Empowering Future Leaders

Every year, the University of Otago offers year 12 and 13 Highschool students from across New Zealand, a week-long immersive experience of University life, through the Hands-On at Otago program. The 2025 intake received 1000 applications, the largest to date. As the university’s sole print provider, Canon supports this initiative by providing scholarships to financially disadvantaged students, covering their travel and living expenses, enabling their participation which would be otherwise unachievable.

The Iconic Canon Red Shirts – Student helpers for the Hands-On at Otago student attendees.

The Canon Scholarship Recipient

Evelyn Fu - pictured right

Evelyn Fu, a Year 13 student at Morrinsville College, moved from Auckland to the small town Morrinsville in North Island at age seven when her parents took over a takeaway business. Showing interests in cooking, baking and photography since a young age, Evelyn participated in various competitions and achieved a second-place win with photography. Born and raised in New Zealand with Chinese heritage, she expressed her desire to reconnect with her Chinese roots. Extroverted and social, Evelyn currently serves as an international leader at her school, helping international students feel welcome.

The Hands-On at Otago Journey

Evelyn's journey with the Hands-On at Otago program began with a mix of anticipation and surprise. Encouraged by her career advisor, she applied for the program and a scholarship, despite knowing the competitive acceptance rate. When she received the acceptance email, she was thrilled, but the real surprise came when she discovered she was also a Canon scholarship recipient.

“The emotions I felt when I found out I was selected as a scholarship recipient were a rollercoaster with many emotions that counteracted each other. But I'm so indebted to be selected for the Canon scholarship.”

Evelyn Fu, Year 13 student at Morrinsvile College

During the program, Evelyn learned about the practical aspects of university studies, such as laboratory precautions and the specific offerings at Otago. This hands-on experience clarified her academic goals and helped her envision a future in dentistry or dermatology. The program also emphasised the importance of social networks, encouraging Evelyn to venture beyond her small town and build connections with peers from different parts of New Zealand.

The Hands-On at Otago program provided Evelyn with invaluable insights into university life. Initially feeling shy and overwhelmed by unfamiliar faces, she quickly found support from fellow participants, including another Canon scholarship recipient who made her feel welcome. This connection helped Evelyn navigate the program and gain a deeper understanding of university life.

“The Hands-On at Otago program contributed to making me look forward to being in the future but also taught me to personally grow and venture out.

Evelyn Fu

The Future Beyond

The scholarship and the program significantly contributed to Evelyn's personal growth. Overcoming her initial shyness, she connected with new friends and realised the value of expanding her social circles. This experience taught her that support can come from various places and that venturing out can lead to meaningful connections and opportunities.

Evelyn plans to use the insights and connections gained from the Hands-On at Otago program to adapt better to her future studies and career path. The program provided her with a clearer understanding of university accommodations, locations, and resources, which will be beneficial as she pursues her academic and professional goals.

It is in Evelyn’s belief that programs like Hands-On at Otago can offer opportunities to students facing similar challenges to overcome obstacles and achieve more, take the leap and explore new opportunities, experience personal growth and develop a better understanding of one's future path.

“My message is that even with challenges on your career path, many other paths will open up to guide you and support you on your journey, so take that leap out of this black hole of challenges when there is a chance or opportunities to achieve more outside of this restriction.”

Evelyn Fu

Expanding Horizons for Students in Rural Communities

Scott Jenkins, the principal of Morrinsville college believes that real-world experiences are key to student growth, and the Hands-On at Otago programme is a great example of that philosophy in action.

“Hands-On at Otago fits perfectly with our school’s approach to learning by doing,” the principal explained. “Our rural students learn best when they’re out in the community, engaging directly with new environments, developing practical skills, and broadening their world view.”

The impact of such opportunities is far-reaching. “Opportunities like this allows our students to aspire and dream,” the principal continued. “Sometimes opportunities like this don’t get to the rural schools, but when they do, they are incredibly powerful. For students interested in health sciences, for example, it’s a chance to immerse themselves in the environment, and realise that they belong and will thrive if they take the chance.”

Kyosei - Working Together for the Common Good

Guided by its corporate philosophy of Kyosei—living and working together for the common good—Canon is proud to partner with the University of Otago to support initiatives that create meaningful opportunities for young New Zealanders. Through this collaboration, Canon helps bridge the gap for students from rural and underrepresented communities, offering them access to experiences that can shape their academic and personal futures.

For students like Evelyn Fu, the experience has been transformative – opening doors to future pathways and fostering a sense of belonging in a broader academic community. At the heart of the Hands-On at Otago partnership is the opportunity for young New Zealanders to explore various educational avenues, providing a meaningful stepping-stone in the paths of future leaders.

Learn more about Canon for Education