Daisy Ho (MBA 1990) credits her University of Toronto education for helping to develop her strength of character and perseverance. As chair of the University of Toronto (Hong Kong) Foundation, she now helps young people in financial need from her home city access their own U of T education through annual scholarships.
Ms. Ho’s late father, Stanley Ho (1921-2020), was a generous U of T donor who helped found the U of T (Hong Kong) Foundation in 1995. Since its inception 30 years ago, the foundation has changed the lives of 97 Hong Kong students through scholarships worth nearly HK$3.3 million ($580,000 CAD) in total each year.
Many scholars have told us that the program helped build their confidence because it meant that someone believed in their potential – sometimes before they even believed in themselves.
Ms. Ho is a longtime U of T volunteer and mentor. She’s a member of the Defy Gravity Campaign Steering Committee, a former member of the Boundless Campaign Executive, and she serves on the Rotman Dean’s Advisory Board. In Hong Kong, she’s executive director and deputy managing director of business conglomerate Shun Tak Holdings Ltd, as well as chair and executive director of casino and resort holding operator SJM Holdings. In an interview, she discussed how U of T changed her life, the foundation’s impact on students and her hopes for its future.
Many scholars have told us that the program helped build their confidence because it meant that someone believed in their potential – sometimes before they even believed in themselves.
I think the real impact has been creating life-changing opportunities. That’s its legacy. Many scholars have told us that the program helped build their confidence because it meant that someone believed in their potential – sometimes before they even believed in themselves.
Over the years the program has helped to unlock their potential by giving a boost to those who are willing to work hard and go for it. Our 97 brilliant scholars have pursed more than 40 areas of study, lived and worked in 12 countries, and over 60 per cent have pursued postgraduate education, landing in fields we never could have imagined, becoming doctors, engineers, research scientists, teachers, social workers, a public prosecutor and more.
And while they’re at U of T, our scholars actively contribute to the community through volunteering, student government, clubs, international exchanges, work placements and lab research. They’re deeply engaged as leaders across campus and beyond. It’s such a holistic experience, learning to be independent and having the opportunity to embrace the world out there.
It feels like just yesterday we selected our first scholar, and now we can proudly say we created a program that’s sustainable.
It was my own personal experience as an immigrant. Even though I come from a very privileged family, as a landed immigrant in Toronto I couldn’t get a job or get into business school without experience. Sometimes people need to give you a chance, and U of T gave me that opportunity.
I’m so grateful to U of T for offering me that life-changing experience, and I wanted to be able to give back and help others with potential by giving them the opportunity as well.
Networking is so important now, and we provide opportunities for that. We also encourage past scholars to support new scholars, and many of them generously do that. Irrespective of age, adapting to a new environment is not easy, and having someone as a mentor helps them settle in.
The belief that the community is there to support one another is very much embedded in the DNA of the foundation and our scholars.
The belief that the community is there to support one another is very much embedded in the DNA of the foundation and our scholars. They’re always willing to give back to the foundation and the U of T community in different shapes and forms. The bonding between past and current students keeps it going. There is deep sense of pride in being a U of T scholar and a strong desire to carry that legacy forward.
The belief that the community is there to support one another is very much embedded in the DNA of the foundation and our scholars.
Some of my most enduring memories are of Toronto and my time at U of T. I can’t go back to Toronto very much now because of my work, but U of T provides this connection to Toronto that I always want to keep.
My education at U of T means so much to me because it really shaped my character. And just like with the scholarship students, it actually unearthed my potential. Before going to U of T, I never thought I could work and persevere so hard. It taught me to think out of the box and take on challenges.
Through the foundation, I love to support students who, like myself, could use some help so that their potential can be unlocked. For me, what might be a little push I can offer someone could turn into a lot for that person, and I’m very happy to be able to continue supporting them.
When I meet the students, I’m very touched to learn their stories and see how much they have accomplished… the postgraduate degrees they’ve gone on to complete, the cities they’ve moved to, their careers, how they’re giving back. Our first fundraising gala in 1995 was my last social event before I gave birth to my daughter, so it almost feels like these students are also my children. And now many of them have children of their own, so it feels like we’re supporting generations now.
I hope the foundation will continue in perpetuity so that we can continue changing the lives of deserving students. I also hope that more people in Hong Kong, Canada and anywhere in the world will support this very meaningful cause. The foundation is investing in the next generation – and the future of Hong Kong. Hong Kong students are as strong as many others in the world, and through this program, they create brighter careers and futures. They have a thirst for life and overseas education and so much heart.
I’m so grateful to U of T and all the volunteers including the foundation’s board and selection committee who share this vision and make it all possible.
Register to attend the U of T (HK) Foundation 30th anniversary reception in Hong Kong on Nov. 23.
You can help students from Hong Kong unlock opportunities, pursue their dreams and make a difference. Donate at the link below and your gift will be matched dollar for dollar.