Prestigious 2018 Girdlers’ Scholarship awarded to Andrew Tang

Andrew Tang, from Wellington, has been awarded the prestigious 2018 Girdlers’ Scholarship, which will enable him to study Economics at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, starting in October 2018.

“My dream to study economics at Cambridge stems from its highly-regarded academic culture,” says Andrew. “Studying economics combines my love of mathematics and a desire to learn more about the world to make a tangible impact on people’s lives…I see economics as the answer not only to economic development but also social cohesion in contemporary New Zealand.”

Andrew attended Scots College, where he was 2017 Dux and Head of Senior School. He achieved excellence endorsements in eight NCEA Level 3 subjects and Scholarship in 12 subjects, including Outstanding Scholarship in six subjects and Top Subject Scholar in Economics. He was also first in New Zealand for the Sir Paul Callaghan Eureka! Awards, the New Zealand Economics Competition, ICAS Science and ICAS Mathematics, and Best Speaker in the Treasury Schools Challenge.

During his time at Scots College, Andrew was awarded a Royal Society of New Zealand scholarship to attend the London International Youth Science Forum, was selected as part of a delegation representing the Young Enterprise Trust in Silicon Valley and won a New Zealand Youth Award recognising his service to science education. Andrew has represented his school at a national level in cross country and debating, enjoyed completing his Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award and is recognised by his teachers and peers as a valued mentor and leader for younger pupils at the school. Following his study, Andrew has ambitions to work science business interface, developing and integrating technologies into the New Zealand economy to improve equity for all.

Administered by Universities New Zealand, the scholarship is funded by The Worshipful Company of Girdlers, which traces its foundation back to medieval times as a craftsmen’s guild. It awards one scholarship per year to an outstanding New Zealand school student to undertake a degree at Cambridge University.

Valued at approximately £35,000 (NZ$67,000) per year, the scholarship will pay for Andrew’s university and college fees and contribute to his living costs while studying.

This is the 54^th scholarship that The Worshipful Company of Girdlers has awarded to a New Zealand student.

In announcing the decision on behalf of the Company, Past Master Ian Seaton says, “The Company is delighted to award Andrew this scholarship, as he embodies the qualities we seek. He has the academic ability to perform well at Corpus Christi College, and the ambition to take full advantage of this extraordinary opportunity. We will watch his progress with interest and support him during his time at Cambridge.”

Universities New Zealand, formerly the New Zealand Vice-Chancellors’ Committee, administers this scholarship in addition to around 40 other undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships each year.

UNZ contact: Sharon Cuzens, Universities NZ, sharon.cuzens@universitiesnz.ac.nz, 027 446 3326

Background

The Worshipful Company of Girdlers can trace its foundation to medieval times as a guild or fraternity of craftsmen. While the Company no longer practises its belt-making craft, it still presents the sword belt and stole at the Monarch’s Coronation, and retains its association with the trades and government of the City of London. It is now largely concerned with charitable works and the fellowship of its members.

The Scholarship is open to Year 13 secondary school students who have attended secondary school in New Zealand and are New Zealand citizens or have permanent resident status.

More information about this and other scholarships administered by Universities New Zealand is available at http://www.universitiesnz.ac.nz/scholarships