FLASS stars bag brilliant HSBC scholarships in style!

Four outstanding FLASS students, among seven EdUHK students in total, were awarded HSBC Scholarships for the 2024/25 academic year. Professor Bill Yeung Chi-ho, Dean of Students and Associate Dean (Quality Assurance and Enhancement) of FLASS, attended the HSBC Scholars Day organised by The Hongkong Bank Foundation, the philanthropic arm of HSBC, on 16 July to celebrate their remarkable success.

Launched in 1965 to support social work undergraduates, the HSBC Scholarships programme has since expanded to cover a wide range of university programmes and vocational courses, reflecting the city’s evolving needs. The scholarships provide financial assistance to help awardees pursue their aspirations and empower them to become global citizens. They also foster a community of individuals dedicated to contributing to Hong Kong. Recipients are invited to join the Hub for the Future, an alumni network of over 3,300 HSBC scholars.

This year, three FLASS students were honoured with the HSBC Hong Kong Scholarships, and Mr Cloof Siu Chun-ping, a fifth-year student of the Bachelor of Education (Honours) (Secondary) – Information and Communication Technology programme, won the HSBC Greater Bay Area (Hong Kong) Scholarship. Cloof felt honoured to receive the scholarship which has not only confirmed his efforts but also motivated him to further contribute to the Greater Bay Area through technology and education.

The assessment process was rigorous, involving essay submission, video presentation and face-to-face interview. “I needed to send a personal essay to enter the scholarship competition. When preparing the essay, I reflected on my academic journey at EdUHK, especially about my experiences in leading the EdUHK Robotics Team and taking part in community projects to promote STEM education. My essay highlights how my contributions in the above areas align with the scholarship’s mission of innovation and social impact,” he said.

Ms Ayeisha Shafana, a 2025 graduate of the Bachelor of Social Sciences (Honours) in Social Entrepreneurship and Development Studies (BSocSc(SEDS)) programme, was one of the three FLASS recipients of the HSBC Hong Kong Scholarship for the 2024/25 academic year. “I recognise that the scholarship is instrumental in furthering my academic pursuits and social impact goals. Although the scholarship is highly competitive, my aspiration to become a social entrepreneur and changemaker motivated me to apply,” she said.

As an Indian born and raised in Hong Kong, Ayeisha has a strong sense of identity with the city. “I am constantly seeking to contribute to the betterment of Hong Kong society through social impact and innovation. I am eager to apply the knowledge I gained from the BSocSc (SEDS) programme, and the practical skills from my previous start-up with HKSTP Ecopreneur, to design and run a new social initiative that can attract more international tourists to experience the rich historical and cultural heritages of Hong Kong. As someone who’s constantly evolving, I hope my unconventional pathway to academic and career ventures can inspire more youth to pursue their passion and goals fearlessly.,” she said.

HSBC has been supporting youth development and the communities with a mission to groom future talents through various scholarship schemes. The scholarships are awarded on a merit basis with a strong emphasis on all-roundedness and students’ commitment to Hong Kong.

List of FLASS awardees: