Bulletin

Issue: October 2005

News

Donation boosts global scholarships

Two students from La Trobe University - as well as from three affiliated Chinese universities and ten other universities world-wide - will be able to expand their horizons, thanks to a generous $300,000 donation from a Hong Kong business leader.

The donation, by philanthropist and Hip Shing Hong Director, Dr Henry Fong Yun-Wah, has been made to the International Network of Universities (INU). The network and its highly successful travel scholarship scheme was pioneered by La Trobe Vice-Chancellor, Professor Michael Osborne. The University awarded 28 scholarships under the scheme this year.

In a world that was 'getting smaller', Dr Fong said global citizenship was a concept that promoted friendship between cities and countries. It was therefore important for both Chinese students, and students from other nations, to develop a global perspective.

'We can use this network to promote communication, to encourage research and to work for the common good of the world.'

Apart from its two Australian members - La Trobe and Flinders University - the INU includes universities from China, the USA, Britain, Japan, Hungary, Sweden and Indonesia.

The scholarships contribute to airfares, accommodation and tution fees for one semester of overseas study which is credited towards the students' courses at their home universities.

Dr Fong announced his latest contribution to education during La Trobe's recent round of graduation ceremonies in China and South East Asia, where he was honoured by the University (see right). The ceremonies were held in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong. More than 250 graduates were awarded their degrees and diplomas.