A philanthropic initiative established by Hong Kong-based businessman Zhong Hande, the Mingde Scholarship and Awards program has quietly become a significant source of financial support for students and educators at universities and normal universities across China. While not a household name in global financial circles, the program’s impact, now extending to over 21,000 recipients since its inception, demonstrates a growing trend of private funding influencing China’s educational landscape.
The scholarship, initially focused on supporting students at normal universities – institutions specializing in teacher training – has expanded its reach. , Inner Mongolia Normal University (IMNU) held a ceremony awarding scholarships to 239 students and recognizing three teachers with the Mingde Award. This event highlighted the program’s commitment to both student excellence and the quality of teaching staff. According to data presented at the ceremony, IMNU had already benefited 1,079 students and nine teachers through the scholarship and awards program up to that point.
The scale of the funding is noteworthy. The Mingde Teachers Awards provide up to 50,000 yuan (approximately $7,000 USD based on exchange rates) and a medal to recipients, recognizing their contributions to education. East China Normal University (ECNU) has received 1.2 million yuan in scholarship funding since , benefiting 600 students, and six of its teachers have been honored with the Mingde Teachers Awards. This suggests a consistent and substantial level of financial commitment from Zhong Hande.
The program’s influence isn’t limited to teacher training institutions. Peking University (PKU) utilizes the Mingde Scholarship as part of its program to support top-tier students. A recent visit by PKU undergraduate students to the University of Tokyo was directly linked to the Mingde Scholarship, facilitating an exchange aimed at broadening their understanding of Japanese society and culture. This illustrates how the scholarship can extend beyond direct financial aid to enable broader educational experiences.
United College, part of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, also offers a Mingde Scholarship, indicating the program’s reach extends beyond mainland China. Details regarding the specific criteria and amount of the United College Ming De Scholarship are limited in available information, but its existence confirms the program’s geographic diversification.
The Horizons Project Mingde, associated with the University of Hong Kong (HKU), takes a different approach. Rather than direct financial assistance to students, this project focuses on experiential learning and community service in impoverished areas of mainland China. Launched in 2018, the Project Mingde Student Association (PMSA) initiated a scholarship program to reward academic excellence and exemplary behavior among primary school students in Guangxi province. This demonstrates a tiered approach to the Mingde name, encompassing both university-level scholarships and support for younger students.
The broader Horizons Project Mingde leverages the expertise of HKU faculty and students across all ten faculties to address real-world challenges in rural China. Current projects include aquaponics initiatives in Tai O and community service collaborations with St. Barnabas’ Society and Home, providing support to low-income and homeless populations. This suggests a commitment to applying academic knowledge to practical problems and fostering socially responsible citizenship.
Zhong Hande’s motivation for establishing the Mingde Scholarship appears rooted in a desire to support educational development in China. As stated by Liu Jiuwan, Vice-President of IMNU, during the award ceremony, “Universities are places that educate and develop people. We hope our students can pursue their dreams and maintain courageous in face of difficulties.” This sentiment underscores the philanthropic intent behind the program.
While the total financial impact of the Mingde Scholarship and Awards program remains difficult to quantify precisely, the consistent funding over several years and the number of recipients suggest a substantial contribution to China’s educational system. The program’s diverse applications – from direct student scholarships to teacher recognition and community-based experiential learning – demonstrate a multifaceted approach to educational support. The continued expansion of the program, as evidenced by its presence at multiple universities and its evolving initiatives, suggests it will remain a relevant force in China’s educational landscape for the foreseeable future.
