NEWS/ HONG KONG/ CITY

Press Release – Immediate

Changing the Future of Marginalised Ethnic Minority Youth with Scholarships

Bridging the Education Gap, Shaping Tomorrow’s Leaders

Hong Kong, 27 March 2025 – The Zubin Foundation organised a luncheon with the inspiring theme “Changing the Future of Youth with Scholarships.” The Zubin Foundation’s 10-year anniversary is a powerful reminder that poverty in the ethnic community continues to rise and there are thousands of individuals who need support. Amongst them is a growing population of youth who wish to study further but do not have the financial means. Our Scholarship Programme is designed to directly address this urgent need, providing them with the financial support to achieve their dreams and shape a brighter future for themselves and their communities.

Education Impacts Jobs & Poverty

At The Zubin Foundation, through our direct services on reducing suffering and providing opportunities, we have observed a direct link between education, employment, and poverty levels in the ethnic minority community (Figure 1). Disturbingly, only 18.2% of South Asian children (excluding Indians) attend university, compared to 31.2% of their Chinese counterparts.[1]  25.8% of South Asians relegate to elementary occupations, often trapped in labour-intensive roles, compared 18.2% of the whole population.[2] Most concerning is the statistic that one in three ethnic minority children is living in poverty, compared to one in four in the general population.[3] To disrupt this cycle, there is an imperative need for financial scholarships to empower future generations and provide pathways to success.

The Zubin Foundation Scholarships Since 2020 and Our Impact

In 2020, The Zubin Foundation embarked on a mission to transform lives through education by launching our financial scholarship programme. Since then, we’ve proudly awarded 190 scholarships to ethnic minority youth, creating pathways for a brighter future. The exponential growth in applications, from 89 in 2020 to 370 in 2024, showcases a pressing need for educational support (Figure 2).

We are thrilled to see a rising interest in STEM subjects, with more students diving into fields like Computer Science, Information Technology, Mathematics, Nursing, and Medicine and Biomedical Studies. This growth reflects not just ambition, but the potential to shape Hong Kong’s future—one scholarship at a time!

The Zubin Foundation is proud to announce the tremendous impact of our Alumni network, built over the last five years. Our recent poll highlights some inspiring outcomes:

• 85% of our Scholars report increased earning potential
• 86% have experienced a boost in self-esteem
• 94% have expanded their social and professional networks
• 72% feel newfound respect from their families

Catherine Husted Chair, Scholarships Committee & Board Vice-Chair, The Zubin Foundation highlighted the essential role of our scholarships in changing lives, saying “The Zubin Foundation is paving the way for youth to study further, and without this financial assistance they would not be able to. Tertiary education changes the trajectory and opportunities for that individual and their entire family and can end poverty.”

Dr Arfeen Bibi, Educator and Member, Scholarships Committee, The Zubin Foundation shared her reflections on the rewarding yet challenging process of selecting scholars, “With years of experience in education, I have witnessed the unique challenges faced by our young ethnic minority students in Hong Kong. On The Zubin Foundation Scholarships Committee with Catherine as our Chair, I have seen first-hand how aspiring students work hard towards their goal of achieving a university education. It is amazing to think that over 5 years The Zubin Foundation has given over 190 scholarships.”

Bhavneet Kaur, Young Women Scholar, studying Bachelor of Business and Administration, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology shared her pressure as the eldest child in the family and how the scholarship induced hope. “I am the first in my family to pursue tertiary education. As the eldest child, I feel responsible to contribute to the family and feel like I cannot ask for money for my university education. I had to find a way somehow to get the funding. The Scholarship provided me with the funding without which I could not go to university. I also received capacity building training. Before I received the scholarship, I could not have done public speaking. I also secured an internship through The Zubin Foundation. I enjoyed the work I did, and the company has offered me to join back. I am proud to be a scholar of The Zubin Foundation”.

Further reinforcing this vision, Shalini Mahtani, Founder and CEO of The Zubin Foundation emphasised the importance of scholarships in bridging the gap, “one of the greatest ways to end poverty is through education. It opens new pathways and networks, and changes the lives of children born into families with a university education.”

FIGURES

[1] Census and Statistics Department Hong Kong SAR (2021) 2021 Hong Kong Population Census.

[2] Census and Statistics Department Hong Kong SAR (2021) 2021 Hong Kong Population Census – Thematic Report: Ethnic Minorities. P.15

[3] Census and Statistics Department Hong Kong SAR (2017) 2016 Hong Kong Population By-census; Hong Kong Census and Statistics Department. (2012). 2011 Hong Kong Population Census.

Full Press Release: Read Here >>