Innovation and Technology Scholarship Award Presentation Ceremony 2022

Innovation and innovative ideas drive society’s growth. When coupled with the ever advances of technology, the future can be unimaginable. To enhance Hong Kong’s potential in the InnoTech sector, the Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC), HSBC and The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups (HKFYG) have been jointly organising the Innovation and Technology Scholarship (the Scholarship) since 2011, which nurtures and encourages outstanding undergraduates in Hong Kong.

At the Award Presentation Ceremony held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre today (June 6), the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Mrs Carrie LAM, GBM, GBS, officiated at the Ceremony and recognised the achievements of the 25 awardees. The 25 awardees are from different universities and disciplines, including medicine, biological sciences and aeronautical engineering. In spite of the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, these young talents have managed to forge ahead and persistently pursued their dreams in the field.

Mrs Carrie LAM, GBM, GBS, indicated that, “The key to sustaining Hong Kong’s prosperity and vibrancy lies in our next generation. We all recognise the importance of passing on knowledge, skills and wisdom to nurture new talent. That is why the current-term Government has devoted tremendous effort as well as investment of more than $150 billion in the I&T development in Hong Kong.” She also said that, “A common theme of our I&T development strategy is to promote cross-sector collaboration, and this Scholarship is a prime example.”

Mr Peter WONG Tung-shun, GBS, JP, Chairman, The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited and The Hongkong Bank Foundation, said, “Over the last 12 years, more than half of the 300 scholars have attended exchange programmes at the world’s top universities and many have gone on to work at some of Hong Kong’s most innovative tech and engineering companies.  Our immediate aim is to help undergraduates fulfil their potential and make Hong Kong more competitive in the world’s most dynamic industries, but beyond these ambitions lies a more fundamental hope: that we can help innovation and technology make lives better. Rarely have we needed the brilliance of our scholars more than we need it today, when we face challenges ranging from pandemics and climate change to inequality and ageing populations.”

According to Mr Andy HO Wing-cheong, the Executive Director of the HKFYG, “The Federation is so proud of the achievements of young people. We constantly engage with them as they share their concerns and passions. With these diversified scholarships, they can really avail of a broader learning environment, that gives them a platform for even further exploration.”  Mr HO was particularly encouraged by all the networks that this year’s awardees, along with previous recipients, could build together. “By bringing together the alumni of all the various programmes and scholarships, the pool of talent grows larger every year. I have no doubt that these young innovators will not only encourage each other, but also encourage the younger generation to make good use of their creativity and outstanding abilities in building a better future for Hong Kong.”

The Hon Bernard CHAN, GBM, GBS, JP, Chairman of the Scholarship’s Awardee Selection Committee mentioned that it has been an honor to serve on the Awardee Selection Committee for decades. These years’ students came from various disciplines, reflecting the trend of cross-disciplinary collaboration. It is also heartening to note that apart from career development, students are also considering how they can utilise their Innotech knowledge and skills for the social good, creating values and fostering sustainable development for the community, as to create hope for the Hong Kong.

In its 12th year, the Scholarship selects and awards 25 outstanding undergraduates from local universities a scholarship up to HK$150,000. So far 300 outstanding awardees have been recognised. The Scholarship also offers a wide range of elite training programmes to widen their international exposures via different opportunities, thereby enhancing their enthusiasm and encouraging them to pursue future careers in the field of InnoTech. With the Scholarship, they can participate in exchange programmes in renowned overseas/ Mainland universities, or undertake internships in local InnoTech companies to gain the latest hands-on knowledge of the industry. During the Scholarship period, they will also receive valuable guidance from a designated mentor, outstanding in their relevant industry, while continuing to promote InnoTech to the younger generations through service project programmes. Details of the Scholarship can be found at  https://innotechscholarship.hkfyg.org.hk/

Awardees of Innovation and Technology Scholarship 2022: (in alphabetical order of surnames)