HKU Business School gathered on 29 October to celebrate the 5th anniversary of the Future Leader Scholarship Programme (the Initiative), honouring 104 outstanding local undergraduate students. The annual Initiative remains dedicated to expanding students' global horizons, enriching experiential learning, and cultivating agile business leaders capable of navigating a dynamic economic environment.
The Initiative, with the largest number of awardees among all scholarships in the HKU Business School, is supported by the School's long-standing corporate partners and community leaders, which include Raffles Family Office, TPK Kwok Family Charitable Fund; BOC Group Life Assurance Company Limited; Mr. Michael Chan and family; The Fan Family Charitable Trust, and Dr. Patrick Poon. Through a HK$20,000 award for each of the 104 top-performing local undergraduates, the Initiative aims to empower students to gain practical industry exposure, and build essential skills for the future.
Among last year's awardees, 57% participated in overseas exchanges, 42% undertook internships, 25% engaged in extracurricular activities, 11% completed professional examinations, 8% contributed to volunteer services, and 13% engaged in other impactful pursuits.
Professor Hongbin CAI, Dean of HKU Business School and Chair of Economics, said, "HKU Business School established the Future Leader Scholarship Programme on the belief that Hong Kong's future will be shaped by the younger generation. Thanks to the unwavering trust and generous support of our community leaders and partners, the Initiative has reached its fifth anniversary."
He added, "Leadership is best learned by example. Our donors and sponsors not only support our students through their generosity, but also inspire them through their professional achievements and commitment to serving society. Through the Initiative, students learn from these leaders and broaden their horizons through internships and experiences beyond the classroom. In an era of rapid change and uncertainty, future leaders must have the courage to embrace challenges and the aspiration to serve society. By carrying forward our donors and sponsors' spirit of giving back, awardees will create lasting impact for Hong Kong and the world."
Two of the awardees shared their learning experience. Ms. Bibi HAJIRAH, a final year student majoring in Economics and Finance, said that the Initiative has provided her with opportunities to gain exposure across different organisations and industries, ultimately inspiring her to co-found a start-up that developed an app to help ethnic minorities learn Cantonese. She encouraged students to seize opportunities for growth. Mr. Carson CHAN, a fourth-year BBA Accounting and Finance student, described the Initiative as a belief in his potential and a catalyst for personal growth. He expressed his gratitude to the donors and sponsors, as well as the School for making his overseas exchange experience possible.
To encapsulate the core values such as mentorship, connectivity, and social responsibility, a time capsule was sealed during the ceremony. Through initiatives like the Future Leader Scholarship Programme, HKU Business School remains dedicated to nurturing visionary young talents who lead with empathy, uphold a tradition of excellence, and shape a better global future.
