More than 940 students, five working adults and two apprentices have received awards and scholarships under the Sir Edward Youde Memorial Fund.

To encourage and promote education and learning, the fund disbursed $11.8 million in the 2004-2005 academic year. Presented this year were:

* six awards for overseas studies plus one overseas scholarship for a disabled student;

* 47 fellowships for post-graduate students, including two for the disabled;

* 92 scholarships for undergraduate and diploma students, including two for disabled students;

* 25 awards for disabled students;

* six medals for students who obtained outstanding results in public examinations;

* 769 prizes for senior secondary school students;

* two awards for outstanding apprentices; and,

* five awards for working adults who have undergone retraining and have successfully integrated themselves into their new work environment.

$160m dispersed

Officiating at the fund's 18th Awards Presentation Ceremony at City Hall today, Lady Youde said the fund has disbursed $160 million since 1987, benefiting directly or indirectly more than 400,000 students through awards and other sponsored activities.

An exclusive sponsorship of $600,000 towards the Young Friends of the Arts Festival Scheme continued in 2004-2005 to increase the exposure of secondary school and tertiary students to the performing arts.

The visiting professorship scheme, first launched in 1995-96 to promote cultural exchange between Hong Kong and the world, gave two awards for the year. The public lectures will be launched in two months.

Four distinguished lectures, a series first launched in 2002-03 to provide a forum for speakers nominated by professional bodies and associations to deliver lectures on issues of direct benefit to the people of Hong Kong, were selected for sponsorship.

Keen competition

Competition for the overseas fellowships and scholarships for 2005-2006 was extremely keen. Six brilliant contestants, from among 281 applicants, have won the awards. Each will receive a maximum of $251,000 fellowship award and $232,000 scholarship award a year. They have to work in Hong Kong for at least three years after completion of their sponsored studies.

Nearly $500,000 has been expended on the Award Scheme for the Disabled Students to provide the 25 awardees with financial assistance for the purchase of study aids.

This year 47 postgraduate students have been awarded fellowships at $38,000 each, while the 92 undergraduate and diploma students have been awarded scholarships at $25,000 each.

The fund has, since its inception, supported more than 14,700 Hong Kong students under its major schemes. More than 1,500 scholars and fellows have completed their studies and are now working in Hong Kong in different sectors, contributing to the well-being and development of Hong Kong.