Dear Hong Kong Scholars,
On behalf of the first Executive Committee of the Hong Kong Scholarship for Excellence Scheme Scholars Association (HKSESSA), I am truly grateful to serve our “Glocal” leaders, who are dedicated to our Hong Kong with a global vision and local knowledge.
The Hong Kong Scholarship for Excellence Scheme is the first-ever official scholarship established by the Hong Kong SAR Government. Since 2015, over 500 local outstanding students with the title, “Hong Kong Scholar”, have been supported to pursue diversified study paths at top-notch universities abroad. Upon graduation, each scholar returns to Hong Kong to work for a period equivalent to the duration of receiving the scholarship. To enhance Hong Kong’s competitiveness as an Asia’s World City in a globalized knowledge economy, this commitment plan could be more sustainable if we could empower the scholars to (1) bond with each other, (2) strive for personal and professional growth, and (3) contribute to our Hong Kong through a variety of initiatives. We are also aiming at creating an inclusive platform for intellectual stimulation and exchange by inviting bright, farsighted youths beyond the HKSES to join our membership community.
As the founding President, I understand the importance of distinguishing ourselves while leveraging the opportunity to collaborate with other scholars’ associations. After taking our scholars’ needs into account, we hope to position the association as a “talent incubator” with a blueprint of development: “Structuring – Empowering – Stretching”. Under this “S-E-S” principle, on one hand, we are partnering with different associations to organise networking activities and mentorship programme. On the other hand, beyond tradition, we are launching public policy interest groups, career exposure series and overseas outreaching opportunities that enhance the scholars’ experiences ranging from public to private sectors, from Hong Kong to the Greater China, and to the world. All of these would further equip the scholars with a future repertoire to thrive in response to the geopolitical landscape of the 21st-century. I hope that each scholar benefits from an international community of thinkers, innovators, and leaders in different industries while pursuing their academic disciplines. This experience will enrich their understanding of Hong Kong and create a growing network of global leaders that build strong ties between our city and the rest of the world.
There are certainly extraordinary times in 2020. Every day we hear stories of both suffering and heroism. I would like to remind you that we all live in a world without fixed borders, and the need for “glocal” leadership has never been more apparent. I believe you will be part of the solution to the challenges we all face in the years ahead. No matter what the circumstances are, I believe that we will adapt readily, think clearly and move forward decisively, for ourselves, our loved ones, and our city.
May I also wish all of you every success in your future endeavours!
Yours sincerely,
Ho Wing (Lawrence) YU
Founding President, HKSESSA
Hong Kong Scholar (2016)
Founding President, HKSESSA