Akashvani Bags Six Honours at India Audio Summit and Awards 2025 ‘Nai Soch Nai Kahani – A Radio Journey With Smriti Irani’ was named the Series of the Year
‘Public Speak’ awarded the best audio streaming programme in Health and Fitness category
Posted On: 26 APR 2025 5:42PM by PIB Mumbai
: Mumbai, 26th April, 2025
Akashvani won a total of six awards in various categories at the India Audio Summit and Awards, IASA 2025. The third edition of the awards, which recognise excellence in radio and audio content production, was held in Mumbai on 25th April, 2025.
Director General of Akashvani Dr Pragya Paliwal Gaur graced the India Audio Summit and Awards 2025 as the guest of honour. Addressing the gathering, Dr Gaur highlighted the revolution in the audio industry and how Akashvani, as India’s Public Service Broadcaster, is committed to its mission to ‘Inform, Educate and Entertain’ the people of the country by upholding their interest. She underscored that Akashvani stands firmly for credibility and acts as a beacon in a noisy world.
Among the top accolades, former Union Minister Smriti Irani’s programme Nai Soch Nai Kahani – A Radio Journey with Smriti Irani was named Series of the Year on radio. The 13-episode series celebrated the incredible tales of grit and determination of women in particular. The series culminated with an exclusive interview with the President of India Droupadi Murmu, which was recorded in the President’s House last year.
The News Services Division’s popular weekly phone-in show Public Speak was recognised as the Best Produced Audio Streaming Programme in the Health and Fitness category. Other award-winning programmes include Chhayageet, which won in the Best Late Night Show category; Ujale Unki Yadon Ke, named Best Celebrity Show on Air; and Safarcast, which clinched the award for Best Travel Show. Akashvani also bagged the award for the Best Interstitial, showcasing its creative excellence in short-form audio content.
About India Audio Summit and Awards
India Audio Summit and Awards is a pioneering initiative dedicated to recognizing and honouring exceptional audio excellence across India’s vibrant landscape. This platform seeks out and celebrates the most captivating and ground- breaking audio content, showcased on diverse platforms, from the realm of audiobooks to podcasts, radio, audio advertising and cutting-edge technology. The celebration embodies a rigorous evaluation process, ensuring a fair and unbiased forum for acknowledging trailblazing achievements.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Study Subsidy Scheme for Designated Professions/Sectors (SSSDP) will subsidise a total of 2 330 places under 32 sub-degree programmes offered by eight post-secondary institutions, including Caritas Bianchi College of Careers, HKCT Institute of Higher Education, HKU SPACE Po Leung Kuk Stanley Ho Community College, Hong Kong College of Technology, Hong Kong Metropolitan University (including Li Ka Shing School of Professional and Continuing Education), Saint Francis University, Tung Wah College and YMCA College of Careers, for the cohort to be admitted in the 2024/25 academic year. The programmes and number of subsidised places, which fall under six disciplines with keen manpower demand, namely Architecture and Engineering, Computer Science, Creative Industries, Health Care, Sports and Recreation, and Tourism and Hospitality, are determined by the Education Bureau in consultation with relevant policy bureaux and departments.
In the 2024/25 academic year, the annual subsidy amounts for non-laboratory-based programmes and laboratory-based programmes are up to about $22,000 and $39,000 respectively. The subsidy amounts are applicable to both new and continuing eligible students. The subsidy is tenable for the normal duration of the programmes concerned. Subsidised students will pay a tuition fee with the subsidy applied. Students in need may still apply for student financial assistance from the Student Finance Office of the Working Family and Student Financial Assistance Agency in respect of the actual amount of tuition fee payable.
The subsidised places are allocated according to existing admission arrangement of the self-financing sub-degree programmes, i.e., through direct admission by institutions. Students can apply for admission to the designated sub-degree programmes directly through the institutions concerned. Local students who have attained (a) Level 2 or above in five subjects, including English Language and Chinese Language, in the HKDSE Examination; (b) Diploma of Applied Education / Diploma Yi Jin; or (c) Diploma of Foundation Studies awarded by the Vocational Training Council are eligible for the subsidy for sub-degree programmes under SSSDP. The participating institutions are allowed to admit local students with other relevant qualifications, subject to a ceiling of 50% of the subsidised places of the designated programmes.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Study Subsidy Scheme for Designated Professions/Sectors (SSSDP) will subsidise a total of 2 330 places under 32 sub-degree programmes offered by eight post-secondary institutions, including Caritas Bianchi College of Careers, HKCT Institute of Higher Education, HKU SPACE Po Leung Kuk Stanley Ho Community College, Hong Kong College of Technology, Hong Kong Metropolitan University (including Li Ka Shing School of Professional and Continuing Education), Saint Francis University, Tung Wah College and YMCA College of Careers, for the cohort to be admitted in the 2024/25 academic year. The programmes and number of subsidised places, which fall under six disciplines with keen manpower demand, namely Architecture and Engineering, Computer Science, Creative Industries, Health Care, Sports and Recreation, and Tourism and Hospitality, are determined by the Education Bureau in consultation with relevant policy bureaux and departments.
In the 2024/25 academic year, the annual subsidy amounts for non-laboratory-based programmes and laboratory-based programmes are up to about $22,000 and $39,000 respectively. The subsidy amounts are applicable to both new and continuing eligible students. The subsidy is tenable for the normal duration of the programmes concerned. Subsidised students will pay a tuition fee with the subsidy applied. Students in need may still apply for student financial assistance from the Student Finance Office of the Working Family and Student Financial Assistance Agency in respect of the actual amount of tuition fee payable.
The subsidised places are allocated according to existing admission arrangement of the self-financing sub-degree programmes, i.e., through direct admission by institutions. Students can apply for admission to the designated sub-degree programmes directly through the institutions concerned. Local students who have attained (a) Level 2 or above in five subjects, including English Language and Chinese Language, in the HKDSE Examination; (b) Diploma of Applied Education / Diploma Yi Jin; or (c) Diploma of Foundation Studies awarded by the Vocational Training Council are eligible for the subsidy for sub-degree programmes under SSSDP. The participating institutions are allowed to admit local students with other relevant qualifications, subject to a ceiling of 50% of the subsidised places of the designated programmes.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Police are investigating a fatal traffic accident happened in Sheung Shui tonight (April 26) in which a man died.
At 7.25pm, a light goods vehicle driven by a 51-year-old man was travelling along Lung Ma Road towards Queens Hill Estate. When approaching the junction of Lung Ma Road and Lung Chun Road, the light goods vehicle reportedly went out of control and knocked down a 77-year-old man after running onto the pavement.
Sustaining serious head injuries, the man was rushed to North District Hospital in unconscious state and was certified dead at 8.31pm.
The driver was arrested for dangerous driving causing death and is being detained for enquiries.
Investigation by the Special Investigation Team of Traffic, New Territories North is underway.
Anyone who witnessed the accident or has any information to offer is urged to contact the investigating officers on 3661 3800.
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw Launches Guidelines and Portal for Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme Union Minister Urges Electronics Industry to Achieve Six Sigma Standards and Establish Design Teams
Sarvam AI selected to build India’s first indigenous AI foundational model
Posted On: 26 APR 2025 7:46PM by PIB Delhi
Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw today launched the guidelines and portal for the Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS), marking a major step towards strengthening India’s electronics manufacturing ecosystem.
Speaking at the launch, Union Minister outlined the Government’s clear strategy for electronics manufacturing. He said India started its journey by manufacturing finished products to build volume and basic confidence, enabling downward integration. This was followed by module-level manufacturing, then component manufacturing, and now manufacturing of materials that build components. Highlighting that finished goods account for 80 to 85 percent of the value chain, he noted that the scale achieved in electronics manufacturing has been phenomenal.
The Minister stated that electronics production has grown five-fold and exports have grown more than six-fold, with export CAGR exceeding 20% and production CAGR over 17%. He added that mobile phones, servers, laptops, and IT hardware have seen very strong progress and that the industry is poised to take off significantly.
Shri Vaishnaw described ECMS as a horizontal scheme that will support not just electronics but also industrial, power, automobile sectors and more. He emphasized that a complete ecosystem for electronics manufacturing is coming into place across the country.
Underscoring the importance of innovation and quality, the Minister said that many companies have now established design teams, and it is essential that every participant develops such teams. Stressing on quality, he called for achieving Six Sigma standards across the sector, warning that those not adhering to quality benchmarks would be cut short. He said the twin focus on design capability and quality excellence would drive India’s leadership in electronics.
Shri Vaishnaw also spoke about India’s advances in AI and data-driven solutions. He informed that 350 datasets have already been uploaded on AI Kosh, and four AI tools developed by IITs will soon be released. He further stated that techno-legal solutions are being developed to strengthen the electronics ecosystem.
The Minister informed that ECMS has a strong pipeline of projects ready for approval and expressed confidence that this marks just the beginning of India’s rapid growth as a global electronics hub.
Addressing the session, Secretary, MeitY, Shri S Krishnan said that ECMS aims to firmly establish India as electronic manufacturing superpower in the world. He added the MeitY will work with all the stakeholders to make the scheme a great success.
During the event, Sarvam AI was selected to build India’s first indigenous AI foundational model, marking a major milestone in the country’s AI innovation ecosystem.
Strong Industry, Government, and Global Participation
The launch event was witnessed by 200+ participants which includes Senior GoI officials, Senior State Government officials, Embassy representatives, Senior Domestic and Global Industry leaders, Domestic and Global Industry Associations, Financial institutions, consulting firms, media, etc.
The unveiling of the guidelines and portal for the ECMS was a significant milestone, drawing the attention of prominent industry leaders, esteemed industry associations, leading financial institutions, and representatives from various embassies. This landmark event underscored the importance of collaboration between key stakeholders. The presence of such distinguished individuals highlighted the widespread interest in and commitment to advancing the component manufacturing in county.
Presentation was made on the scheme and its guidelines, highlighting the journey of its formulation and the distinctive features of this unique scheme. The presentation provided a comprehensive overview of the thought process and strategic considerations that shaped the scheme, emphasizing its innovative approach to differentiated incentivization. Notably, it marks the first-ever offering of hybrid incentives, introducing a direct linkage between incentives and employment generation, reinforcing its commitment to economic growth and job creation.
This scheme goes beyond incentivizing subassemblies and components—it adopts a comprehensive approach by encompassing the entire supply chain associated with these elements. In addition to fostering the development of components and subassemblies, it also extends support to capital equipment, ensuring the inclusion of essential machinery that drives manufacturing processes. Moreover, it incentivizes the subassembly of equipment used in manufacturing, reinforcing an integrated system that enhances efficiency and production capabilities. By incorporating these critical aspects, the scheme promotes a robust, interconnected ecosystem, strengthening domestic manufacturing.
The scheme places a strong emphasis on the performance of applicants, ensuring that incentives are allocated based on a first-come, first-served approach. This structure encourages efficiency, proactive participation, and timely application submissions, fostering a competitive yet fair environment.
Furthermore, the scheme guidelines that govern the implementation process have been designed with clarity and precision, ensuring they remain simple and unambiguous. The guidelines uphold the ease of doing business, making compliance straightforward and accessible for all stakeholders. By eliminating unnecessary complexities and streamlining procedural requirements, the guidelines facilitate efficient execution while fostering a conducive environment.
During the event, industry leaders applauded the seamless implementation of the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes rolled out by MeitY. They expressed appreciation for efficient execution of these initiatives, emphasizing how the well-defined processes have facilitated smooth and prompt disbursement of incentives.
Union Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, along with all participants, observed a minute of silence at the start of the event in memory of the victims of the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam.
Background
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Hon’ble Prime Minister, had approved the Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS), which was notified vide Gazette Notification CG-DL-E-08042025-262341 dated 08.04.2025.
The scheme aims to develop a robust component ecosystem by attracting large investments (global/domestic) in electronics component manufacturing ecosystem, increasing Domestic Value Addition (DVA) by developing capacity and capabilities, and integrating Indian companies with Global Value Chains (GVCs).
With various initiatives of Gol, the electronics manufacturing sector has witnessed remarkable growth in the last decade. The domestic production of electronic goods has increased from Rs.1.90 lakh crore in FY 2014-15 to Rs.9.52 lakh crore in FY 2023-24 at a CAGR of more than 17%. The exports of electronic goods have also increased from Rs.0.38 lakh crore in FY 2014-15 to Rs.2.41 lakh crore in FY 2023-24 at a CAGR of more than 20%. In FY 2024-25, Electronics became the 3rd largest exported commodity from India.
India has made significant progress in electronics manufacturing, especially in mobile manufacturing and become the world’s 2nd largest mobile manufacturing country.
Scheme Budget Outlay:₹ 22,919 crore
Scheme Tenure:6 years (1 year of gestation period) i.e. from FY2025-26 to FY2031-32.
Incentive Structure
The scheme offers differentiated fiscal incentives viz. a) Turnover-linked incentive b) Capex-linked incentive c) Hybrid incentive [i.e. combination of both (a) and (b)]
Employment linked incentive: A part of turnover linked incentive and capex incentive is linked with employment.
Target Segment-wise Incentives Offered
S.No.
Target segments
Cumulative investment
(₹)
Turnover linked incentive
(%)
Capex incentive
(%)
A
Sub-assemblies
1
Display module sub-assembly
250 crore
4/4/3/2/2/1
NA
2
Camera module sub-assembly
250 crore
5/4/4/3/2/2
NA
B
Bare components
3
Non-SMD passive components
50 crore
8/7/7/6/5/4
NA
4
Electro-mechanicals
50 crore
8/7/7/6/5/4
NA
5
Multi-layer PCB
50 crore
≤ 6 layers 6/6/5/5/4/4
≥ 8 layers 10/8/7/6/5/5
NA
6
Li-ion Cells for digital application (excluding storage and mobility)
500 crore
6/6/5/5/4/4
NA
7
Enclosures for Mobile, IT Hardware products and related devices
500 crore
7/6/5/4/4/3
NA
C
Selected bare components
8
HDI/MSAP/Flexible PCB
1000 crore
8/7/7/6/5/4
25%
9
SMD passive components
250 crore
5/5/4/4/3/3
25%
S.No.
Target segments
Minimum investment
(₹)
Turnover linked incentive
(%)
Capex incentive
(%)
D
Supply chain ecosystem and Capital equipment
10
Supply chain of sub-assemblies (A) & bare components(B) & (C)
10 crore
NA
25%
11
Capital goods used in electronics manufacturing including their sub-assemblies and components
10 crore
NA
25%
Application Window:Scheme shall be open to receive application from 1st May 2025 through the online portal (www.ecms.meity.gov.in).
For target segment (A), (B) & (C): 3 months
For target segment (D): 2 years
Expected Outcomes
The scheme envisages to attract investment of ₹ 59,350 crore, result in production of ₹ 4,56,500 crore and generate additional direct employment of 91,600 persons and many indirect jobs as well during its tenure.
BECIL Successfully Organizes ‘India: A Bird’s Eye View Challenge’ under Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Finalists of ‘India: A Bird’s Eye View Challenge’ Shortlisted for Felicitation at WAVES 2025
Posted On: 26 APR 2025 6:30PM by PIB Mumbai
:Mumbai, 26th, April, 2025
Broadcast Engineering Consultants India Limited (BECIL), a Mini Ratna Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, was entrusted with organizing and managing the India: A Bird’s Eye View Challenge.
The challenge invited participants to submit 2–3 minute aerial videos highlighting India’s beauty, diverse landscapes, heritage, culture, innovation, progress and transformation through compelling drone cinematography. To promote inclusive participation, the challenge featured two categories:
1) Open Category: Open to all Indian citizens, including filmmakers, students, hobbyists, professionals, and drone enthusiasts.
2) Drone Didi Category: Exclusively for women trained under initiatives like the Namo Drone Didi Scheme, aimed at empowering women in rural and semi-urban areas through drone training.
To ensure widespread awareness and encourage participation, BECIL implemented a comprehensive national media campaign that combined both traditional and digital outreach methods. The campaign involved institutional visits and seminars at drone academies, media institutes and universities across India, along with live interactions with students and drone trainees to generate grassroots-level engagement. A dedicated online portal was launched to facilitate seamless registration and video submission. Additionally, strategic email campaigns targeted media schools, drone training centers and civil society networks to expand the campaign’s digital footprint. Social media platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn were actively leveraged through tailored content to build sustained interest in the challenge. Complementing the digital efforts, printed materials including posters and pamphlets were distributed.
The challenge received an overwhelming 1,324 registrations, including 382 entries from Drone Didi participants, reflecting the growing enthusiasm for drone videography as a storytelling medium. Entries poured in from across India—from the Himalayan valleys of Himachal Pradesh to the cultural corridors of Uttar Pradesh, the plains of Bihar, the innovation hubs of Gujarat and Karnataka, and the coastal stretches of Tamil Nadu—making this a true pan-India celebration of creativity and progress.
All entries were meticulously reviewed by a distinguished jury panel comprising:
Mr. Piyush Shah – Cinematographer, Producer, Writer, and Sound Designer
Mr.R.V. Ramani – National Award-winning Filmmaker & Documentary Cinematographer
Mr. Arun Varma – Acclaimed Cinematographer in Indian Cinema
Following a rigorous evaluation process, five finalists from each category were shortlisted, along with four entries under a Special Category for Social Representation:
These shortlisted entries will be showcased at WAVES 2025, and the winners will be declared and felicitated during a grand ceremony at the summit.
For more information and updates, visit: www.becil.com
The first World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES), a milestone event for the Media & Entertainment (M&E) sector, will be hosted by the Government of India in Mumbai, Maharashtra, from May 1 to 4, 2025.
Whether you’re an industry professional, investor, creator, or innovator, the Summit offers the ultimate global platform to connect, collaborate, innovate and contribute to the M&E landscape.
WAVES is set to magnify India’s creative strength, amplifying its position as a hub for content creation, intellectual property, and technological innovation. Industries and sectors in focus include Broadcasting, Print Media, Television, Radio, Films, Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, Sound and Music, Advertising, Digital Media, Social Media Platforms, Generative AI, Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Extended Reality (XR).
Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, said that Rashtrapati Ji has paid homage to His Holiness, Pope Francis on behalf of the people of India. “The world will always remember Pope Francis’s service to society” Shri Modi added.
The Prime Minister posted on X :
“Rashtrapati Ji pays homage to His Holiness, Pope Francis on behalf of the people of India. The world will always remember his service to society.”
Rashtrapati Ji pays homage to His Holiness, Pope Francis on behalf of the people of India. The world will always remember his service to society. https://t.co/eW73nRp4MZ
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
LCQ19: Policy on development of international schools Question:
There are views that Hong Kong is facing a demographic problem brought by a low birth rate and the persistent under-enrolment in schools on the one hand, while the number of applications for late admission of dependent children of arrivals under various talent admission schemes has increased sharply on the other, posing new challenges to the supply and demand of school places. Meanwhile, the policy of allocating vacant school premises/school sites for the development of international schools has further affected the allocation of local education resources. Regarding the policy on the development of international schools, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) of the respective numbers of applications received and approved by the authorities from school sponsoring bodies of international schools applying for operation in Hong Kong in each of the past five years; the factors on which the authorities based in approving the applications from international schools for operation;
(2) under the policy of allocating vacant school premises/school sites for the development of international schools, of the criteria by which the Government allocates sites for the development of international schools; how it ensures that the provision of sites for the development of international schools does not undermine local education resources at the same time; and
(3) whether it knows the respective requirements for local and non-local students under the enrolment policies of international schools and private schools newly applying for operation; how the Government ensures that, after the conversion of aided schools to private schools, sufficient aided school places can still be maintained in Hong Kong to uphold educational equity?
Reply:
President,
The education system in Hong Kong provides parents with diversified and high-quality choices. The Government’s policy objective is to provide 12 years’ free primary and secondary education to all children through public sector schools. Apart from publicly-funded schools, private schools in Hong Kong have been playing a unique role in offering local and non-local curricula according to their mission. International schools belong to the private school sector and operate on a self-financing and market-driven basis. In general, they are not subsidised by public funds for capital costs and daily operation.
The Government is committed to supporting the development of a vibrant international school sector, mainly to meet the demand for school places from non-local families living in Hong Kong and families coming to Hong Kong for work or investment. This policy objective is crucial in attracting and retaining talent in support of Hong Kong’s development as an international centre on finance, business, innovation and technology, education and culture, and reinforcing Hong Kong’s role as an international cosmopolitan with global connectivity.
Regarding the question asked by Hon Tang Fei, the reply is as follows:
(1) and (2) There are 54 international schools (including one special school) in Hong Kong. There is no newly established international school in the past five years. In the 2023/24 school year, international schools admitted about 42 100 students, accounting for 6.4 per cent of primary and secondary students in Hong Kong. There are two ways to set up an international school in Hong Kong:
(i) Application for registration as a private school first and seek recognition as an international school: School sponsoring body may identify private land and/or school premises in Hong Kong for operation of school and apply to the Education Bureau (EDB) for registration as private school. After the private school has been in operation for a certain period of time, the school operator may then seek the EDB’s recognition of the school as an international school subject to its fulfillment of relevant requirements. The start-up requirements include at least 70 per cent of the school places allocated to non-local students (Note), a proven track record of school operation and full accreditation from an established accreditation body, a sustainable financial plan.
(ii) Participation in the School Allocation Exercise (SAE): The supply of international school places is planned on a territory-wide basis. The EDB commissions a consultancy study from time to time on the provision of international school places at primary and secondary levels in Hong Kong. When there is a projected shortfall of international school places, the Government will allocate greenfield sites or vacant school premises (VSPs) for international school use through an open and competitive bidding mechanism as appropriate, to increase the number of international school places. It has been 10 years since the last allocation of greenfield sites and VSPs to international schools (in 2014). In the light of the overwhelming response to various talent admission schemes in the past two years, the EDB is conducting an SAE to allocate two VSPs offering some school places in meeting any short-term surge in education needs of dependant children of incoming talent from both the Mainland and overseas.
All along, the vast majority of education expenditure and land resources have been allocated to publicly-funded schools. For example, since the implementation of the existing SAE mechanism in 1999, the Government has allocated 156 school sites or VSPs for public sector primary and secondary schools. During the same period, the Government allocated only 16 school sites or VSPs for international school development. Since 2017, the EDB has sought funding approval from the Finance Committee of the Legislative Council and completed a total of 37 school building projects during the period, all of which are public sector school projects except one was an international school redevelopment project.
(3) Private schools, which operate on a self-financing and market-driven basis, may set their own school-based admission requirements and procedures for admitting students (including non-local students who have been approved to study or reside in Hong Kong). The requirement on the percentage of non-local students to be admitted applies to the international schools operated by the English Schools Foundation and the new campuses of international schools which entered into a service agreement with the EDB upon allocation of school premises or sites since 2007. These schools/campuses were required to enrol no less than 50 per cent of non-local students, and the percentage has been raised to 70 per cent by the EDB since 2009, in accordance with the terms of the service agreements. As Hong Kong has returned to normalcy and has been actively attracting more foreign investment and talent to the territory, the EDB expects that the number of non-local students, including those from the Mainland and overseas, to be admitted by international schools will increase gradually.
The EDB will continue to closely monitor the number of newly-arrived children and the demand for school places of the dependants of various talent schemes, and to conduct dynamic assessment of the demand for and supply of school places, as well as reserve sufficient school places in public sector schools for eligible school-age children. Should an existing publicly-funded school wish to cease operation and convert into a private school, it has to apply to the EDB for change of its mode of operation and for registration. The EDB will consider a basket of factors, including the lease conditions and restrictions on the use of the land of the school, curriculum planning, class structure, staff establishment, etc, to ensure that the school is capable of providing quality education.
Note: Local students refer to those who are Hong Kong permanent residents (with the right of abode in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR)) and do not have any valid passport other than HKSAR Passport. Students not covered by this definition are all regarded as non-local students. Issued at HKT 12:37
Suspected cases of using a false address for POA applications may be reported to the School Places Allocation Section by calling its hotline at 2832 7700.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Mainland University Study Subsidy Scheme (MUSSS) aims to support Hong Kong students in pursuing undergraduate studies on the Mainland and ensure that no students will be deprived of post-secondary education opportunity due to a lack of means. MUSSS comprises two components: “means-tested subsidy” (eligible students who have passed a means test will receive either a full-rate subsidy or a half-rate subsidy, depending on their needs) and “non-means-tested subsidy”. The subsidy is granted on a yearly basis, and the subsidised period is the normal duration of the undergraduate programme pursued by the student concerned in a designated Mainland institution. Eligible applicants can only receive either a means-tested subsidy or a non-means-tested subsidy in the same academic year. MUSSS is not subject to any quota.
For the 2024/25 academic year, there are 197 designated Mainland institutions. The means-tested subsidy and the non-means-tested subsidy will be disbursed to eligible students based on the distance between the location of their institutions and Hong Kong, which will be grouped under three categories, category (I) for distances less than 450 km, category (II) for distances between 450 km and 1 000 km as well as category (III) for distances over 1 000 km. Details of the subsidy rates under the different categories will be announced later.(a) having right of abode Note(1)(b) having received and completed senior secondary education in Hong Kong Note(2)(c) pursuing undergraduate studies in any of the 197 designated Mainland institutions in the 2024/25 academic year.(a) having right of abode Note(1)(b) having received and completed senior secondary education in Hong Kong Note(2)(c) pursuing undergraduate studies in any of the 197 designated Mainland institutions in the 2024/25 academic year; and (d)(1) attained “3322” Note(3)(d)(2) pursuing studies in Huaqiao University through “Pilot Scheme on the Articulation of Hong Kong Sub-degree Graduates to Huaqiao University”; OR (d)(3) admitted to a Mainland institution through the “School Principal Nomination Scheme” under the “Scheme for Admission of Hong Kong Students to Mainland Higher Education Institutions”.(1) A student who is expected to receive his/her right of abode within the 2024/25 academic year may also apply.(2) To also cover schools for Hong Kong children on the Mainland listed under the HKDSE Participating School List published by the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority. For the 2024/25 academic year, HKDSE graduates from Shenzhen Hong Kong Pui Kiu College Longhua Xinyi School and Affiliated School of JNU for Hong Kong and Macao Students are eligible to apply provided that they also fulfill other criteria listed under “Eligibility” of MUSSS.(3) Applicable to HKDSE results obtained on or before 2023.(4) Citizenship and Social Development subject replaced the original Liberal Studies subject in the 2024 HKDSE. The scoring criteria for the Citizenship and Social Development subject is “Attained” and “Not Attained”, with “A” representing “Attained”. The HKDSE results obtained in 2024 or later have been revised to “332A”.
Eligible students are required to submit their applications via the MUSSS Electronic Application Platform (https://musss.edb.gov.hk) or send the completed application forms and relevant supporting documents by post to EDB on or before 13 September 2024.
Details of MUSSS (including the list of designated Mainland institutions) are available at the EDB website (http://www.edb.gov.hk/musss).