Academic Achievment
For more than three decades, the William S.D. Louey Educational Foundation has supported academically strong students from Hong Kong and mainland China in pursuing overseas education.
In the 1990s, when studying abroad was still uncommon for many mainland students, William began interviewing candidates personally. He was not only looking for strong grades, but for determination and the ability to adapt to unfamiliar environments. Many of those early scholars went on to study at institutions such as Cambridge, Oxford, MIT and Harvard.
Since its founding, the Foundation has provided more than HKD 60 million in support, helping students pursue education in the United Kingdom, the United States and beyond.
Providing Overseas Education
William has always remained closely involved in the selection process. Each year, he continues to meet candidates himself.
For many students, the scholarship represented more than financial assistance. It meant exposure to new cultures, new expectations and a broader view of what was possible. Several scholars have since built businesses, contributed to technological innovation and taken on leadership roles internationally.
Scholar Connection
Relationships do not end at graduation. William remains in touch with many scholars as their careers develop, often attending milestones in their lives and staying connected across decades.
In addition to the Foundation, William has supported broader educational initiatives. In 1999, he joined the committee of the China Oxford Scholarship Fund, supporting students from China studying at Oxford. In 2011, he was appointed a Member of the Vice-Chancellor’s Circle at the University of Oxford in recognition of his long-standing contributions.
Pay It Forward
From the beginning, William declined any form of repayment. Instead, he encouraged scholars to help others when they were ready.
In 2015, a group of former scholars established their own scholarship fund to support students at Oxford. What began as individual scholarships has gradually become something more enduring, as opportunity continues to move across generations.