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Stepping into Sha Tin Methodist College, visitors are immediately greeted by a vibrant atmosphere where students and teachers alike radiate enthusiasm and passion for learning. This year, four of the 220 Link University Scholarship recipients hailed from this distinguished secondary school, with two students earning the award for an impressive four consecutive years.
As Link University Scholarship marks its 10th anniversary, Channel 823 sat down with Ms Cheung Chui-yee, Principal of Sha Tin Methodist College, together with Ms Tsang Man Wai and Ms Wong King Wai who oversee scholarship application to explore her team’s educational philosophy and the profound impact of scholarships in shaping students’ academic aspirations and commitment to community service.
Link University Scholarship stands out for its distinctive approach, supporting exceptional students who are the first in three generations of their family to attend a local university – without the constraints of means testing. Principal Cheung commends this initiative, sharing her own experience: “I was the first in my family to graduate from university. My parents and grandparents always placed immense value on education, believing wholeheartedly that knowledge has the power to transform lives.”
Principal Cheung believes that regardless of social progress or economic development, there will always be families in need of assistance and students who want to improve their circumstances. “The significance of scholarships lies not only in rewarding achievement but also in providing continuous encouragement, motivating generations of young students to strive for excellence.”
She firmly believes that, despite social progress and economic development, there will always be families in need of support and students striving to build a better future. “Scholarships are not merely a recognition of academic excellence – they serve as a continuous source of encouragement, inspiring generations of young scholars to reach their full potential. They not only bring pride to their families but also cultivate personal growth and resilience.”
A core requirement of Link University Scholarship is active participation in community service — an aspect that Principal Cheung wholeheartedly endorses. “Our school places great emphasis on character development. Throughout their six years of study, we provide a variety of learning opportunities to guide students in serving the community and giving back with humility, gratitude, and leadership.” According to Ms Wong and Ms Tsang, the school has partnered with several non-profit organizations, with the scope of service extending from community service to environmental conservation.
Last year, Sha Tin Methodist College partnered with several non-profit organisations to organise a range of volunteer initiatives, from inviting homeless individuals to engage with students on campus to providing care for stray animals.
While academic achievement often takes precedence in youth development, community service is frequently overlooked. As a result, some exceptionally bright students have missed out on Link’s scholarship due to a lack of service experience. Principal Cheung believes that instilling a commitment to giving back from an early age not only enriches students’ lives but also shapes their future outlook.
“Through community service, students will first be able to take the initiative in caring for others. Secondly, they will be more sensitive to the needs of those around them. After six years at Sha Tin Methodist College, our graduates tend to demonstrate greater empathy and compassion than many of their peers. My hope is that they carry this spirit of contribution into university and beyond, inspiring even more people along the way.”
As Link celebrates the 20th anniversary of its public listing in 2025, the organisation has launched Link 20th Anniversary Outstanding Students Scholarship, recognising exceptional secondary school students. Sha Tin Methodist College has already nominated a deserving student for consideration. “Most scholarships are typically awarded to senior secondary students or graduating cohorts about to enter university, with fewer opportunities available for Form 3 or Form 4 students. We believe that Link’s secondary school scholarship will be a tremendous source of encouragement for young awardees,” says Principal Cheung.
The scholarship will be granted to 100 students, with awards ranging from $1,000 to $6,000. Principal Cheung stresses the importance of instilling sound financial management skills in younger students, particularly those who are still underage.
“When students decide how to use their scholarship funds, it is essential that they exercise both autonomy and financial prudence. Some choose to treat their families to a celebratory meal, while others invest in stationery or equipment for extracurricular activities. These are all reasonable decisions.”
However, she also encourages students to consider long-term financial planning. “We hope to guide students in developing good saving habits, using their scholarship money as an education fund for the future. As they mature, they may even choose to donate a portion of it to those in need, embracing their social responsibility and giving back to the community.”
