A total of 65 police children were awarded scholarships under the Police Children's Education Trust (PCET) and the Police Education and Welfare Trust for 2017/18 at the Scholarship Presentation Ceremony at the Police Headquarters on August 21.

Officiating at the ceremony were Commissioner Lo Wai-chung, Chairperson of the Joint Management Committee of the trusts Dr Li Sau-hung, and Chairperson of the Joint Investment Advisory Board of the trusts Ms Tsang Wai-sze. The two chairpersons also presented certificates to the awardees.

Since their establishment over 50 years ago, the two education trusts have provided subsidies for numerous police children with the aim of motivating them to study hard and contribute to society. For the 2017/18 school year, the trusts disbursed over $6 million in scholarships, bursaries and grants to the awardees.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Mr Lo thanked donors for their generous support for the trusts over the years and their recognition of the trusts' commitment to educating the next generation. He appealed to the awardees to reciprocate the trusts after their studies for the benefit of more police children. He also encouraged the awardees to live up the spirit of the Police Force "to face up to adversity and strive for excellence", to equip themselves and to broaden their horizons.

Mr Lo presented certificates of appreciation to former members of the Joint Management Committee and Joint Investment Advisory Board of the trusts. He extended special thanks to Mr Lee Tze-hau, the former Chairperson of the Joint Management Committee who had served the trusts for almost 14 years from 2004 to 2018. Mr Lo thanked Mr Lee and the former members of the trusts for their invaluable and professional advice on investment and management.

In addition, Mr Lo presented a certificate of appreciation to Director of the Ng Teng Fong Charitable Foundation Ms Nikki Ng. In June, the Foundation generously donated $7 million to the PCET to support expenses associated with scholarships and grants for children of junior police officers.

Also addressing the ceremony, Dr Li Sau-hung said that prize is a recognition for winners. The police children should be proud not only of themselves, but also of their parents and family members because the trusts are the community's acknowledgement of the excellent police work. In view of the development of Internet technology and artificial intelligence, Dr Li encouraged the awardees to grasp every opportunity to develop their potential and career, making contribution to society.

Two short films produced in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the trusts were shown in the ceremony. Former awardees Miss Chan Pui-yi and Dr Mak Ying-fai told their stories in the films on the assistance received from the trusts in times of need, and expressed their gratitude to the trusts.

Sergeant Au Pui-kwan and his son Mr Au Ming-fung attended the ceremony and shared with the participants how they have thrived against the odds. Mr Au Ming-fung thanked the PCET for awarding him a scholarship. It not only eased the burden of his tuition, but also affirmed his learning ability. He concluded with the motto "never say never, nothing is impossible", and wished everyone to live out their dreams.

A representative of the awardees, Mr Mak Sau-tak, thanked donors for their benevolence and financial support to the trusts. He studied abroad in the United Kingdom at the age of nine but his school grades were mediocre initially. Not until he found himself having a keen interest in medical-related fields did he strive to work hard. Last year, he embarked on his medical studies at Imperial College London. He encouraged his peers not to let setbacks deter them from pursuing their dreams.

This year, five persons were awarded Scholarship for Outstanding Talents. Mr Ryan Li, one of the winners, won a gold medal in the single rope pair grouping competition in the World Rope Skipping Championships 2016. He performed rope skipping on the stage, bringing the atmosphere of the event to a climax.