Over 100 CityU students, alumni and staff along with secondary school students learned how to think positively at the “Sharing by Hong Kong Spirit Ambassadors: To Live Is To Shine” event co-organised by the Alumni Relations Office and Student Development Services of CityU, and the Hong Kong Spirit on 14 March at CityU campus. Alumnus Mr Vivek Mahbubani[BA (Hons) Creative Media] and Ms Cherie Yeung（楊小芳）, who were both appointed as 2013 Hong Kong Spirit Ambassadors（香港精神大使）, shared their heart-touching stories about overcoming adversity and demonstrated how they live their lives to the fullest with a can-do attitude and resilience.

Facilitated by Mr Bryant Lu（呂慶耀）(middle), Founding Member and 2014 Convenor of the Hong Kong Spirit Programme, alumnus Vivek (left) and Cherie inspired the audience with their heart-touching life stories and power of positivity.

The sharing session attracted over 100 participants.

The organisers thanked the two Hong Kong Spirit Ambassadors for their inspiring sharing. From left: Associate Vice-President (Alumni Relations) Ms Kathy Chan, Mr Vivek Mahbubani, Mr Bryant Lu of Hong Kong Spirit, Ms Cherie Yeung and Senior PE Officer of Student Development Services Mr Roy Ngai.

The City University of Hong Kong Social Work Alumni Association (CityUSWAA) is going to hold a workshop in March to meet the needs of members for continuous professional training. It is open to all alumni and students.

On 29 March, alumna, registered social worker and well-known author Ms Annie Chiang (蔣慧瑜小姐), will discuss the five elements leading to be a passionate social worker. The workshop will be a platform for mutual learning and experiences sharing among professional social workers.

For details about the workshop, please go to the CityUSWAA facebook page and submit your e-application by scanning the QR Code. For enquiries, please email (aas-swaa@alumni.cityu.edu.hk) or call 5114 3504.

The City University of Hong Kong Social Work Alumni Association (CityUSWAA) is going to hold workshops in February and March to meet the needs of members for continuous professional training.  Both sessions are open to all alumni and students.

On 22 February, alumnus Mr Arnold Leung (梁梓敦先生), a certified thanatologist who is Senior Manager at Holy Carpenter Community Centre, will explain the theories and skills required in the field of life and death education, as well as his own experience dealing with different clientele.  This workshop includes a visit to funeral facilities so that participants can experience and better understand funeral services offered in Hong Kong.

On 29 March, alumna, registered social worker and well-known author Ms Annie Chiang (蔣慧瑜小姐) will discuss the five elements need to be a passionate social worker. The workshop will provide a platform for both mutual learning and sharing experiences among professional social workers.

For details about the workshops, please go to the CityUSWAA facebook page and submit your e-application by scanning the QR Code.  For enquiries, please email (aas-swaa@alumni.cityu.edu.hk) or call 5114 3504.

Founder and Director of Centaline Group Mr Shih Wing-ching and CityU alumna and renowned stock market commentator Ms Agnes Wu Mang-ching shared views on the current market situation at a forum on 28 November 2013. Organised by the Alumni Relations Office, the inspiring forum entitled “Investment Wisdom in a Turbulent Economy” attracted more than 90 participants. View the photo gallery and University report.

Professor Roderick Wong Sue-cheun, Vice-President (Development and External Relations) (second from right) and Ms Kathy Chan, Associate Vice-President (Alumni Relations) (first from right) express their appreciation to two guest speakers, Mr Shih Wing-ching (Center), Ms Agnes Wu (second from left) and the facilitator, Mr Andy Wong (first from left).

Thoughtful questions from the enthusiastic audience.

Despite the extremely cold -5 degrees Celsius weather in Vancouver, a few stalwart CityU alumni made their way downtown for a Christmas gathering at the Shabusen on 7 December 2013. Special thanks to Alumni Ambassador Ms Ellen Cheng Yin-ming for arranging the gathering and providing alumni based around the city with a fun occasion to exchange news and strengthen their networks. It was such a success that they are now thinking of holding a Chinese New Year party to receive the Year of the Horse together. More details will be uploaded to the website of Alumni Relations Office.

Alumni Ambassador in Vancouver Ellen Cheng (second from right) organises a gathering to celebrate a snowy Christmas.

Close to 100 Alumni Ambassadors participated in the “Alumni Ambassador Day – The Path to Happiness: Caring by Serving” held on 14 December 2013 at CityU campus.

The special occasion, marking the 10th anniversary of the Alumni Ambassador Scheme (AAS), featured four veteran ambassadors and respected community leaders who shared their secrets of achieving fulfilling and enjoyable volunteer experiences.

The distinguished speakers were the Convenor of the Board of Advisors for AAS Mr Brave Chan, recipient of the Certificate of Commendation by Secretary for Home Affairs; CityU Council Member and Court Member Ms Dilys Chau, recipient of the CityU Distinguished Alumni Award 2011; bilingual stand-up comedian Mr Vivek Mahbubani, appointed as 2013 Hong Kong Spirit Ambassador; and Honorary Fellow of CityU Mr Francis Ngai, founder and CEO of Social Ventures Hong Kong.

Following the interactive forum, Associate Vice-President (Alumni Relations) Ms Kathy Chan, who pioneered the AAS, reflected on how the Scheme evolved and continued to flourish over the past 10 years. She expressed her thanks to the 2,000 Alumni Ambassadors who have been devoting their time and expertise to serve their Alma Mater.

Convocation Vice-Chairman Mr William Khoo also shared his memorable experiences of serving the University before joining Kathy, Brave, Dilys and other AAS Board of Advisors members Mr Billy Au, Ms Annie Chiang, Mr Geng Chunya and Mr Nelson Yip to officially launch the 10th Anniversary celebrations.

Participants then watched a video showcasing a collection of pictures taking them on journey through a decade of the Scheme’s development. Attending Alumni Ambassadors who have served since the Scheme’s launch were accorded special recognition, while some 30 newly-joined Class Liaison Ambassadors pledged to support the University by maintaining class links.

Veteran Alumni Ambassadors (From left) Mr Vivek Mahbubani, Mr Brave Chan, Ms Dilys Chau and Mr Francis Ngai share how volunteering can be a rewarding experience.

Alumni Ambassadors who have been serving since the launch of the Scheme in 2003 are recognised in this special occasion.

Alumnus and CityU Honorary Fellow Mr Francis Ngai (BA Quant Analysis for Business) who is the founder of Social Ventures Hong Kong, shared his explorative journey of being a social entrepreneur for 90 students at a lecture on 15 October. The lecture was part of the Gateway Education Course offered by Project Flame with the aims to equip students with the knowledge, attitude, inspirations and strategies to create “social innovations” through a discussion of the craft of partnership between social organisations and vehicles of market-based solutions for development. A main theme of the course is to help students develop an appreciation of social innovation and to “Make a Difference” in life by “Doing Well and Doing Good”.

As one of the guest speakers at the “International Symposium: Discovery and Idea Incubation for Realizable and Scalable Social Impact” organised by Project Flame on 5 November, Francis highlighted the power of storytelling in social enterprise and his experiences in attracting social investment and donations, and building up investment model. More than 50 participants attended the symposium including Project Flame members, CityU staff and students.

Francis shares with CityU students about his marathon adventure at North Pole, which is part of the social innovation endeavor of “Green Monday” to raise awareness on environmental protection.

Francis brings valuable insights on building up investment model for social enterprise at the international symposium.

More than 200 year-one students from the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (CLASS) got inspiration after attending lectures given by alumni Mr Vivek Mahbubani (School of Creative Media) and Ms Angela Kong (CLASS), who shared their secrets to business success and life experiences in talks entitled “Fundamentals of University Learning”.

Speaking on 4 November, Vivek gave some stunning examples on how to start a business in new media. As a self-employed new media designer and celebrated stand-up comedian, he highlighted the prerequisites of being a business owner, the importance of studying market trends, and tactics for crisis management. His young audience were inspired by his witty and constructive recommendations in the question and answer session.

In another lecture, Angela who is General Manager of the Hong Kong Equestrian Federation, shared her experience of growing up in a single-parent grass-roots family, and how she developed a tough mentality that enables her to manage problems and crises in difficult environments. She professed the key characteristics of mental toughness as Confidence, Resiliency, Composure, Courage, Motivation and Focus. She encouraged students to pursue their dreams with determination, persistence and endurance.

In closing her presentation on 18 November, Angela thanked CityU for granting her scholarships to study during her undergraduate days, and said she is committed to contributing towards the University’s further advancement in various ways.

Vivek gives a practical sharing on business startup in a new media industry.

Angela shares her definition of “mental toughness” with lively examples.

Professor Dennis Wong, Associate Dean of CLASS, presents souvenirs to Vivek and Angela to thank for their support.

Over 200 year-one CLASS students attended the lectures.

Coordinated by the Alumni Relations Office (ARO) and Alumni Ambassadors in Australia, alumni residing in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane got together in their respective cities to strengthen their networks and exchange updates. At the Sydney gathering on 8 November, Associate Vice-President (Alumni Relations) Ms Kathy Chan briefed the alumni on recent developments at the University and encouraged them to actively participate in events for CityU’s 30th anniversary in 2014, including a dinner forum to be held in Sydney as part of the celebrations. The alumni welcomed the presence of Mr Patrick Lee, Convocation Chairman of the 1st Standing Committee, who has recently moved to Australia for a short stay.

On 9 November, enthusiastic Alumni Ambassadors Mr Seki Lau and Ms Regina Ku organised a barbeque gathering in Melbourne for alumni and their family members at the beautiful Westerfold Park. Alumnus Mr Dickens Chan, who recently moved to the city on a full scholarship to study for a PhD at the University of Melbourne, treasured the opportunity to network with fellow alumni and learn the Australian culture and living style from them. Another gathering opportunity came on 10 November for the alumni living in Brisbane. Alumni and friends of CityU met at a dim sum house for a reunion initiated by the local Alumni Ambassador Ms Yoyo Lui. Speaking on behalf of the Alumni Relations Office, Alumni Relations Manager Mr Xavier Wong encouraged the alumni to visit their alma mater to see the new campus development when they came back to Hong Kong. He expressed deep appreciation to the Alumni Ambassadors for their commitment, enthusiasm and support in strengthening the alumni network.

To share the happy moments of the gatherings, please click here to view the pictures.

Ms Kathy Chan (second left), Associate Vice-President (Alumni Relations), with Mr Patrick Lee (first left), Convocation Chairman of the 1st Standing Committee, and other alumni at the reunion dinner in Sydney.

The barbeque in Melbourne provides alumni with a good occasion for reunion and family activity under the sunshine.

Alumni Ambassador in Melbourne Mr Seki Lau (left) and his wife Dr Stella Wang (right) who is also a CityU graduate, extend the ‘Caring by Serving’ spirit at the barbeque gathering by cooking food for participants.

Alumni Ambassador in Brisbane Ms Yoyo Lui (middle) brought her 2-year old child to welcome participants at the reunion.

Many alumni are using their experiences and knowledge to help CityU students choose career paths and achieve their goals. Recently, the Department of Information Systems (IS) brought some 100 alumni and students together to launch an IS Industrial Mentoring Programme for 2013-14 on CityU campus on 24 October.

At his welcoming remarks, Professor Leon Zhao, Head of the Department, introduced the mentoring programme to the audience and encouraged students to treasure this learning opportunity to enrich their study life and enhance their employability after graduation through exchange with mentors.

Mr Terence Chan (BBA Information Systems), a long-service alumni mentor, shared his career challenges from being a finance professional to a headhunter. As an employer, he emphasised the importance of having a good attitude and communication skill, particularly for the post-90s candidates.

The alumni mentors are also members of the Alumni Ambassador Scheme coordinated by the Alumni Relations Office (ARO), which provides platform for alumni to support the University development through voluntary services.

Speaking on behalf of ARO, Alumni Relations Manager Mr Xavier Wong thanked the mentors for volunteering to assist students in their personal and career development.

He encouraged alumni to continue to support University development in different forms including donation, provision of internship opportunities for students and supporting department activities. He presented souvenirs to the alumni mentors in appreciation of their efforts under the Alumni Ambassador Scheme. To learn more about the mentoring programme, please click here.

Alumni mentors and students join the Industrial Mentoring Programme launched by the Department of Information Systems.