James Ku, Vice-Chairman
HD Accountancy (1998)
Director
Plato Chemical Co Ltd.

The mainland’s robust economic growth has been attracting Hong Kong graduates to tap the vast market there. But if local grabs want to maintain their career edge up north, they need to work extra hard and explore the untapped market, says James Ku, who has pursued his career across the border since 2004.

James’ first foray onto the mainland was six years ago in Panyu. The two year venture was a valuable experience for him to learn how to manage 100 workers and deal with government officials.

Always on the road, his current job gives him ample opportunities to travel around the mainland and to be well adapted to the different working cultures of clients in various regions including Zhengzhou, Shenzhen and Panyu where his company has offices.

James says his vibrant campus life at CityU, particularly his experiences at the Students’ Union, sharpened his leadership skills and allowed him to learn how to deal with different stakeholders. “I’ve learned to uphold my principles. When you know it’s the right thing to do, go for it and convince the others,” he says. “On the other hand, you also need to know when to compromise in order to achieve your goal.”

His strong sense of belonging to CityU drove him to take up voluntary work at the Convocation. James fully embraces the strategic direction of CityU in maintaining a closer collaborative partnership with the mainland, particularly the establishment of the University’ Shenzhen Research Institute.

Jeffrey Tam, Standing Committee Member
Bachelor of Laws (Hons) (2006)
Postgraduate Certificate in Laws (2008)
Barrister, Denis Chang Chambers

Jeffrey aspires to uphold justice and studying law at CityU was a launch pad to fulfil his ideal. His enrolment in the University’s law programme in 2003 coincided with the mass demonstration against the Article 23 legislation. He was engrossed by the whole movement and was particularly impressed by the involvement of lawyers in protecting the civil liberties of Hongkongers.

Turning his knowledge into practice, the barrister recently represented the brother of tour guide Masa Tse, a victim of the Manila bus siege, at the Hong Kong Coroner’s inquest into the tragedy. He joined fellow alumnus Hectar Pun and another barrister, who were there to protect the interests of the victim and to assist the jury in coming up with a factual finding about how the victim was killed and by whom, with the assistance of expert witnesses.

Jeffrey is grateful for his experience at CityU, both as a student and as a tutor. His four-year studies at the University helped him develop from a student to a professional, and offered him opportunities to expose himself to international competition and gain overseas studies experience.

His most impressive undergraduate experience was when he joined a study tour to the UK organised by the School of Law. He had the honour of giving two speeches about the Basic Law on behalf of fellow students in front of the professors at University College London and the School of Oriental and African Studies. The essay was later published in Hong Kong Lawyer (the official journal of the Law Society of Hong Kong). “This really helps a locally brought up and educated student like me to widen his horizons,” the barrister recalls.

Jeffrey’s wish to maintain links with CityU as an alumnus prompted him to join the Convocation Standing Committee. He finds that representing the Convocation goes beyond coming back to take part in an alumni event. It also involves making decisions for the betterment of the University.

Iris Lam, Standing Committee Member
BSc (Hons) Construction Engineering and Management (2004)
Flight Attendant
Cathay Pacific Airways

Iris treasures the experiences gained from CityU, especially being a member of the Exco and Council of the Students’ Union (SU). This sharpened her critical and independent thinking. She also acquired the knack of organising large-scale events like the popular CityU Banquet.

While serving as the PR Secretary of SU she had to communicate with diverse groups of people including University staff, representatives of other universities, media and companies. The experience made her a more outgoing person with positive outlook to face challenges.

Now a flight attendant required to routinely communicate with passengers and understand their needs, Iris says her interpersonal skills training at SU can also be applied in the workplace.

Her most memorable experience with the Convocation was the “Reunion for Ex-SU Leaders” held in July last year. It was a great chance for her to reminisce about the good old days with former leaders of SU. The event also served as a platform for alumni to communicate with the University President and other staff members to learn about the latest developments at the University.

From a former student leader to now an alumni leader, Iris wishes to serve as a bridge between alumni and the alma mater. “I gained a lot from CityU and I want to contribute back to the University. I still feel I’m a member of CityU family,” she says.