The Greater Bay Area Homeland Youth Community Foundation (the Foundation) is delighted to announce the successful conclusion of the fourth annual For Our Future Scholarship. This year, the scholarship attracted over 250 applications from talented students across 13 local tertiary institutions. The esteemed panel of judges included Ms Maisie CHAN, Commissioner for the Development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area; Mr Albert WONG, CEO of Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation; Professor Stephen CHEUNG, Former President of the Education University of Hong Kong; and Mr Daryl NG, Chairman of the Foundation.

Due to the exceptional caliber of the applicants, the panel decided to increase the number of scholarships awarded from 15 to 16. Each awardee will receive HKD 50,000 to support their academic pursuits and personal development. Additionally, in June, the recipients will participate in a Beijing exchange trip organised by the Foundation to deepen their understanding of national developments.

Since its inception, the Scholarship has garnered substantial support from local tertiary institutions and the community. Aligning with the nation’s 14th Five-Year Plan to establish Hong Kong as a hub for innovation and technology, one of the "eight centres" identified in the plan, the Foundation is excited to launch the Innovation and Technology Award, a new component of the For Our Future Scholarship specifically designed for PhD students in STEM fields. This initiative aims to foster scientific research and innovation among local youth. Ten scholarships, each valued at HKD 80,000, will be awarded, with applications opening concurrently with the next cycle of the For Our Future Scholarship.

The award ceremony, held on April 17th at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, was graced by numerous honourable guests including Mr Clarence LEUNG, Acting Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, the Government of the HKSAR; Ms Maisie CHAN, Commissioner for the Development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area; Mr ZHANG Guolai, Second-class Inspector of Youth Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR; Mr Daryl NG, Chairman of the Foundation; Dr HU Zhanghong, CEO of Greater Bay Area Homeland Investments Limited; Mr Albert WONG, CEO of Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks Corporation; Professor Stephen CHEUNG, Former President of The Education University of Hong Kong; Professor Ricky KWOK, Vice President (Research and Student Development) of Hong Kong Metropolitan University; Dr Gordon MUNRO, Deputy Director (Academic) of The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Ms YIP Sau Yin, Associate Vice President (Student Affairs) of Hong Kong Shue Yan University and Professor Isabel YAN, Associate Provost (Student Life) of City University of Hong Kong, as well as representatives from various tertiary institutions.

Mr Daryl NG, Chairman of the Foundation, in his opening address, highlighted, "The 14th Five-Year Plan has earmarked Hong Kong's significant role in developing across various sectors, thereby providing tremendous opportunities for our youth. With their outstanding performances, our awardees are poised to become key contributors to Hong Kong's and the Greater Bay Area's development."

Mr Clarence LEUNG, Acting Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, said, " The awardees have demonstrated excellence not only in their academic pursuits but also in social service, serving as exemplary role models for the youth. We hope that these distinguished students will continue to strive for excellence, leveraging their passion and expertise to make contributions to the nation and Hong Kong. Additionally, the awardees are encouraged to inspire more young individuals to take an active role in the development of our society."

Among the awardees, Raymond LAU and Deanna XU shared their inspiring journeys during the ceremony. Raymond, overcoming ADHD and personal challenges, has excelled academically and is actively involved in community service. Deanna, passionate about environmental protection, has pursued her dreams internationally, contributing to global ecological conservation efforts.

The ceremony also showcased the diverse talents of the awardees, including Natalie MAI, whose calligraphy captivated the audience, and Cyanne CHAN, whose opera performance received widespread applause.

Other awardees include Cherie FUNG from Hong Kong Metropolitan University; Kelvin HUI from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University; Yolanda KO from Lingnan University; Noxx LAM from The Chinese University of Hong Kong; Peggy LAU from The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts; Koni LAU from The Chinese University of Hong Kong; Stefan LAU from The University of Hong Kong; Wilson LO from The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. Tammy TAM from Hong Kong Metropolitan University; Samson WANG from Hong Kong Shue Yan University; Hubert WONG from The University of Hong Kong; Takky WONG from The Education University of Hong Kong;

The Foundation remains committed to nurturing the potential of Hong Kong's youth and looks forward to the continued success of the For Our Future Scholarship and the new Innovation and Technology Award.

Photos

Group photo of the awardee and honourable guests of the 4th “For Our Future Scholarship” include (First row) Mr Clarence LEUNG, Acting Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, the Government of the HKSAR (Middle); Ms. Maisie CHAN, Commissioner for the Development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (Fourth from left) ; Mr ZHANG Guolai, Second-class Inspector of Youth Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR (Fourth from right); Mr Daryl NG, Chairman of the Greater Bay Area Homeland Youth Community Foundation (Third from left) and Dr HU Zhanghong, CEO of Greater Bay Area Homeland Investments Limited (Third from right).

Mr Daryl NG, Chairman of the Foundation, said, " With their outstanding performances, the awardees are poised to become key contributors to Hong Kong's and the Greater Bay Area's development."

Mr Clarence LEUNG, Acting Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, the Government of the HKSAR, said, "We hope that the awardees will continue to strive for excellence, leveraging their passion and expertise to make contributions to the nation and Hong Kong. Additionally, the awardees are encouraged to inspire more young individuals to take an active role in the development of our society."

Awardees Raymond LAU of CityU and Deanna XU of PolyU shared their amazing stories at the ceremony.

Group photo of the 16 awardees and honourable guests.

Group photo of the awardees, distinguished guests and representatives from 11 tertiary educational institutions.

Group photo