Three students from Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU) were awarded the For Our Future Scholarship this year for their outstanding academic performance and community service.
Fourth-year students Andie Wong Cho-yan (Bachelor of Nursing with Honours in General Health Care) and Wing So Wing-hei (Bachelor of Science with Honours in Physiotherapy) each received HK$50,000 in recognition of their excellent academic performance and strong commitment to community service.
Winnie O Ching-yi, a PhD student in Science and Technology, was awarded the For Our Future Innovation and Technology Scholarship, receiving HK$80,000. Introduced last year, the scholarship is designated for PhD students in STEM disciplines and encourages local youth to pursue careers in innovation and technology.
Prof. Ricky Kwok Yu-kwong, Vice President (Research and Institutional Advancement) of HKMU, said: “Despite such keen competition, all of our recommended students have been awarded for four consecutive years, demonstrating their competitiveness.” He added that HKMU is the only self-financed university qualified for the For Our Future Innovation and Technology Scholarship and expressed hope that this achievement would encourage more students to pursue postgraduate studies in STEM research at HKMU and develop careers in the field.
Winnie described the scholarship as an important recognition of her doctoral research. Her work focuses on using traditional Chinese medicine to improve fish health and resistance to diseases and harmful algal blooms. She is working towards the goal of applying and commercialising her research finding to develop sustainable aquaculture.
Andie, who has aspired to be a nurse since a young age, joined the St. John Ambulance Brigade in secondary school and obtained a first aid certificate at the age of 14. Through clinical placements at HKMU, he continues to work towards becoming an Accident and Emergency nurse, serving with professionalism and compassion.
Wing said the scholarship was a strong encouragement for him to continue striving for excellence and serving society. In the future, he hopes to establish a multidisciplinary community fitness centre, where physiotherapists and other professionals collaborate to support individuals with diverse needs.
Established by the Greater Bay Area Homeland Youth Community Foundation, the Scholarship recognises outstanding local university students who excel in academic study and research, and contribute actively to society. This year, nearly 280 applicants from 14 tertiary institutions competed for the awards. A total of 15 students were awarded the For Our Future Scholarship and 10 others received the For Our Future Innovation and Technology Scholarship.
