The William S.D. Louey Educational Foundation
1995
Founded in Hong Kong in honour of William Louey’s grandfather
35
Scholars supported through school, university and beyond
HK$60m
Invested in scholarships and education
100%
Of surveyed scholars now volunteer their time to help others
Mission and Purpose
In 1995, William Louey established the William S.D. Louey Educational Foundation in honour of his grandfather. The aim was straightforward: to support capable students from modest backgrounds in pursuing overseas education at a time when such opportunities were rare.
Beyond financial support, William meets scholars personally and remains in touch throughout their journeys. Over time, many have built businesses, advanced technology and shaped their own industries. Some now support students of their own, allowing opportunity to move naturally across generations.
New research
The William Louey Effect
A 30-year study of the Foundation’s scholars, and a new framework for measuring the long-term impact of a scholarship on families, communities and future generations.
92%
Hold leadership or decision-making roles
92%
Mentor young people
67%
Fund scholarships or give philanthropically
Scholar Stories
Three decades of scholars, and the lives they have gone on to build.
Charlie Gao Feng
One of the first scholars in 1995. He went on to found his own investment firm.
“Something that nobody in my family would even dare to imagine.”
Read their story →
Shield Dun Xiao
Studied at Cambridge and MIT, then built an education technology business.
“I got the opportunity to learn things, widen my perspective and find myself.”
Read their story →
Yangyang Hou
Among the very first scholars, now a strategist at J.P. Morgan who gives back through art.
“Our scholarship is like a little family.”
Read their story →
Philanthropy and Mentorship
William Louey is a Hong Kong businessman and a fourth-generation member of the family behind Kowloon Motor Bus. In 1995, he established the William S.D. Louey Educational Foundation in honour of his grandfather, and has since supported 35 scholars with more than HK$60 million in funding.
William meets candidates personally and stays in touch with many scholars throughout their careers. He also shares what he has learned through writing, speaking and video, including Growing Young with William Louey and the Reaching Your Peak podcast.
From the Blog
Cross-Cultural Dialogue Begins With Curiosity
What does real cross-cultural dialogue look like? Lessons from scholars who left Beijing as teenagers to study in the UK and live between cultures.
Educational Philanthropy: What 30 Years of Scholarships Have Taught Us
What makes educational philanthropy last? Four lessons from three decades of scholarships, mentorship and paying it forward at the William S.D. Louey Educational Foundation.
What We Look For When We Interview a Scholar (It Isn’t Perfection)
Every December, thousands of young people sit down for what may be the most nerve-racking half hour of their school lives. Oxford
“My grandmother did it the right way, because she didn’t ask for any recognition.”
William Louey, on the quiet giving that inspired the Foundation