year 1998/99 and originally planned as a 10-year project. It aims to provide an average of 27 scholarships a year for local and Mainland students to pursue three-year, first degree courses in local tertiary institutions.

At today's ceremony, the Club's Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges explained that with the implementation of the 3+3+4 system, the tertiary institutions would launch a four-year curriculum starting 2012. "In view of this, we have committed to supporting the Scholarship Scheme up to the end of academic year 2011/12," he said. "This takes the Club's total contribution to some HK$107 million - no small sum, but in our view an eminently worthwhile investment in Hong Kong's future."

Noting that the current global economic turmoil had put a lot of financial pressure on Hong Kong businesses, Mr Engelbrecht-Bresges said the Club was certainly not immune to that. "Nevertheless,  we intend to stand by our commitments to charitable and community projects, because we believe that it is in times of challenge that Hong Kong people most need our support," he pledged. "In addition, we are now exploring ways in which we can not only preserve jobs in the local market, but also hopefully create new job opportunities for the community."

Guest speaker Wong Yan-Lung, Hong Kong's Secretary for Justice, shared some of his student, career and voluntary service experiences in a two-way dialogue with the Scholars, encouraging them to face up to the challenges and difficulties they encountered during tough periods in their lives. The Scholars were also joined at today's ceremony by many of their parents, representatives from tertiary institutions and other distinguished guests.

The 28 scholarship recipients for 2008/09 - 19 from Hong Kong and 9 from the Mainland - are all first degree students at one of Hong Kong's eight UGC-funded tertiary institutions or the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA). They were nominated by their respective institutions on the basis of outstanding academic ability or talent, as well as active participation in community services. Each student will receive 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.

Apart from setting up the Scholarship Scheme, the Club has provided funding for graduates from the Scheme to establish the Jockey Club Scholars Alumni Association, which organises various community service programmes. By supporting the Scholars and encouraging them to make good use of their skills and talents to serve the needy, the Club hopes to ensure that their commitment to contribute to the community is an ongoing process. One of the Alumni Association's initiatives that has proved especially successful is a project for local secondary schools called "Schoolala", which helps students realise their goals and dreams through a range of workshops and other activities.

About The Hong Kong Jockey Club Scholarship Scheme

The Hong Kong Jockey Club Scholarship Scheme was established in academic year 1998/99 by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, originally as a 10-year project. It aims to provide an average of 27 scholarships a year for local and Mainland students to pursue three-year, first degree courses at the eight UGC-funded universities in Hong Kong and the HKAPA. Each scholar receives about HK$290,000 to cover tuition, academic expenses and living costs during his or her three year course. To dovetail with the Government's switch to a new structure for senior secondary and higher education, better known as the 3-3-4 system, the Scholarship Scheme will be extended to the end of academic year 2011/12, the last academic year before the new four-year curriculum is introduced at Hong Kong's tertiary institutions. The Club's total contribution for the Scholarship Scheme amounted to $107 million.

Scholars are chosen by their respective tertiary institutions on the basis of outstanding academic ability, community service and other talents. Renewal of the scholarship is dependent upon the level of each student's performance. Up to and including the 2008/09 academic year, 265 students have been awarded the scholarship.

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