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(Photo 1: HKLSS Founder and Board Chair Mr Vincent Cheung, HKLSS Executive Director Prof Ken Wong, Guest of Honor Mr Andy Wong, judges, representatives from universities, and scholarship recipients)
On 12th October, the Hong Kong Life Sciences Society (HKLSS or the Society) held a Presentation Ceremony at the AIRSIDE headquarters of Nan Fung Group for the Hong Kong Life Sciences Scholarship Awards (the Scholarship Awards), honoring 10 outstanding undergraduate students in life sciences and biomedical science. Like last year, this year’s selection process utilized artificial intelligence (AI) to evaluate applicants’ overall abilities in the first round, followed by a second-round interview which served to identify students with the greatest potential.
Over 100 Nominations Received, Recipients from 5 Local Universities
The Scholarship Awards were established in 2022 by HKLSS with a goal of supporting outstanding undergraduate students to pursue life sciences or biomedical studies in local universities. The Awards have received overwhelming responses since its inauguration, and this year made no exception as over 100 nominations were received. The 10 recipients who stood out are second- or third-year students from City University of Hong Kong, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, and The University of Hong Kong, who are studying in related fields of biomedical engineering biochemistry, and biomedical sciences.
In addition to the HK$50,000 scholarship, each awardee will also be entitled to participate in the Society’s 12-month Mentorship Scheme and be given priority to apply for the Summer Internship Program in Hong Kong, Shanghai and Shenzhen. While the scholarship enables students to focus on their studies, the diverse learning opportunities that come with it can also broaden their horizons, enrich their academic and professional experiences, and support their all-round development so as to nurture them into future leaders in the life sciences and biotech industries.
Apart from excelling academically, scholarship recipients should also show their academic and career aspirations. The selection process included two rounds of interviews: with last year’s successful implementation of AI, the first-round interview continued to use the technology to evaluate applicants’ abilities and soft skills, whereas the second-round interview was conducted by industry experts, including representatives from startups, biomedical centers, and biotechnology companies, who assessed students’ potential and suitability based on industry standards and trends.
A Presentation Ceremony that Promotes Diverse Exchange within the Industry
(Photo 2: Mr Andy Wong, Head of Innovation and Technology at Invest Hong Kong and the Guest of Honor, delivers words of encouragement)
Mr Andy Wong, Head of Innovation and Technology at Invest Hong Kong, was the Ceremony’s Guest of Honor who also delivered words of encouragement, while Mr Vincent Cheung, Founder and Board Chair of HKLSS, presented the awards.
Prof Ken Wong, Executive Director of HKLSS, said in his speech, “This year marks the 5th anniversary of HKLSS. We have strived to attract, nurture, and unite life sciences talent in Hong Kong by promoting knowledge exchange, collaboration, and participation, so as to strengthen the local life sciences ecosystem. The scholarship not only recognizes students’ past efforts but, more importantly, encourages and supports their future professional development in the life sciences industry.”
Representatives from various universities and nominators of the scholarship also attended the Ceremony. The Society hoped to bring together organizations from various professional fields to foster further exchange.
Recipients Express Gratitude for Guidance on Future Paths
During the Ceremony, two scholarship recipients shared their gratitude on behalf of all awardees. Fu Tianlu, a second-year student majoring in biochemistry at The University of Hong Kong, said, “I am very grateful to HKLSS for the scholarship, which allows me to continue my research in biological sciences and hopefully pursue a PhD. When I complete my studies, I hope to use my expertise to help the people of Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area live healthier and longer lives.”
Printer Roshni Olga, a third-year biotechnology and business student at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, said, “I hope to develop innovative therapeutics to address unmet healthcare needs. With this scholarship, I am one step closer to my goal. The Mentorship Scheme and Summer Internship Program will also help me find my footing in Hong Kong.”