As a caring institute of higher education in Hong Kong, the University of Science and Technology (HKUST) always places students' learning needs on top priority and commits itself to grooming future talents in information technology for a knowledge-based society.
The Department of Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) of HKUST will, for the first time, join hands with Lenovo and Microsoft to launch "Student Computer Subsidy Program" this year.
The program targets new students admitted to CSE Program through JUPAS for the coming academic year. Newly admitted CSE students with monthly household income below HK$10,000 will receive a maximum subsidy of HK$8,000 from CSE Department to purchase a Lenovo notebook computer. Students with monthly household income of between HK$ 10,000 to HK$15,000 will receive a maximum subsidy of HK$6,000 while those in the HK$15,000 to HK$20,000 income bracket will receive a maximum subsidy of HK$4,000. Applicants must also be offered full grant from the Tertiary Student Finance Scheme¡Vi.e. the Publicly-funded Programs of the Student Financial Assistance Agency.
Announcing the details at a joint press conference with Lenovo and Microsoft, Head of CSE Department at HKUST Prof Lionel Ni said that eligible students will receive the subsidy from the CSE Department after purchasing Lenovo notebook computers which come with free softwares pre-installed by Microsoft.
In addition to the discount offers, Lenovo will offer next business day on-site collection warranty service, assign an engineer on campus for assistance and provide students with a training session on usage of Lenovo computers. Apart from free software including the latest 2007 Office system and development tools, Microsoft will organize regular technology trainings to students, and have online technical support forum to answer questions about the use of software.
Prof Ni expressed his gratitude to Lenovo and Microsoft for their generous support in nurturing talents in information technology. "We estimate that about 50 students will benefit from this program this year. We hope that this program can help needy students to enjoy effective learning with the powerful technology tools and they in return will contribute to the development of a knowledge-based society," Prof Ni said.
Also present at the press conference is Ms Joelle Woo, Director of Developer and Platform Group, Microsoft Hong Kong. She said that Microsoft, as the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions, was delighted to offer support for students in bridging the digital divide, thus improving the quality and effectiveness of their learning. "We hope that students can realize their full potentials with information technology and will have further contribution to the society after their graduation," Ms Woo said.
The other sponsor representative, Mr Ken Wong, General Manager of Lenovo Hong Kong and Taiwan, said that Lenovo, as the world's most innovative computer company, has always committed to advancing information technology education and narrowing the digital divide in Hong Kong. "We have been offering innovative and affordable notebook and desktop computers for HKUST students since 2002. We hope that our support can lessen needy students' financial burden in a worry-free learning environment," Mr Wong said.
For media enquiries, please feel free to contact :
Luk Kam Wing
Tel: 2358-6306
Email: kluk@ust.hk
Donna Wong
Tel: 2358-6317
Email: donnaw@ust.hk
