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The following is issued on behalf of the Sir Edward Youde Memorial Fund Council:

Eleven students, including one disabled person, have received awards from the Sir Edward Youde Memorial Fund (SEYMF) to pursue postgraduate and undergraduate studies overseas.

Dr Lawrence T Wong, the new Chairman of the Sir Edward Youde Memorial Fund Council, today (August 12) hosted a send-off party for the students at the Hong Kong Racing Museum.

The SEYMF was established in April 1987 with public donations to commemorate the late Hong Kong Governor Sir Edward Youde. The purpose of the fund is to encourage Hong Kong people to pursue education and research.

The Sir Edward Youde Memorial Fellowships & Scholarships for Overseas Studies is one of the major award schemes administered by the SEYMF Council. The scheme aims at encouraging the achievement of scholastic excellence by Hong Kong students in overseas studies leading to a postgraduate or undergraduate degree.

Since 1988, a total of 76 fellows and 81 scholars, including five disabled students, have gone overseas to pursue their studies. Many have since returned to contribute to the betterment of Hong Kong. Together with recipients of SEYMF local fellowships and scholarships, they have formed the Sir Edward Youde Scholars Association to promote solidarity, scholarship and social awareness among its members.

End/Tuesday, August 12, 2003

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