The SCMP/Henley MBA scholarship programme offers two Hong Kong executives a chance to study at one of the most prestigious business schools in Europe, the University of Reading's Henley Business School.
This year, Dyson Yu and Dennis Kwan were delighted to be named the winners of the scholarship at the awards presentation held on October 19 at Henley's Hong Kong office.
The winners received a full scholarship worth HK$215,000 each for the three-year, part-time MBA programme, which includes the total cost of one trip to the school's campus in Britain in March next year.
'Not only does the scholarship provide me with financial assistance, it is also a recognition of what I have achieved so far,' says Kwan, vice-president, investment advisory for private equity at Sumitomo Trust Finance (HK). 'I believe graduates of the MBA programme will be able to hold high ethical standards and have the determination to excel in their work, and act as a model citizen in the business world.'
This is the 16th year Henley and South China Morning Post have sponsored the scholarship. 'A message I want to send to our two winners this year and other students is seize the day - if you can do it, do it,' says Rex Aguado, chief editor for SCMP Recruitment Services. 'This is an amazing opportunity from Henley and SCMP.'
The programme is open to Hong Kong residents with a minimum of three years' managerial experience and the ability to demonstrate how they plan to use the MBA. The straightforward application process was made rigorous by the intense competition from 22 other executives. 'I believe it was my multicultural background and experience in working in different fields that impressed the judges,' Kwan says.
'A piece of advice I can give to prospective applicants of the scholarship programme is to be yourself, understand your strengths and weaknesses, and show your determination to make personal improvements.'