The Hong Kong Jockey Club Vocational Education Scholarship: Empowering Future Leaders Through Connection, Learning and Service

The new awardees of The Hong Kong Jockey Club Vocational Education Scholarship for Higher Diploma and Overseas Degree studies joined together on 24 August for a Welcome Luncheon held at Moon Koon Restaurant, Happy Valley Racecourse. The gathering marked the beginning of their journey as members of the JC Scholars community, offering an inspiring platform for scholars to connect, share experiences, and explore the diverse opportunities available to them.

Ms Ada Chu, Senior Advisor, Charities (Education; Global Programmes) of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, warmly welcomed the new scholars and encouraged them to make the most of the development opportunities offered through the JC Scholars network while embracing the spirit of community service. Representatives from the Scholarships Secretariat and The Jockey Club Scholars Alumni Association also introduced the diverse programmes available, highlighting how the network enables scholars to broaden their horizons, pursue new possibilities, and build lasting connections with fellow scholars and alumni across generations and professions.

A highlight of the event was the sharing by Ms Adrian Chan, a graduate of the Higher Diploma in Culinary Arts, who completed both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Culinary Arts Management from University College Birmingham in the United Kingdom. She captivated the audience with her reflections on the challenges and rewards of studying abroad, and how these experiences have profoundly shaped both her personal and professional journey. Adrian embarked on her career at The Hong Kong Award for Young People(AYP), where she helps deliver skills training programmes for young people. She also gives back to the community by supporting the development of texture-modified diets for the elderly – a meaningful gesture of gratitude and service.

Since 2016/17, The Hong Kong Jockey Club Vocational Education Scholarship has supported around 150 graduates from the Diploma of Vocational Education to pursue further studies at Higher Diploma, and 30 graduates of Higher Diploma to pursue degree studies overseas in the fields of Aerospace, Marine, Environmental, Architecture, Design and Hospitality.