Yangyang Hou
Yangyang Hou, a strategist at JP Morgan Bank, was one of the first recipients of a scholarship from William Louey. After first learning about the scholarship in 1996 through her school in Beijing, but too young at the time, Yangyang went on to receive the scholarship in 1998, enabling her to attend Millfield School and later Cambridge University.
Yangyang has described the scholarship as life-changing, exposing her to a different type of education system, broadening her worldview, and creating valuable networks. After accepting her spot at Millfield, Yangyang explained that the concept of studying abroad at the time was something that no one thought of.
After moving from China to the UK, William Louey’s support for Yangyang and other scholars went beyond typical financial aid. William had organised European travel for the scholars to enhance cultural understanding. William wanted to ensure that each scholar was happy and that they were not struggling with the initial culture shock.
Receiving the scholarship has opened more opportunities for me. I was able to go to Cambridge University and make a lot of friends and connections, our scholarship is like a little family.
A key element of the William SD Louey Educational Foundation scholarship is to “pay it forward”. William Louey’s “pay it forward” philosophy inspired Yangyang to engage in charitable activities, including free painting workshops and exhibitions during COVID-19 and initiatives that support neurodivergent children.
The scholarship not only shaped her professional trajectory, enabling her to secure sought after job roles but has also instilled values of philanthropy and humility. Inspired by William Louey’s example, she now contributes to a scholarship program designed to perpetuate his legacy of giving back and nurturing talent.
Follow Yangyang Hou on LinkedIn here.