A ceremony at Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) was held on 16 March 2026 for the award of the “Prof. Dr. Gerd Schwandner & Dr. Annette Schwandner Scholarship” (the Scholarship). This was established by Professor Dr. Gerd Schwandner and his wife Dr. Annette Schwandner through their Annette & Gerd Schwandner Foundation for Science and Culture.  

Professor and Dr. Schwandner, who travelled from Germany to preside over the event, presented in person €1,500 each to two outstanding undergraduates from HKBU’s European Studies programme in support of their forthcoming exchange studies in Germany. In his remarks, Professor Schwandner encouraged students of European Studies to keep up their good work and to seize the valuable opportunity for them to study in Germany, thereby broadening their horizons. Mrs. Lily Chan, Director of University Advancement and Secretary-General of the HKBU Foundation, presented the couple with a commemorative souvenir in appreciation of their staunch support for HKBU.

Prior to the ceremony, Professor and Dr. Schwandner were warmly received by HKBU scholars. They included Mr. Fabian Raetzer, Programme Director of European Studies; Mr. Sebastian Pahs, Lecturer in European Studies; and Ms. Christina Grübel, Visiting Scholar in the Department of Government and International Studies and representative of the German Academic Exchange Service. Professor and Dr. Schwandner also toured the Jockey Club Campus of Creativity, gaining an insight into its state-of-the-art facilities.

Professor Schwandner’s deep connection with HKBU dates back to the inception of the European Studies programme in 1994, which is also when he began assisting HKBU students in seeking internship opportunities in Germany. He served as a Visiting Scholar at HKBU from 1999 to 2000. In 2007, he and his wife established the Scholarship at HKBU, donating annually for 17 consecutive years and to date benefitting more than 30 students. Professor Schwandner, a distinguished scholar in international management and marketing, served as Mayor of Oldenburg, Germany, from 2006 to 2014. In 2007, the Schwandner couple founded their Foundation to advance science and culture globally, and have since established scholarships in Hong Kong, Beijing, Kenya and South Africa. The Annette & Gerd Schwandner Foundation for Science and Culture is currently Honorary Director of the HKBU Foundation.

Prof. and Dr. Schwandner pose for a group photo with HKBU faculty, staff, and European Studies students