School Dropout Turns Her Life Around to Pursue a Career in Healthcare, While Working Mother Gains a Confidence Boost from Scholarship
Nearly 30% of Sir Edward Youde Memorial Fund Awardees Come from HKCT
(20 January 2026, Hong Kong) “My mother is the light that illuminates every step of my journey.” These heartfelt words came from a 27-year-old woman who dropped out of school after Secondary Four and spent years searching for direction in life.
At the Sir Robert Black Trust Fund Presentation Ceremony for Diploma of Applied Education 2024/25, successfully held yesterday, a total of 16 students from the Hong Kong College of Technology (HKCT) received awards, accounting for nearly 30% of the 57 awardees and marking one of HKCT’s best results over the years.
Among them, Leung Wing-sze, a student of the Diploma of Applied Education (Basic Medical Care), stood out and was selected as the student representative to deliver a speech at the ceremony. Her inspiring journey from working as a waitress in the catering industry to pursuing a professional career in healthcare touched the audience and demonstrated how determination and education can open up new possibilities in life.
From Uncertainty to Confidence: Leung Wing-sze Rebuilds Her Life through Professional Skills
Speaking candidly at the ceremony, Leung Wing-sze shared that she was forced to leave school after Secondary Four due to financial difficulties in her family. Having spent years working in the retail and catering industries, she became increasingly aware of the limitations brought about by a lack of academic qualifications and professional skills, leaving her uncertain about her future. It was not until the age of 27 that, with encouragement from her mother, she found the courage to return to school.
Although she initially had concerns about her age and whether she would be able to cope with her studies, the extensive hands-on training offered by HKCT gradually helped her regain confidence. Through practical training in professional healthcare skills such as blood taking, blood pressure measurement and wound dressing, she was able to build both her competence and confidence step by step.
Leung said the programme had given her much more than knowledge and skills. Along the way, she also met inspiring teachers and supportive peers, and even found faith that gave her a new sense of purpose in life.
Leung has since successfully entered the healthcare sector, fulfilling her original aspiration of acquiring professional skills and serving the community. Reflecting on the award, she said, “This award is not only an encouragement to me, but also a reminder to always remain grateful. Looking ahead, I will continue to further my studies in healthcare and nursing.”
Working Mother Balances Studies, Career and Family: So Wing-shan Says, “My Hard Work Has Truly Been Recognised”
In addition to full-time students, many of HKCT’s part-time students have also earned recognition for their perseverance and determination. So Wing-shan, a student of the Diploma of Applied Education [Social Services], is a working mother who has spent the past year and a half juggling multiple responsibilities. She described her demanding routine as “working during the day, attending classes in the evening and taking care of my family late into the night,” which meant sacrificing a great deal of precious time with her daughter.
So said receiving the award came as a tremendous surprise, as she had never considered herself academically outstanding when she was younger and had never received a scholarship before. “When I found out that I had been nominated, my first thought was, ‘So all the effort I have put in over the past year and a half has truly been recognised.’”
She expressed particular gratitude to her husband for his understanding and support, as well as to her daughter for her encouragement, which enabled her to persevere with her studies while balancing work and family commitments.
Describing the award as a much-needed “boost of encouragement”, So said it had given her greater confidence to pursue further studies. Looking ahead, she hopes to apply what she has learnt to give back to the community and help more people in need.
Practical Programmes Empower Students to Realise Their Potential
Since the 2005/06 academic year, the Sir Robert Black Trust Fund has provided awards each year to eligible graduates of the Diploma of Applied Education and the former Diploma Yi Jin programmes. This year, HKCT students accounted for nearly 30% of all awardees, covering both full-time and part-time programmes. The achievement reflects HKCT’s continued efforts and effectiveness in advancing Vocational and Professional Education and Training (VPET).
Through practical, career-oriented curricula and comprehensive student support, HKCT helps learners from diverse backgrounds realise their potential, whether they are young people who once struggled to find their direction or working adults seeking to further their education.
Beyond helping students develop positive values, HKCT equips them with practical and professional skills in areas such as healthcare and social services, enabling them to respond directly to the manpower needs of society. In doing so, HKCT also upholds the spirit of the Sir Edward Youde Memorial Fund by nurturing initiative among young people and encouraging them to put their knowledge and skills into practice in service of the community.
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