Starting from the upcoming academic year, a total of 150 students from countries participating in the Belt and Road initiative will receive scholarships to pursue studies in Hong Kong, as announced by Under Secretary for Education Jeff Sze Chun-fai.
The Belt & Road Scholarship program, initiated during the 2016-17 academic session, has already granted scholarships to more than 430 students hailing from 39 countries, marking Hong Kong’s concerted efforts to attract global talent.
Under Secretary Sze highlighted that the most sought-after university disciplines among the scholarship awardees include business and administration, engineering, technology, and science.
“The significance of enticing international students to study in Hong Kong lies in the potential for them to contribute to the local talent pool post-graduation,” remarked Sze.
The selection process for the scholarships involves evaluating candidates based on four key criteria: academic achievements, communication and leadership abilities, contributions to institutions and societies, and dedication to Hong Kong’s community.
Among the beneficiaries of the Belt & Road scholarship is Chia Xynn Yen from Malaysia, currently pursuing quantitative finance at the University of Hong Kong. Expressing gratitude for the scholarship covering her full tuition in the second year, Chia cited Hong Kong’s stature as an international financial hub as the primary factor that drew her to the city, citing the plethora of job opportunities in the finance sector.
“Hong Kong serves as a crucial link between China and the global arena, making it an ideal destination for individuals interested in international business and finance,” added Chia.
Similarly, Aybala Nisa Kesici, a third-year student in molecular biology and biotechnology from Turkey at HKU, expressed aspirations to forge her career in Hong Kong. Kesici highlighted the city’s remarkable progress in the field of science and substantial funding for burgeoning biotech startups, underscoring the promising research prospects and conducive environment for her future endeavors.
In line with its objective to enhance educational collaboration with Belt and Road nations, the SAR government has been extending scholarships to students from designated countries within the Belt and Road regions since the 2016-2017 academic year. These countries encompass Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar, Mongolia, and others.
