Hill & Knowlton launch PR scholarship programme in China

The scholarship includes an allowance of RMB 20,000 (US$2,953) and a one-year internship opportunity at Hill & Knowlton for each recipient. 

Application to the scholarship is open to all universities and colleges until 30 July in Shanghai. Five seniors or postgraduates majoring in PR or communications are chosen each year and the successful candidates will be announced to the public by 30 September.

"As the first international PR agency to establish a presence in China, Hill & Knowlton has a deep understanding of the local market and the importance of contributing to the industry to ensure its successful growth and development," said Mao Jingquan (pictured right), chairman of SPRA.

David Zhao (left), managing director of Hill & Knowlton Shanghai, added that the agency hopes to provide real life working experience for university students. "PR is about communications, but it's also about people. It's critical that we contribute to nurturing local talent in order to promote the healthy and sustainable development of the PR industry here."

H&K first entered the Chinese market in Beijing in 1984. It is the PR agency for the 2008 Beijing Olympics. It is also one of the official agencies for 2010 Shanghai World Expo.