Hong Kong, 10 December 2015 - FWD Hong Kong and Hong Chi Association believe every individual is gifted with his own talent and people with intellectual disabilities are of no exception. Through appropriate education and training, they can also lead a fulfilling life which is why FWD and corporate social responsibility partner Hong Chi jointly launched the “Live Up Today” Programme in 2014, to encourage people with autism and intellectual disabilities to unleash their potential, and be empowered to integrate with the community and lead a more independent life.

At the second “Live Up Today” awards presentation ceremony held at Pinehill Village on 7 December, Hong Chi students and trainees were recognised for their achievements in respective fields including academic, arts, sports, vocational and personal progress. The ceremony was officiated by Hon. Ronald Arculli, FWD Group Chairman, Mr David Wong, Chief Executive Officer of Hong Kong & Macau and Executive Vice President of Greater China, FWD, and Mr Philip Poon, Chairman of Hong Chi Association. A total of 67 students and trainees were recognised with awards.

Addressing the ceremony, Mr Philip Poon, Chairman of Hong Chi Association, said, “We are grateful for the full support of FWD Hong Kong. In addition to generously financing the publicity of our Association’s social enterprise and the Music Talent Show held in November, FWD Hong Kong also exerts staunch support on the “Live Up Today” Programme, which provides significant opportunities for our children to develop their potential and lead a more fulfilling life. Our total awardees increased from 50 last year to 67 this year. They all made tremendous progress in their fields with the dedicated guidance of our caring colleagues. We hope more and more students and trainees with autism will benefit from the programme, and be encouraged to explore their capabilities and live their lives to the fullest.”

Mr David Wong, Chief Executive Officer of Hong Kong & Macau and Executive Vice President of Greater China, FWD, believed that the opportunities to learn, exchange and put into practice could help students and trainees strengthen their confidence and live with an optimistic and positive attitude. He said, “With passion and perseverance, our awardees shine in various fields — vividly exemplifying the ‘live up today’ spirit portrayed in our programme title. Entering into its third year, the programme will certainly have our continuous support.”

At the ceremony, 24 “Live Up Today” Scholarships and 43 “Live Up Today” Awards were given out by three officiating guests to celebrate awardees’ remarkable performance and improvement in respective fields. Several awardees of last and this year then gave their live performances on piano, and French horn and vibraphone duet, and received big applauses from the audience. They made perfect examples of how people with autism and intellectual disabilities could realise their potential when provided with proper training.

Hon Ronald Arculli, FWD Group Chairman gives out “Live Up Today” Scholarships to 24 awardees.

Mr David Wong, Chief Executive Officer of Hong Kong & Macau and Executive Vice President of Greater China, FWD, is glad to witness the rising number of awardees, and encourages people with autism and intellectual disabilities to live up today.

Luk Ka-chun (left) and Wan Cheuk-yin (right), awardees of this year’s “Live Up Today” Scholarships from Rotary Club of Hong Kong Island West Hong Chi Morninghope School are having their Christmas carols duet performance on French horn and vibraphone.

Lee Kim-ming, awardee of the first year’s “Live Up Today” Scholarship, is demonstrating pottery creation.

About Hong Chi Association 
Hong Chi Association (formerly the Hong Kong Association for the Mentally Handicapped) founded in 1965, has grown to become the most well-established non-profit organization dedicated solely to serving some 7,000 people of all ages and all grades of intellectual disabilities in Hong Kong. It operates 81 service units to provide comprehensive services.
 
About FWD Hong Kong 
FWD Group’s businesses span Hong Kong & Macau, Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines. In Hong Kong, FWD offers life and medical insurance, employee benefits, pension, and general insurance. The life insurance and general insurance operating entities have been assigned strong financial strength ratings by international rating agencies — FWD Life Insurance Company (Bermuda) Limited is rated “A3” by Moody’s and “A” by Fitch; and FWD General Insurance Company Limited is rated “A” by Fitch.
FWD is focused on creating fresh customer experiences, with easy-to-understand products, supported by leading digital technologies. Through this customer-led approach, FWD will achieve its vision to become the leading pan-Asian insurer that changes the way people feel about insurance.

Established in Asia in 2013, FWD is the insurance business arm of investment group, Pacific Century Group.

For more information please visit WWW.FWD.COM.HK.

For media enquiries, please contact:

Youth Outreach
Hong Chi Association - Communications and Fund Raising Office May Wong cfr@hongchi.org.hk +852 2661 0709

FWD Hong Kong
Liza Wong liza.wong@fwd.com +852 2850 3986	Catherine Tse catherine.nc.tse@fwd.com +852 2850 2908	Jacqueline Choy jacqueline.yl.choy@fwd.com +852 2850 2177