Events Roundup

Virtual Homecoming deepens connections

A virtual CityU Homecoming was organised by Alumni Relations Office (ARO) on 13 March, delivering an upbeat message of fortitude in the midst of renewed Covid-19 challenges. The fun-filled event, which was one of the celebratory events for CityU’s University Day, featured 14 programmes centred on the theme of “Connect We Grow”. More than 2,000 alumni visits were recorded. Highlights included A Dialogue with the President, in which President Professor Way Kuo shared updates on University development and his CityU reminiscences, talks on HK Tech 300, business and investment opportunities, and exercise demonstrations.

A Dialogue with the President

President Professor Way Kuo (top left) discusses CityU times with Professor Matthew Lee (top right), Vice-President (Development & External Relations), Dr Ron Kwok (bottom left), Director of Alumni Relations Office, and Ms Vera Kong (bottom right), CityU Convocation Standing Committee Member.

Webinar on HK Tech 300

Alumni guests Dr Gary Cheng (left), Honorary Treasurer and former Chairman of CityU Eminence Society, Mr William Khoo (centre), CityU Convocation Chairman, and Mr Jason Chan (right), Co-Founder and CEO of AREIX, explain to fellow alumni how they are using their knowledge and experience in accounting, law and fintech, respectively, to support the flagship HK Tech 300 innovation and start-up initiative.

“Stay Home for Epidemic” exercise demo

Alumna Dr Irene Lau (left), CityU Eminence Society Executive Committee Member, hosts an online exercise session with Mr Calvin Chan (right), an experienced instructor, introducing easy-to-learn fitness exercises specially designed to strengthen health during the pandemic.

Post-pandemic business opportunities

Alumnus Mr John Chan, aka Starman (right), explains his latest industry and investment ideas and insights to Dr Ron Kwok (left), Director of the Alumni Relations Office, and more than 200 participants in a webinar.

Personalised “thank you” cards

As part of the celebrations, alumni could deliver personalised greeting cards through the Homecoming platform to those at CityU they wished to support or thank – as well as benefit CityU students. For each card sent, generous alumni donors would make a HK$200 donation towards a University scholarship, with early-bird senders also receiving a special tableware set as a souvenir. Also, the early-bird registrants of our Homecoming events would get a specially designed wireless charger.

Heartfelt thanks

from ARO to all alumni, speakers, participating academic units and alumni groups (see below) for their support:

CityU Convocation
CityU Eminence Society
Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering
Department of English
Department of Information Systems
Department of Media and Communication

Office of the Vice-President (Research and Technology)
School of Creative Media
School of Data Science
School of Energy and Environment
Social Work Alumni Association
Student Development Services

Alumni sponsors

Mr Iu Ting-kwok

Mr Lee Kin-chun, Alan

Outstanding alumni honoured

Prominent business and community leader Mr Simon Hui [BA (Hons) Business Studies, 1991] has received CityU’s 6th Distinguished Alumni Award. The biennial honour, organised by ARO, recognises alumni who have made remarkable contributions to their profession, the University and society. Mr Hui is an innovative entrepreneur whose company has grown into a well-known retail brand in Hong Kong. He actively assists local SMEs and the community. He is also a former Chairman of the Eminence Society, CityU’s senior alumni association, making significant contributions to the University and providing advice on various CityU programmes. Stay tuned for the 7th Distinguished Alumni Award result that will be announced later this year.

Prominent business and community leader Mr Simon Hui [BA (Hons) Business Studies, 1991] has received CityU’s 6th Distinguished Alumni Award. The biennial honour, organised by ARO, recognises alumni who have made remarkable contributions to their profession, the University and society. Mr Hui is an innovative entrepreneur whose company has grown into a well-known retail brand in Hong Kong. He actively assists local SMEs and the community. He is also a former Chairman of the Eminence Society, CityU’s senior alumni association, making significant contributions to the University and providing advice on various CityU programmes. Stay tuned for the 7th Distinguished Alumni Award result that will be announced later this year.

Contributing spirit fosters growth and life-long learning

Many alumni stepped up to share their expertise and experience on industry trends, entrepreneurship, student leadership, and more over the year.
AI and robotics reshape construction sector

Alumnus Ir Dr Conrad Wong, BBS, JP, Vice Chairman of Yau Lee Holdings Limited, shared his insights on hot topics in the building development sector at a workshop entitled “Transformation by AI + Robotics: Pioneering Examples from the Construction Industry”. During the knowledge-sharing session with other alumni, Dr Wong discussed his strategies in these cutting-edge advances as well as Modular Integrated Construction (MiC). MiC is a major new trend in the construction industry, helping to reduce completion times and enhance safety. The topical event was organised by ARO and held on 28 October 2021.

Gaining start-up support via HK Tech 300

Over 70 participants learnt more about CityU’s flagship HK Tech 300 incubation programme, including funding available to teams/start-ups, in a briefing session via Zoom on 18 August 2021. Dr Laura Lo (bottom right), Associate Vice-President (Chinese Mainland Affairs Office) and Chairman of the HK Tech 300 Incubation Sub-committee, and Dr Ron Kwok (bottom left), Director of ARO, provided information and advice, while alumnus Mr Forte Fung (top right, left) shared his experience in applying for seed funding.

How life at CityU equips young leaders

Outstanding alumnus Mr Sunny Kok (right), CEO of GreenTomato Limited, provided tips on how to get equipped at CityU for a successful life in a dialogue session with Dr Ron Kwok, ARO Director. The session formed part of the welcoming ceremony for the CityU Talents Programme on 29 September 2021, also known as HK TECH Tiger. The programme is a new University drive to foster outstanding Year 1 students and top-performing newly admitted students as future leaders. Around 200 HK TECH Tiger participants attended.

Practical guide to entrepreneurship

A webinar featuring the successful start-up stories of alumni entrepreneurs Mr Billy Lam (second right), Chief Operation Officer & Co-Founder of Farm66 Investment Limited, and Mr Oswis Wong (first right), Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Air Button Technology Limited, was held on 4 September 2021. Dr Laura Lo, Associate Vice-President (Chinese Mainland Affairs Office) and Chairman of HK Tech 300 Incubation Sub-committee also took part, with alumnus Mr Douglas Yim as the moderator. Some 60 people joined the webinar.

Building bonds across the University community

A CityU cocktail reception brought together alumni, students, and senior management from various departments to celebrate the festive season on 18 December 2021. Those attending included: Professor Matthew Lee, Vice-President (Development and External Relations); Professor Lin Dai, Director of the Global Engagement Office (GEO); Dr Ron Kwok, ARO Director; alumni; and final-year students. HK Tech 300 Seed Fund recipients Mr Camroo Ahmed and Mr Asaf Sergen Gonenc also shared their success stories. The event was co-organised by GEO and ARO.