More than 920 students, five working adults and two apprentices were presented with prizes and scholarships under the Sir Edward Youde Memorial Fund at the 19th Awards Presentation Ceremony at City Hall today.

Officiating at the ceremony, Lady Youde said the fund has disbursed $169 million since 1987, benefiting directly or indirectly more than 440,000 students through various awards and sponsored activities.

In pursuing its objective of encouraging and promoting education, the fund disbursed $9.5 million in the 2005-06 academic year.

Presented this year were six awards for overseas studies plus one overseas scholarship for a disabled student; 21 fellowships for post-graduate students, including one for the disabled; 73 scholarships for undergraduate and diploma students, including three for disabled students; six medals for students who obtained outstanding results in public examinations; 785 prizes for senior secondary school students; 31 awards for disabled 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.

The Sir Edward Youde Memorial Fund has, since its inception, supported more than 15,700 Hong Kong students under its major schemes. More than 1,600 scholars and fellows have completed their studies and are now working in Hong Kong in different sectors, contributing to the city's well-being and development.