Meet Andy Ho Lun Yau, a third-year undergraduate student studying Global China Studies at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. A recipient of the HSBC Hong Kong Scholarship in 2024 and the HSBC Greater Bay Area Scholarship in 2025, Andy has been leveraging academic and professional opportunities as a Scholar to further his passion in public policy and geoeconomics while learning how to provide creative solutions to real-world challenges.
Read about how the HSBC Scholarship and the Hub for the Future community have inspired Andy to build his own path in the world of finance and technology that prioritises sustainability and serving underrepresented communities.
When you applied for the Scholarship, what did you set out to achieve? Have the goals and objectives changed after you received the scholarship?
When I applied for the HSBC Hong Kong Scholarship and HSBC Greater Bay Area (HK) Scholarship, my goal was to merge my academic focus in Global China Studies with practical experience in research and consulting. I wanted to apply my knowledge of public policy and geoeconomics to real-world challenges.
Thanks to the scholarship’s support, I gained internship experiences in management consulting, securities research, alternative investments and fintech, while also contributing to finance and political economy research for four professors. My objective hasn’t changed, but it has been validated; I am now more confident and equipped to pursue a career at the intersection of finance, technology, and policy.
Reflecting on your time as an HSBC Scholar, what was your greatest learning experience that contributed to your personal or professional growth?
My greatest learning experience was at the APRU x Google Tech Policy Hackathon at Google’s Bangkok office. Our team secured third place by developing a FinTech solution to promote a sustainable credit ecosystem for Indonesian smallholder farmers.
The process of translating a complex idea into a practical, impactful tool was transformative. It taught me that the true value of technology lies in its application to solve human-centric problems. This experience solidified my commitment to using finance and technology not just for innovation, but for tangible social good and financial inclusion.
What is the most memorable part of your journey as an HSBC Scholar?
The most memorable part was an NGO board director training session led by David Bishop, an Associate Professor of Teaching at the HKU Business School and co-founder of Foundation for Shared Impact (FSI). His talk on ethics fundamentally shaped my perspective on success, shifting it from a measure of personal wealth to one of societal impact.
This mindset shift directly inspired my subsequent actions: from co-developing a FinTech solution for underprivileged Indonesian farmers to volunteering as a kayaking coach for students with Special Educational Needs (SEN). It clarified my purpose and reinforced my drive to use my skills to serve the community and empower others.
What support have you received through the HSBC Scholarship Program, and how has this assisted you in reaching your professional goals?
The mentorship program has been the most impactful form of support. I was paired with my mentor Michael from HSBC who provided invaluable, firsthand insights into the finance industry. He facilitated introductions to professionals in asset management and global markets, both within and outside of HSBC. These interactions demystified various career paths and offered a candid look into the industry’s challenges and opportunities. This direct exposure was incredibly inspiring and has been instrumental in solidifying my professional goals and preparing me for a career in finance.
In what ways do you believe the HSBC Scholarship has equipped you to make a positive impact in your community?
The Scholarship has equipped me with the confidence and network to tackle community issues through innovation.
A clear example is my work on a sustainability project for the Hang Seng Bank x HKFYG “Seek Our Ways” Ideation Programme. My team and I developed a process to convert fruit peels into a viable vegan leather. Our solution addressed environmental concerns and stood out for its practicality, earning us the Grand Award from a pool of nearly 1,000 applicants. This experience, enabled by the platform the Scholarship provides, showed me how to apply creative problem-solving to drive positive environmental change.
What current volunteer or social impact initiatives are you involved in, and how do they align with the values you embrace as an HSBC Scholar?
I am an active volunteer with the HKUST Kayak and Spark Program. Through this initiative, I first learned to kayak and served as a volunteer coach for students with Special Educational Needs (SEN). This role is about more than just teaching a sport; it’s about fostering confidence, resilience, and a sense of inclusion for students who often face barriers. This work directly aligns with the HSBC Scholar’s values of community leadership and empowerment, as it allows me to use my skills to create a supportive and encouraging environment for others.
How do you intend to apply the lessons and skills you’ve gained as an HSBC Scholar to build a more sustainable and resilient society for Hong Kong?
The core lesson I’ve gained is to merge interdisciplinary knowledge with practical, tech-driven solutions. I intend to apply my background in social science, economics, finance, and technology to help advance Hong Kong’s sustainable finance ecosystem. Specifically, I want to work on developing innovative financial instruments and data-driven policies that channel capital towards green initiatives and support social enterprises. By focusing on creating inclusive and forward-looking financial tools, I aim to contribute to building a more resilient and equitable economy for Hong Kong’s future.
