Honorable guests at the prize presentation ceremony included Mr. Alwin Lam, Executive Vice President of the AIA Foundation; Mr. Dick van der Tak, Executive Director of Medecins Sans Frontieres and representatives of sponsors and universities.

The AIA Foundation Scholarship was launched in 1995 to provide financial support to university students in Hong Kong and Macau. Over the past 9 years, the Foundation Scholarship has granted awards of over HK$2.8million, benefiting more than 150 scholars. This year, AIA Foundation granted scholarships to 19 second-year students from eight universities in

Hong Kong and Macau.

Into its eighth year, Young Leaders Development Program is a personal development program designed for the next generation to uncover their potential. Award winners are selected according to their overall performance in the program, as well as the content and presentation of the research project. This year, "The Best Report-Writing Award" and "Best Presentation Award" went to the Chinese University of Hong Kong and the City University of Hong Kong respectively.

Hong Kong Baptist University performed exceptionally well this year and won the "The Most Outstanding Team Award". Mr. Derek Chan, Applied Physics student, won the newly added personal award, “The Most Outstanding Young Leader” for his outstanding performance in leadership, communications skills and strong involvement in social services.

This year, AIA Foundation selected 31 first-year students from the seven local universities to undertake a series of training activities under the theme "Set Your Goals and Chart Your Path." The program aims to develop the abilities of young leaders in problem-solving, strategic thinking as well as team-building. It also aims to enhance students' expression of thoughts through logical analysis and critical thinking. Moreover, the young leaders are given an opportunity to participate in community services to enhance their social awareness.

Over the past 6 months, young leaders have attended a series of training workshops, including Orientation Training Camp, Leadership & Problem Solving Skills Workshops and Social Service Workshop and Cultural Inspiration Tour.

The unique life experience shared at the Speakers Platform also aroused great interest among participants and provided them insights into different leadership styles. This year’s list of speakers included Dr. Rosanna Wong Yick-ming, Chairman of Education Commission and Executive Director of The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups; Mr. Dick van der Tak, Executive Director of Medecins Sans Frontieres, and Mr. Thomas Woo, Managing Director of CitySuper Limited,

The 7-day Adventure Leadership Training Camp, held at Sai Kung, also provided young leaders with a great opportunity to realize their full potential, hone their organisation and leadership skills and strengthen their will in a challenging and unfamiliar outdoor environment. Drawing on their strong determination and mutual support, the young leaders successfully turned hardship into opportunities and overcame all challenges.

In a 5-day Research and Study Tour of Taiwan, the youths visited historical sites and the Industrial Technology Research Institute. They were also warmly received by Nan Shan Life Insurance Company Limited and were invited to participate in a “Future Elite Summit Meeting,” organized by a local youth magazine. Through the activities, the young leaders exchanged views on globalisation with the local students and community leaders. This increased their awareness of the economic and cultural differences between Taiwan and Hong Kong.

Established in April 1995 under the initiative of American International Assurance Co., Ltd, AIA Foundation is a non-profit-making organization set up to extend support to worthwhile charitable causes. The objective of the Foundation is to assist educational, medical, sports and community programs.

AIA is Southeast Asia’s largest life insurer, with branch offices and affiliated companies located in countries and jurisdictions including China, Hong Kong, Macau, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Brunei, Guam, Indonesia, Taiwan, the Philippines, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Australia and New Zealand. The Company has been assigned ‘AAA’ financial strength rating by global credit-rating agency Standard & Poor’s. In Hong Kong, AIA has also been assigned ‘Aaa’ the highest rating, by premier financial rating agency Moody’s. AIA is a wholly-owned subsidiary of American International Group, Inc. (AIG), the world leader in insurance.

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