The outbreak of SARS has created havoc in our already fragile economy. The damage done is threatening the livelihood of many Hong Kong citizens and their self-confidence as active members of our society. Those affected are desperately in need of practical assistance. In view of this, The Hong Kong Management Association provides around 30 scholarships worth a total of HK$ 300,000 to individuals who have worked in 2003 in industries adversely affected by the SARS outbreak.

The initiative has generated extensive support from individuals and companies in Hong Kong. Up to date, the Association has raised another HK$300,000 from the private sector and the total number of scholarships offered will be increased to 60. The Association would like to extend its sincere thanks to the following sponsors for their generous support:

Mr Glover Chan, Senior Manager of the Association stated that “As the premier management education and training institute in Hong Kong, the Association has always focused its work on upgrading the skills, knowledge as well as competitiveness of people in Hong Kong for the challenges ahead. We are most happy to see the extensive support of the local community for this meaningful scholarship scheme.”

Scholarship applicants can choose from over 100 continuing education and training programmes offered by the Association. They include:

- Diploma in Management Studies

- Diploma in Business Management

- Advanced Diploma in Secretarial and Administrative Studies

- Professional Diploma Programmes (such as Accountancy, Customer Service, Inventory and Logistics, Bilingual Business Communications, Property and Facilities Management)

- Certificate Programmes (such as Financial Management, Human Resources Management, Logistics Management, Marketing Management, Information Technology Management)

- Preparatory Programmes for Professional Examinations (such as HKAAT examinations, LCC & I Examination, Pitman Qualifications, Workplace English, Test of Proficiency in Putonghua)

- Seminars and Workshops by local lecturers (such as Training the Trainers, Dealing with Difficult Customers, How to be a Good Team Leader)

Who can apply?

All applicants should be Hong Kong residents engaging in the following industries which have been severely affected by the SARS outbreak:

(** SMEs refer to any manufacturing businesses which employ fewer than 100 persons in Hong Kong; or any non-manufacturing businesses which employ fewer than 50 persons in Hong Kong)

How to apply?

All applicants are required to send in the application form together with a write-up, either in English or Chinese, of around 200 words relating to the topic: “How would you suggest to enhance the competitiveness of your company / industry?” A Selection Committee will award the scholarships based on their submissions and background.

Application Procedure

For enquiries, please contact Ms Sunnie Ma, Assistant Executive Officer (Tel: 2774 8581 / email: sunniema@hkma.org.hk) or Customer Service Department on 2774 8500 or please visit the following website:

www.hkma.org.hk/scholarship

The Media Sponsors of this Scholarship Scheme are: South China Morning Post and Jiu Jik.

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Issued by The Hong Kong Management Association on 27 August 2003.