The University of Nottingham Ningbo China has held its annual joint UNNC Dream Scholarship and Li Yip Yio Chin Scholarship Award Ceremony on campus.

The Dream Scholarship was established in 2013 by the late President Professor Yang Fujia. After the sad loss of Professor Yang last July, Wanli Education Group picked up the baton to continue the scholarship. The scholarship was set up to inspire students, especially those who are keen to try new things and ideas and apply these to real-life situations. The Dream Scholarship is one of UNNC’s most important awards to recognise students’ creative endeavours. The Li Yip Yio Chin Scholarship was donated by Dr. Li Dak Sum and his wife Mrs. Li Yip Yio Chin. This scholarship aims to award outstanding students who showcase the values of honesty, trustworthiness, patriotism, innovation, diligence, self-discipline and are role models in both personal character and their studies.

The ceremony, facilitated by the Education Foundation Secretariat in Development and Alumni Relations Office in partnership with the Department of Campus Life, was pleased to welcome 68 students who attended the ceremony at UNNC’s Liberal Arts Hotel and were award recipients.

Presenting the awards were UNNC senior leaders, Professor Philip Seltsikas, Vice Provost for Education and Student Experience, Thomas Murphy, Chief Financial and Planning Officer. Representatives from the Department of Campus Life, the Student Recruitment and Admission Office, and the Development and Alumni Relations Office also attended the ceremony to celebrate the outstanding achievements of the award recipients. The ceremony was hosted by Luxi Cai, a second-year student reading international business and management.

After stunning performances from UNNC’s very own symphony orchestra, as well as beautiful piano performances from UNNC students, the award ceremony commenced. In his welcome speech, Professor Philip Seltsikas expressed his gratitude to the generous philanthropic spirit of the donors, and their support of UNNC students’ achievements.

Professor Philip Seltsikas continued by congratulating the scholarship winners, “We believe in your potential, and we are invested in your continued growth and development. As you move forward in your academic and professional pursuits, I encourage you to continue to work hard, stay curious, and remain engaged in your communities. Whether you pursue research, volunteer work, or career opportunities, know that you have the potential to make the world better.”

During the event, Luxi Cai and Xuanyi Mou, representatives of the Dream Scholarship, delivered engaging personal presentations of their experiences.

Growing up in a multicultural environment, Luxi Cai found herself this March as one of only two representatives of China at the 2023 UNODC Youth Forum in Vienna, Austria, where she discussed drug control topics with students from 28 countries and regions around the world. The experience has strengthened her determination to devote herself to anti-drug education in the future. “It is an honour to receive the Dream Scholarship Individual Award-Practical Activities. Thanks to UNNC for providing us with this great platform with great possibilities, giving us the opportunity to learn, explore and grow.” said Luxi.

Xuanyi Mou, the representative of the Dream Scholarship Group Award, showcased the highlights of Student Personal Development Programme Office (SPDPO). As a student organisation responsible for the operation of the credit policy for Practice Course, an important part of Chinese Culture Course, SPDPO works efficiently and effectively, which has been widely recognised and praised. Xuanyi said: "It is a great honour for SPDPO to receive the Dream Scholarship Group Award. SPDPO will continue enthusiastically helping every student."

Representing the Li Yip Yio Chin Scholarship recipients, Zixun Zhou, a second-year student reading finance, accounting and management, said: “I came to UNNC by chance, UNNC is 4059 km away from my hometown Hami, Xinjiang. I am very happy and honoured to again be eligible for the Li Yip Yio Chin Scholarship…I will continue to learn and grow up at UNNC with the encouragement of Dr Li Dak Sum and Mrs Li Yip Yio Chin.”

The awards ceremony came to a close with networking opportunities between guests and a cross-cultural banquet on campus.