New scholars chosen for GBF China Scholarship Program

MANILA, Philippines - Forty of the brightest young minds from around the country are once again set to embark on a cross-cultural experience of a lifetime as they discover the language, dynamics, and booming economy of China through the Gokongwei Brothers Foundation (GBF) China Scholarship Program. Established to empower promising young professionals with insights into the successes of China, the 10-month program aims to yield future Filipino leaders who can initiate efforts to uplift our country. Now on its second run, this year’s program has gathered a very promising class of achievers and outstanding professionals from around the country.

This batch of future leaders will spend time at the prestigious Fudan University in Shanghai. GBF has also partnered with the Confucius Institute of the Ateneo de Manila to prepare the scholars for their full immersion in China. GBF chairman of the board John Gokongwei Jr. is a staunch believer in developing the potential of the youth to help them become world-class professionals and socially responsible visionaries. “This year’s talented young leaders have the intellect, energy, and passion to make an impact here in the country. It is my hope that when they come home, they will have greater experience and will be able to serve the country more,” Gokongwei said. He also believes that being globally competitive in these modern times means emulating not only western models but the best eastern practices as well. “While looking up to the achievements of the west is important, we must also recognize the value of insights from our closer neighbors in the east. The Philippines can truly benefit greatly from the example and achievements of progressive nations like China. By experiencing its culture and language, and gaining an understanding of the Chinese spirit, we can mold better and well-rounded leaders.”

For the scholars, the program opens the doors to new perspectives and inspires them to dream up a better future for the country. “The program can instill hope and inspiration for us to pursue excellence in all our endeavors, to be catalysts of change, and most of all to exceed our limits to the brink,” said Atty. Fritz Ritchie N. Avila, president of this year’s batch. “The program can truly change a scholar’s perspective on life and realign the young generation’s character. It will teach us not to settle for mediocrity as we do more than what is expected of us.”

With the opportunity to fly to Shanghai for an all-expense-paid scholarship at the celebrated Fudan University, the scholars truly value the chance given to them. “We realize that we are so lucky to have been chosen to be part of this program. One could only imagine that there are many young citizens out there who would want to be in our shoes because it’s rare that young Filipinos are given this splendid opportunity,” Avila said.