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The Education Bureau today (November 25) announced the launch of the Hong Kong Scholarship for Excellence Scheme (HKSES). Eligible Hong Kong students who intend to pursue undergraduate or postgraduate studies at world renowned universities outside Hong Kong starting from the 2015/16 academic year may submit their applications for scholarship from today until January 31 next year.
The Secretary for Education, Mr Eddie Ng Hak-kim said, "In his 2014 Policy Address, the Chief Executive announced a series of initiatives in a bid to provide senior secondary graduates with broader and more diversified further study pathways both in and outside Hong Kong. These initiatives include the launch of a new scholarship scheme to support outstanding local students to pursue studies at renowned universities outside Hong Kong.
"We strongly believe that talented students with world vision, networks and knowledge can, upon their return after graduation, contribute to our status as Asia's world city and raise Hong Kong's competitiveness in the globalised and knowledge-based economy."
A Steering Committee was set up to advise the Administration on the policy, strategy and administration of the HKSES. The Steering Committee is chaired by Dr Victor Fung and comprises 13 non-official members who are leaders and experts with excellent knowledge, experience and networks relating to world renowned universities as well as major corporations or organisations with global vision and networks. A full membership list of the Steering Committee on HKSES is available at the HKSES website (www.edb.gov.hk/hkses). The key features of the HKSES are also attached.
Dr Victor Fung said, "The objective of the HKSES is to support local students to pursue studies at top-notch universities outside Hong Kong with a view to grooming a corps of top talent with global vision, international networks and world-class education, thereby contributing to enhancing Hong Kong's competitiveness as Asia's world city in a globalised knowledge economy. The two-tier funding support not only recognises excellence but also provides additional support to those who are bright but financially constrained.
"The HKSES signifies the importance that the Government and society attach to the future of our younger generation. With broadened exposure, the awardees will be much better placed to cope well with the challenges of a fast-paced globalised environment. Their competitiveness will in turn help fuel the development of Hong Kong.
"Hence, an applicant's attributes as well as his or her commitment and contribution to Hong Kong will be key selection considerations. With a funding commitment of nearly $350 million, the HKSES will benefit three cohorts of students, with initially up to 100 students per cohort, starting from the 2015/16 academic year.
"Apart from the monetary reward, the value of the HKSES also includes its prestige and recognition as well as other non-monetary benefits such as mentorship and counselling support and services. The Steering Committee will further discuss the support and mentoring services that may be rendered to the awardees by the Government, by members of the Steering Committee and by other community and business organisations," said Dr Fung.
Details of the HKSES and the application form are available at the HKSES website. All applications will be processed online. Students who wish to apply for the scholarship for studies commencing in the 2015/16 academic year should upload the completed application form and supporting documents onto the HKSES website on or before January 31, 2015.
Only shortlisted applicants who have received confirmed offers from their chosen universities and programmes will be invited to attend interviews, which will start from around May next year. Results will be announced in August and disbursement of the scholarship and bursary will be arranged before the awardees start their studies overseas in the 2015/16 academic year.
Ends/Tuesday, November 25, 2014
Issued at HKT 17:50
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