More than 940 students, five working adults and two apprentices in Hong Kong Saturday received awards and scholarships under the Sir Edward Youde Memorial Fund.

To encourage and promote education and learning, the fund disbursed 11.8 million HK dollars (1.51 million US dollars) in the 2004-2005 academic year.

Officiating at the fund's 18th Awards Presentation Ceremony at City Hall, Lady Youde said the fund has disbursed 160 million HK dollars (20.51 million US dollars) since 1987, benefiting directlyor indirectly more than 400,000 students through awards and other sponsored activities.

The fund has, since its inception, supported more than 14,700 Hong Kong students under its major schemes. More than 1,500 scholars and fellows have completed their studies and are now working in Hong Kong in different sectors, contributing to the well-being and development of Hong Kong.