Bafta scholarships open door to UK

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (Bafta) is expanding its reach with a range of programmes designed to encourage creative collaboration between Britain and Asia. The highlight is a scholarship scheme - the Bafta Yip Foundation Scholarships - which allows two students from Hong Kong to study in Britain. Bafta is now accepting applications.

"The thinking behind these scholarships really forms the basis of what we are trying to achieve and that is creative and cultural collaborations," says Amanda Berry, the chief executive of Bafta.

The scholarships will give two permanent Hong Kong residents needing financial help the chance to study a postgraduate course in Britain in film, television or games. They are part of a wider Bafta scholarship programme, which will also enable up to two British nationals to study a postgraduate course in Hong Kong. The Bafta Yip Foundation Scholarships provide up to £20,000 (HK$257,000) towards one year's course fees at a British institution, a £10,000 bursary for living expenses, the support of an industry mentor, and free access to Bafta events.

The deadline for applications is June 9.

"People talk about leaving a legacy, but for me it's a 'presency'. Why should people benefit when I die? I want to be here to see the benefits," says Yip Foundation founder and entrepreneur, Katherine Yip.

But why Bafta? "I've always been passionate about edu-tainment - a great marriage between learning and being entertained," Yip says.