Chief Secretary Carrie Lam praised award recipients and donors at the Future Stars - Upward Mobility Scholarship Commendation Ceremony attended by more than 500 people today.
In its first year, the scholarship has secured support from about 100 donors, raising some $5 million in funds for 953 scholarships. A total of 919 students from 363 secondary schools, special schools and Vocational Training Council institutions have been awarded scholarships.
Mrs Lam said the scholarship programme aims to encourage students to demonstrate resilience in adversity and maintain a positive attitude towards life and learning.
While the awardees clearly deserved praise, the caring school principals and teachers, loving parents and generous sponsors are also parties worthy of commendation, she said.
Mrs Lam also expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the scholarship sponsors who come from different sectors of the community including individuals, business enterprises, chambers of commerce, professional bodies, trade associations, community organisations and charitable foundations, and hoped they would continue their support for the Future Stars Programme in the coming years.
