A new scholarship in cultural and heritage management was introduced at a ceremony at City University of Hong Kong (CityU) on 20 March.

The scholarship, the first of its kind in Hong Kong, is supported by a HK$200,000 donation from Tao Heung Group Limited to help nurture professionals for the local cultural and heritage sector.

In addition, more than 100 students received scholarships and prizes for their academic achievements at CityU at the same ceremony. The event was an opportunity for the recipients of different awards to thank and chat with donors, and for CityU supporters to find out more about the learning environment at the University.

“We are very grateful for the wonderful support that we have received from our donors over the years,” said Professor Way Kuo, University President, in his opening remarks. “These scholarships help create exciting new opportunities for our students, and they encourage recipients to study harder in appreciation of the donors’ generosity.”

Professor Kuo also encouraged students to pass on the spirit of helping others and contribute back to society.

Ms Iva Au, General Manager (Corporate Affairs) of Tao Heung Group, officiated at the cheque presentation ceremony with Professor Kuo. Tao Heung Group’s mission to promote Chinese traditions and nurture talent resonated with the mission of CityU’s Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Culture and Heritage Management, she said.

“We are glad to help cultivate young people for cultural and heritage management in Hong Kong,” she added.

The ceremony was also a chance for CityU to thank the professional bodies, charitable trust funds, private firms and CityU alumni who support the various academic scholarships and prizes.

Annie Yan Bixing, a Year 3 student in the Department of Mathematics, and Chloe Chan Hau-yee, a Year 3 student in the School of Creative Media, thanked donors and shared how their scholarships have motivated them to work harder to enrich their learning.

Annie, who received HK$100,000 from the Fang Brothers Whole Person Development Scholarships, said she was shy and lacked self-confidence when she first came to CityU. She didn’t participate in extra-curricular activities and spent all of her time studying. However, with support and encouragement from CityU, she eventually joined many activities, such as the Student Ambassador Scheme. After three years of hard work, she has transformed herself into an outstanding student who has developed in spiritual, intellectual, physical, social, aesthetic, career and emotional terms. Despite suffering from a thyroid tumour last year, she still dedicated herself to both her academic work and community services.

“The scholarship has helped me cover my medical fees and encouraged me to really apply myself,” Annie said. She has already received offers from three international accounting firms, and hopes to be a successful accountant in the future.

Chloe was awarded a Mainland Alumni Network Exchange Scholarship for her outstanding academic performance at CityU. The award allowed her to take an internship at a foreign-funded enterprise during a three-month exchange programme at Peking University where she made friends from overseas and developed a thorough understanding about living and working in Beijing.

“I experienced life on the mainland and gained insight into cultural differences with Hong Kong. These valuable experiences have given me an advantage for starting a career over the border,” Chloe said.

CityU scholarships and awards recognise outstanding academic performance as well as achievements in arts, sports, community service and leadership. They demonstrate public support to our whole-person education.