Why Visibility Matters, and How Scholarships Can Change the Game
- The Amber Foundation
- Aug 22
- 3 min read
In Hong Kong, a city of approximately 7.4 million people, ethnic minorities make up around 8.4% of the population—translating to about 620,000 people—with young ethnic minority women comprising a significant and distinct subgroup. Many of these women are from South Asian communities like Pakistani, Nepalese, and Indian backgrounds. Many have been born and raised in Hong Kong, yet still face persistent barriers that obscure their potential.
Among these challenges are language barriers, particularly insufficient proficiency in Cantonese, unconscious bias, and limited social capital, which hinder their access to professional networks, internships, and meaningful career pathways. Studies show that more than 80% of ethnic minorities experience daily discrimination in public and workplace settings, compounding the difficulties young ethnic minority women face when transitioning from university to employment (Hong Kong Population Census 2021; Ethnic Minority Reports 2023).
At EMPOWER by The Amber Foundation, we have witnessed the impact of these systemic challenges first-hand. Many young ethnic minority women grapple with lower labour force participation rates—for instance, only about 19% of Pakistani women participate in the workforce, often due to cultural expectations and household responsibilities (Labour Department, HK SAR, 2022). Others hold jobs primarily in low-skilled sectors such as cleaning or security. Access to career mentoring and internships remains limited for over 80% of ethnic minority youth, restraining their job readiness and confidence (Youth Employment Survey, 2023).
Our scholarship programs play a crucial role in transforming this landscape by enhancing visibility, boosting confidence, and expanding social and professional networks. When provided with opportunities for mentorship, leadership training, and internships, participants overcome cultural and linguistic barriers, challenging historical marginalization and forging equitable pathways into Hong Kong’s workforce.
These challenges take place within a broader context where Hong Kong’s overall female workforce participation rate hovers between 48% and 54%, signalling systemic issues that disproportionately affect ethnic minority women facing intersecting barriers of gender, race, and language (Census and Statistics Department, HK SAR, 2023). Scholarship programs like those offered by EMPOWER are vital in creating equitable opportunities that help young ethnic minority women overcome these barriers and contribute fully to society.
Introducing The Amber Foundation Scholarship
To further support these women, The Amber Foundation has partnered with The Hong Kong Initiative for Diversity (HKID) to launch a scholarship program for the 2025–2026 academic year. This scholarship offers HK$15,000 in financial support and exclusive access to the EMPOWER program, which focuses on leadership, career development, and networking.
It’s designed not only to reduce financial strain but also to open doors to opportunity, ensuring these talented women gain the visibility and support they need to thrive.
Who Is Eligible?
Female university students from ethnically diverse (non-Chinese) backgrounds
Hong Kong Permanent Residents entering their 2nd or 3rd year of study in the 2025/26 academic year.
Why It Matters
This scholarship is about far more than financial assistance—it represents a vital effort to dismantle systemic barriers that have long hindered the professional visibility and advancement of young ethnic minority women in Hong Kong. Despite their talent and ambitions, many face limited access to internships, career mentoring, and leadership opportunities essential for building confidence and professional networks.
By providing scholarships linked with mentorship, leadership training, and networking through the EMPOWER program, we open critical pathways for these women to break through barriers. Supporting their visibility not only fuels individual empowerment but also enriches Hong Kong’s social and economic landscape by fostering diverse leaders and talent.
This is why it’s so important for educators, employers, community leaders, and connectors to share this opportunity broadly—and to encourage eligible young women to apply—so together we can help build a more inclusive and equitable future in Hong Kong.
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