Awardee Speeches
2024 -2025
Himal Raut
Politics
“Language is the foundation of culture, and only by preserving our language—Hongkongese—can we pass on our heritage.”
It is my honor to be one of the awardees for the academic year 2024-2025. Over the past few years, working on initiatives related to Hong Kong in the UK has become increasingly challenging. As more Hongkongese children integrate into UK society, some of them may not know the Hongkongese language in the future, which presents a crisis we must address.
I am truly grateful that the Bonham Tree Scholarship has recognized and supported my project to create a Hongkongese learning platform to educate our next generation. Language is the foundation of culture, and only by preserving our language—Hongkongese—can we pass on our heritage.
With the support of the Bonham Tree Scholarship, I will do my best to contribute to this mission. Thank you.
Krista Wong
Social Anthropology
“My vision is to ensure that its songs and messages continue to resonate with future generations while serving as a unifying voice for Hongkongers worldwide.”
I am deeply grateful to the Bonham Tree Scholarship Committee for this incredible honor. It is a powerful encouragement to continue my efforts in preserving and celebrating Hong Kong's unique cultural identity.
‘What does “Hong Kong culture” truly mean?’- the meaningful conversation happening during the scholarship journey made me pause and reflect, and the realization is that, Hong Kong culture is not something that can or should be rigidly defined - It is ever-evolving, vibrant, creative, and deeply heart-warming. It is the essence of who we are, connecting us across generations and inspiring resilience in the face of challenges.
As part of my efforts, I treat Cantopop as a powerful medium for Hongkongers to share the stories, opinions, and aspirations. More than just music, it is a living archive of our emotions, struggles, and hopes. Through its melodies and lyrics, it continues to inspire, uplift, and empower Hongkongers, both at home and abroad, being the continued dialogue about the voices.
My vision is to ensure that its songs and messages continue to resonate with future generations while serving as a unifying voice for Hongkongers worldwide. With the support of this scholarship, I will work to raise awareness of Cantopop’s cultural significance, creating platforms to document and share its rich heritage. It has long served as a subtle yet impactful voice for freedom and resilience, and I aim to amplify that message, reaching more Hongkongers both locally and globally.
Blue
Business Management, Accounting and Finance
“Art is a language, and culture is a home wherever we go.”
I am deeply honored to receive this year’s Bonham Tree Scholarship. I have traveled alone from Hong Kong to the United Kingdom to pursue my studies and build a foundation for a free and fulfilling life. Coming from a non-academic background and self-funding my education and living expenses, this scholarship is invaluable in helping me achieve my dream of an academic education in business management, accounting, and finance. Additionally, it will provide the resources and financial support for my second passion—fine arts.
Beyond expressing myself through painting, I have been actively promoting Hong Kong culture by organizing and curating art exhibitions and events in the UK. Through these cultural activities, we celebrate our heritage, connect with the local community, and strengthen ties among Hongkongers, ensuring we feel at home no matter where we are. My studies in management and intercultural communication, along with the vibrant student community at my university, will further enhance my skills and provide a solid foundation for these initiatives.
I am sincerely grateful to the Bonham Tree Scholarship Program for supporting my journey and making all of this possible.
