Hong Kong, 15 July 2016 – The Hong Kong Securities and Investment Institute (HKSI Institute) Scholarship Programme (Programme) introduced the “Application Route”, in addition to the existing “Nomination Route”, to attract self-motivated students to compete for the titles of “HKSI Institute Scholars” and internship opportunities to learn the trade from leading firms.

Since its launch in 2004, the Programme received valuable support from the participating universities. Students with grade point average (GPA) score above 3.5 are recommended by respective universities for the award via the “Nomination Route”. As the financial services industry also looks for promising talents with self-motivation and competitive mindset, a new “Application Route” is introduced. There is no prerequisites for GPA scores or areas of studies under this route. Students are invited to submit a 100-word quote on a defined theme and writers of the 20 best written quotes, together with the awardees from the Nomination Route, will compete for the eight slots of the panel interview. The selection is based on the submission of a 1,000-word essay on “What would attract you to join the financial services industry?”

The participating universities are:

• City University of Hong Kong (CityU)
• Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU)
• Hong Kong Shue Yan University (HKSYU)
• Lingnan University (LingnanU)
• The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK)
• The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU)
• The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST)
• The Open University of Hong Kong (OUHK)
• The University of Hong Kong (HKU)

Mr John Maguire, Board Chairman and internship sponsor, commended the outstanding performance of the finalists. “The Programme has identified high calibre students from various disciplines in addition to business and finance. With the internship and mentoring programmes offered by the HKSI Institute, our young members may connect with and benefit from the guidance and nurturing offered by our more senior members who are seasoned professionals in their various industries.”

Mr Lewis Wan, Programme Chair and cash prize sponsor, is pleased to see the Programme extended its reach to a broader student community. “This year, we promoted the Programme through the student unions, HKSI Institute student members, and awardees of previous cohorts,” he said.

To compete for the cash prizes and premier internship opportunities offered by leading firms from the accounting, banking and financial services, eight finalists attended a panel interview. The named HKSI Institute Scholars are:

Winner: Miss Au Yeung Yin Yi, Blair (HKBU)
Cash prize: HK$5,000
Internship: Grant Thornton Hong Kong Limited

1st Runner-up: Mr Cheng Yu Wai, Ray (HKUST)
Cash prize: HK$4,000
Internship: Shanghai Pudong Development Bank Company Limited

2nd Runner-up: Mr Cheung Yau Hei, Chris (HKU)
Cash prize: HK$3,000
Internship: REORIENT Financial Markets Limited

3rd Runner-up: Mr Tai Kai Chuen, Calvin (HKUST)
Cash prize: HK$2,000
Internship: Morgan Stanley

The Programme sponsors are:

“We are thankful to the generous support from our members and sponsors in providing the internship opportunities and cash prizes in making the HKSI Institute Scholarship Programme meaningful and all-encompassing for the students.”, Ms Daisy Lo, Director of Membership & Outreach, added.

A moment for celebration – Young scholars with sponsors, judges, board directors and university representatives at the Scholarship Award Presentation Cocktail 2016

About the Hong Kong Securities and Investment Institute (HKSI Institute)
Hong Kong Securities and Investment Institute is a professional membership organisation established in 1997 by leaders in the securities and investment industry with the support of the Securities and Futures Commission and Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited. The HKSI Institute champions professional standards of excellence in Hong Kong’s financial services industry and contributes to Hong Kong’s role as a leading international financial centre. We offer a comprehensive programme of high quality professional training, events and internationally recognised examinations, and a relevant membership community to empower individuals in achieving their professional goals.