Being an intelligent girl with an excellent command of English, Shelley demonstrated a very strong academic record which has earned her numerous scholarships, such as the Citigroup Exchange Scholarship and BOCHK Scholarship. During her studies at CUHK, she went on an exchange to the University of Pennsylvania and participated in an international conference in Switzerland.  Her exposure became more diversified and international, and her friendships were developed beyond the boundaries. 

Shelley's high calibre set her apart in the Rhodes Scholar selection process which required short-listed candidates to dine with a panel of judges.  Shelley was asked by one of the judges the era of a painting which was one of the decorations of the restaurant.  Despite her limited knowledge in art as she modestly claimed, she made the right guess – 1990s work of a Taiwanese painter, and the judges were deeply impressed.  "I am very proud to represent Hong Kong in receiving this scholarship," Shelley said.  "I must thank the Faculty of Business Administration and the College for giving me unparalleled learning opportunities and the continuous encouragement and support from my teachers and classmates."

On 12 September 2007, Shelley was invited to conduct a sharing session and give advices to her junior business classmates.  During the session, Shelley shared with a number of graduating business students her secret recipe for winning the scholarship.  She reminded students, who wish to apply for prestigious scholarships, should not overlook the importance of the personal statement (the statement that usually required in the scholarship application form).  A good and humanized personal statement could make the candidates stand out.  Also, she recommended potential applicants of Rhodes Scholarship should highlight their strengths in academic achievements, integrity, leadership, sports and community services.

Having a strong interest in finance, Shelley wishes to come back to Hong Kong and develop her career in the banking industry after her study at Oxford.  Please join us here to congratulate Shelley and wish her every success in the future.

 

Rhodes Scholarship The Rhodes Scholarship was established after the death of Sir Cecil Rhodes in 1902, and was originally allocated to students from the Commonwealth countries, the United States and Germany. Hong Kong was later included in the list of countries and the first Rhodes Scholarship in Hong Kong was awarded in 1986. Each year, the Rhodes Scholarship selection committee comprising professors of local universities and renowned persons in the society selects one student with excellent academic achievements, outstanding personality, good physical vigour, active participation in community service and strong leadership to be the scholarship recipient. The selection process is a very strict one in which applicants have to go through several rounds of individual interview and group discussion, and to dine and interact with the committee members. They have to be admitted to the Oxford University as well before receiving the scholarship. Starting from this year, the scholarship is sponsored by the Lee Hysan Foundation which will provide the awardee an invaluable opportunity to study in the Oxford University through a full sponsorship of traveling expenses, school fee, accommodation and living expenses of around HK$300,000 per year.