Awardee Speeches
2023 -2024
Raut Himal
Politics
“I aspire to promote Hong Kong's local culture and advocate for the inclusion of Hongkongese in written language.”
This is my honor to be one of the awardees for the academic year 2023-2024. As a Politics student, I hope to make good use of the resources provided by the scholarship to continue exploring the paths of politics and philosophy. At the same time, I also aspire to promote Hong Kong's local culture and advocate for the inclusion of Hongkongese in written language. As the saying goes, culture is the soul of a nation, and as a Hong Konger, I will definitely exert all efforts to defend Hong Kong's culture. To fight for the soul of Hong Kong. Thank you.
Maeve Ho
Social Work
“I have harbored the aspiration to channel my education and experiences into continued support and service for the Hong Kong community in the UK upon completing my studies.”
I am sincerely grateful to the Bonham Tree Scholarship for granting me this precious opportunity, enabling me to pursue my endeavors in the civic sector with the support of this scholarship.
Currently enrolled in a social work program, I have harbored the aspiration to channel my education and experiences into continued support and service for the Hong Kong community in the UK upon completing my studies. Beyond my academic pursuits, I am actively engaged in various civic activities. I am dedicated to promoting Hong Kong culture in the UK, organizing diverse cultural events, and spearheading support initiatives tailored for the children of Hong Kong immigrants residing in the UK. Receiving this scholarship is not only a recognition of my dedication but also a catalyst for realizing my goals. The financial support from the Bonham Tree Scholarship serves as a crucial foundation, empowering me to make a meaningful impact on the lives of Hong Kong immigrants in the UK.
I extend my deepest appreciation to the Bonham Tree Scholarship for their belief in my vision and commitment. This scholarship not only supports my educational journey but also fuels my passion for community service and cultural enrichment. I am honored to be a recipient and am eager to pay it forward by contributing positively to the community. Thank you, Bonham Tree Scholarship, for being a beacon of support on my academic and civic journey.
Cyrus Chan
Health and Social Care
“Keep going — overcoming barriers, excelling in the path of policy work, and voicing for the Hongkonger community.”
I am immensely thankful to you for the Bonham Tree Scholarship. This scholarship will definitely bring me a step closer to my dream. Thank you for your confidence and investment in my future. As difficult as life could be, I learned to rise to challenges and persevere through grave pressure. I am confident that my personal qualities and the support of this scholarship could keep me going—overcoming barriers, excelling in the path of policy work, and voicing for the Hongkonger community.
I am grateful that the current undergraduate programme has brought me one step closer to my dream, giving me a solid understanding of social issues and different stakeholders’ opinions in UK society. In the future, I would like to aim higher and study a master degree in social policy or social work to enrich my knowledge and insight on UK social conflict and equip myself for policy work.
The scholarship could support me with part of my tuition fee, alleviating my financial burden as a mature student who is financially independent. Additionally, it allows me to have greater financial flexibility to equip myself and have more spare time to join social affairs (e.g., volunteering in some NGOs now) in order to build potential networks and connections for political work in the future. I hope my active engagement could bring positive effects or even stimulation to UK society in the pursuit of democratic values and human rights, which is an alternative adoption of Hong Kong's spirit and ideology since the 2019 movement.
Chris Li
Business, Law and Social Sciences
“I hold deep gratitude for those who have remained steadfastly by my side, offering unwavering support and belief in my abilities.”
I am elated to have been bestowed with this prestigious scholarship. It is not only a tremendous honor but also a profound affirmation of my abilities. I shall utilize this scholarship to cover my daily expenses, thereby alleviating the financial burden on my family. Furthermore, I shall persistently endeavor to uphold and propagate Hong Kong's rich cultural heritage from multifaceted perspectives. Through a continuous process of trial and error, I shall accumulate valuable experiences and gradually actualize my aspirations.
Undoubtedly, embarking on a new journey in an unfamiliar land presents its own set of challenges. Over the past two years, I have witnessed a gradual estrangement from several friends and relatives. Consequently, I hold deep gratitude for those who have remained steadfastly by my side, offering unwavering support and belief in my abilities. Their companionship and encouragement throughout my pursuit of innocent dreams have bestowed upon me the impetus to forge ahead.
I would also like to express my heartfelt appreciation to the Bonham Tree Scholarship for establishing this commendable program. This scholarship not only provides us with financial assistance but also engenders a profound reflection upon the current state and future of Hong Kong.
Lastly, I seize this opportunity to extend gratitude to myself. The path I have traversed has been arduous, marked by numerous setbacks, despondency, criticism, and doubt. Nevertheless, I steadfastly maintain faith in my own capabilities and express deep gratitude for the unwavering spirit within me that refuses to surrender. The road ahead remains rugged, yet I fervently hope to persist with the blessings of all those who have supported me.
