Three Emirati siblings have been awarded full government scholarships to study together at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST). The scholarships were provided by the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK), marking the first time that recipients of this scholarship have chosen to study in Hong Kong. The siblings, consisting of twin sisters and their older brother, began their higher education in September and are pursuing degrees in Engineering and a BBA program in Marketing at HKUST.
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology is known for its research-driven programs specializing in science, engineering, business, humanities, and social sciences. The three siblings expressed their excitement about their academic journey and the opportunity to build connections with other international students at the university. Sara Al Shamsi, one of the twin sisters pursuing her bachelor’s in engineering, shared her enthusiasm for experiencing something new and exciting after high school and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to study at HKUST.
The Abu Dhabi Scholarships Program was established in 2009 to offer high-achieving Emirati students in the emirate full scholarships to pursue higher education at top universities worldwide, including HKUST. Over the past year, HKUST has been actively involved with the UAE’s education sector to attract top young talent. The university has strengthened its collaboration with ADEK on undergraduate admissions, enabling ADEK to grant full scholarships to the three exceptional Emirati siblings.
Betsy Lee, Head of Student Recruitment and Outreach at HKUST, expressed delight in welcoming the ADEK scholarship recipients to the university and highlighted their exceptional talent nurtured in the UAE. HKUST’s Undergraduate Recruitment & Admissions Office will be visiting the UAE to strengthen relationships with schools and educational institutions, providing training courses, educational materials, and updates on the university’s initiatives to school staff. The university aims to provide comprehensive support and training for school counselors to ensure student success in their academic and professional journeys.
The Emirati siblings are excited about their academic journey at HKUST, where they will be studying alongside international students and benefitting from the university’s diverse and multicultural environment. Sara Al Shamsi, along with her sisters and brother, are eager to showcase their skills and make friends with students from around the world. HKUST’s Associate Dean of the School of Business and Management highlighted Hong Kong as a premier destination for business education, offering a vibrant economic landscape and global market connections for students to excel in today’s competitive landscape.
In conclusion, the opportunity for these Emirati siblings to study at HKUST on full government scholarships signifies the commitment of both the UAE and Hong Kong in fostering educational exchanges and collaborations. The siblings’ academic journey at HKUST showcases the value of international education and the benefits of studying in a diverse and innovative environment. Through the Abu Dhabi Scholarships Program and partnerships between educational institutions, talented students like the Emirati siblings can pursue their academic aspirations and contribute to the global knowledge economy.
