FOLLOWING a rigorous selection process which included a test of social skills through a 'dining-out exercise', Hong Kong University law graduate Keith Mak Ka-hon has been awarded a Rhodes Scholarship.
The former La Salle College student association president will spend two years reading for a postgraduate degree in civil law at University College, Oxford.
The scholarship covers accommodation, college fees, flight fares and a GBP6,900 (HK$85,000) annual allowance.
'After the Hong Kong Rhodes Scholarship Selection Committee narrowed down the 30 applicants to three candidates, they invited us to dine out with about 20 former Rhodes Scholars and the Rhodes house warden, Sir Anthony Kenny, and his wife,' 23-year-old Mr Mak said.
'Perhaps the purpose of this dinner was to see how we interacted with others.
'Thank God I was not very nervous and I managed to socialise with them,' said the Ricci Hall resident.
Mr Mak will be flying to England in mid-October to begin his studies.