The School of Communication and Film at Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) has launched the HKBU Professional Journalism Fellowship (PJF@HKBU) with the support of Dorothy Shen Wong Memorial Fund, which was set up by veteran journalist Professor Raymond R Wong, SBS. PJF@HKBU, the first-of-its-kind in Hong Kong, aims to raise the standards of journalism by enabling practising journalists to take a sabbatical from work for studying at HKBU. The programme also seeks to enhance the professionalism of journalists and foster connections between the School and the media industry.

Applicants will be screened by the PJF@HKBU selection committee comprising scholars of the School and external members including representative(s) of the news industry. Under the scheme, selected fellows will be able to study full-time at HKBU for a semester or two, undertaking undergraduate or postgraduate courses as auditors. They will be entitled to participate in activities organised by the School, and have access to on-campus learning resources and amenities, in addition to a stipend commensurate with their income and journalistic experience.

PJF@HKBU is one of the strategic initiatives launched under the Dorothy Shen Wong Memorial Fund, which was set up in 2020 with a HK$50 million donation from Professor Raymond R Wong, SBS. It was the biggest gift ever received by the HKBU School of Communication and Film, which aims to support its strategic development and journalism education. The Fund was set up in loving memory of Professor Wong's late wife Dorothy.

Professor Huang Yu, Dean of the School of Communication and Film, said, “Similar fellowship schemes have been implemented overseas for a long time, allowing working journalists to take a sabbatical. PJF@HKBU will make a contribution to the sustainable development of the news industry in Hong Kong by providing talented journalists with an opportunity to enrich themselves without having to leave their jobs.”

The Scheme is now open to applications from full-time journalists who are employed by existing Hong Kong-based news organisations and have at least seven years of journalistic experience. Writers, columnists and producers who regularly contribute to these news organisations are also eligible to apply. Applicants must be nominated by the management of their corresponding news organisations. PJF@HKBU application deadline is 12 April 2022. More details are available on the website.