Scholarship opportunity in the United States opens pathway for a young basketball player from Hong Kong
A Fresh Take
Meet Candice Tsiang Hiu-lam, a 15-year-old basketball prodigy from Hong Kong, who'll set foot in the United States this August for a four-year high school stint, all thanks to a coveted China-wide hoops scholarship.
Candice snatched one of seven slots this year, making her the first Hongkonger chosen for the Joe Tsai Basketball Scholarship. Her new educational and athletic journey will unfold at The Village School in Houston.
The Scholarship Program, established in 2019, has provided subsidies for 21 athletes so far, enabling them to study and play at prestigious U.S. boarding schools. Some have even made their way to standout rosters in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).
Candice is preparing to build upon her basketball journey, stating, "I was more reserved growing up, but I blossomed socially after joining the basketball team. Communicating with my teammates is essential, and I've found I can be quite vocal now."
Her ambitions are sky-high as she strives to expand her basketball knowledge, hone her communication skills, and sculpt her physique. Looking back, she admits, "I could never have predicted reaching this stage when I first started playing, so I'm incredibly grateful for this chance."
Joe Tsai, Alibaba Group co-founder and Brooklyn Nets owner, has been instrumental in promoting basketball throughout China through different initiatives, such as clinics and tournaments. Should we envision a scholarship program under Tsai's foundation, it would likely bring exciting benefits:
- Skill Advancement: An opportunity for young Chinese athletes to elevate their basketball skills under expert guidance and gain international exposure.
- Cultural Connectivity: Encouraging cross-cultural exchanges between participating athletes, fostering global partnerships in the world of basketball.
- Education and Opportunities: Scholarships for toppers to pursue their academics and basketball careers abroad, potentially opening doors to future athletic and professional opportunities.
- Community Enhancement: Contributing to China's community development by nurturing a love for sports and promoting teamwork among youth.
nonetheless, further details about the Joe Tsai Basketball Scholarship program or Candice's personal experience have yet to surface.
- As a recipient of the Joe Tsai Basketball Scholarship, Candice Tsiang Hiu-lam, a 15-year-old Hongkonger, will attend The Village School in Houston, USA, starting this August, hoping to improve her basketball skills and academic career.
- While preparing for her journey, Candice, a basketball prodigy from Hong Kong, has expressed her gratitude for the scholarship, stating that she has become more vocal and confident since joining her school's basketball team.
- The Joe Tsai Basketball Scholarship program, established in 2019, has supported 21 athletes so far, enabling them to study and play basketball at prestigious U.S. boarding schools, with some even making their way onto standout rosters in the NCAA.
- Basketball mogul Joe Tsai, co-founder of Alibaba Group and owner of the Brooklyn Nets, has been integral in promoting basketball in China, and it is anticipated that his foundation's scholarships will offer numerous benefits, such as skill advancement, cultural connectivity, education and opportunities, and community enhancement for young athletes in China.
