Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU) recently held its 2023-24 Scholarships and Awards Gala to express its heartfelt gratitude and to present the outstanding performance of the scholarship recipients to long-term donors and organisations supporting HKMU. Over 100 donors, representatives from corporations and organisations, beneficiary students and University management were present to celebrate the programme's resounding success.

This year, HKMU's total scholarship amount reached an impressive HK$40 million, marking a year-on-year increase of over 15%, and the number of beneficiaries exceeded 1,700, both a record high. This demonstrates the widespread support and recognition from various sectors for HKMU's contribution to higher education development in Hong Kong. The scholarships assist students with tuition fees, alleviating their financial burden; support them in overseas exchanges or internships, allowing them to experience diverse cultures; and encourage them to give back to society with their knowledge and skills.

HKMU Council Chairman Ir Dr Conrad Wong Tin-cheung stated in his address, “HKMU is committed to providing diverse education and collaborating with donors from various sectors to create development prospects for students, enabling them to realise their dreams.” Dr Wong was very pleased with the outstanding performance of the scholarship recipients, noting their academic excellence and active engagement in community service as a testament to their positive mindset. As HKMU became Hong Kong's first University of Applied Sciences this year, it will offer more diversified educational pathways to bolster Hong Kong's development as an international hub for higher education. HKMU will also continue to forge partnerships with organisations across different sectors to cultivate more outstanding talent to contribute to the advancement of different industries and society.

HKMU President Prof. Paul Lam Kwan-sing conveyed his appreciation to the donors for their support and expressed pride in the students' remarkable achievements in academics, sports and community service. He expected the scholarships to continue to foster student development, allowing more aspiring and motivated students to have access to additional resources to shape their future and contribute to Hong Kong's ongoing development.

In addition to two outstanding students being awarded the “For Our Future Scholarship”, the University's students achieved excellent results in inter-school sports competitions, including first runner-up in the Hang Seng All Schools Championships Women's Doubles of the University Group and the Plate Championship in the CU3x3 Championship University Female Group. HKMU was also awarded the “JC VOLUNTEER TOGETHER Caring School Label” for its students' outstanding performance in volunteer service.

The University introduced five new scholarships this year: the “Crystal Climate Charity Foundation Scholarship”, the “Dr Sin Wai Kin Chinese Culture Scholarship”, the “HK Electric Scholarship”, the “HKMU Scholarship”, and the “HKMU Admission Scholarship Scheme for International Students”. These additions further enrich HKMU's scholarship portfolio, providing more opportunities for outstanding students from diverse backgrounds.

During the gala, the award-winning students seized the opportunity to interact with sponsors, personally expressing their gratitude and sharing their thoughts. Student representatives also showcased their multifaceted talents in performances to show their thanks to donors for their years of support.