PolyU FB Outstanding Alumni Award
[Sponsored Article] Five distinguished senior graduates of the Faculty of Business (FB) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) have been presented with the inaugural Outstanding Alumni Awards to recognise the exceptional contributions they have made to their professions, while also giving back to their alma mater and the wider community.
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Awards recognise PolyU Faculty of Business outstanding alumni
Five distinguished senior graduates of the Faculty of Business (FB) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) have been presented with the inaugural Outstanding Alumni Awards to recognise the exceptional contributions they have made to their professions, while also giving back to their alma mater and the wider community.
The awards were presented at a celebratory Homecoming dinner for about 250 high-profile guests and alumni who graduated over the past four decades. To be presented triennially, the FB Outstanding Alumni Award is for graduates aged 40 or above. . Looking ahead, the intention is to honour other outstanding alumni on a triennial basis.
With 45,000 alumni, more than 5,000 current students and 200 faculty members, PolyU’s Faculty of Business is regarded as one of the best in Asia. And having experienced first hand the value of an accounting degree, Leo Lee Chi-ming, former Director of Finance and Administration at the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC), expressed his pride in working in an area that upholds Hong Kong's status as a global financial centre.
“It is satisfying to pass on knowledge and experience that benefits the Hong Kong community,” said Lee, who is a member of the PolyU Advisory Committee of the School of Accounting and Finance. Lee graduated with a Higher Diploma in Accountancy in 1976 and is currently Global Deputy President of ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants). He also helps the Chung Ying Theatre Company with keeping their books in order.
Another award recipient, Wang Chunlin, Founder and Chairman of China League International (Group), graduated from PolyU in 2003 with an MSc in International Shipping and Transport Logistics. He explained how the shipping industry is a people-centric business and, therefore, that it is necessary to help young recruits coming into the business to expand their personal networks.
“I introduce them to others in the shipping community, explain the culture, and tell them why it is important to respect traditions,” says Wang who is also a member of the Advisory Committee of PolyU’s Faculty of Business and its Department of Logistics and Maritime Studies..
Dr Miranda Lou, Executive Vice President at PolyU, believes a “give and take” mindset benefits the wider community and makes it a better place for everyone. With more than 20 years’ management experience in strategic and functional roles with the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), Wharf (Holdings) and Orient Overseas Container Line, she has also espoused that view as a member of various industry boards and government bodies.
“I want to give back to the community and to my alma mater as much as I can, in the hope that my experiences can help nurture other professionals and future leaders,” says Lou, who completed her Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in 2009.
Dr Stella Kwan Mun-yee, Managing Director of Ngong Ping 360, descried studying at PolyU for her own doctoral degree as one of the best experiences of her life. She has since become a mentor for current students.
“I remember how confused and stressed I was when I started working, so it is a pleasure to help make the transition from study to work a little easier for today’s students,” Kwan says. She also finds it rewarding to be part of the “360 sharing ambassador” volunteer team which organises workshops and parties for the elderly and for children from ethnic minorities and low-income families.
For Winnie Chiu Wai-yin, Hong Kong Deputy Commissioner of Police (Management), her studies at PolyU provided a wider perspective on community, business, administration, and life in general.
“Students and adults face different challenges in life, so I try to use my experiences to inspire them to persevere,” says Chiu, who completed a diploma in public administration and an MBA. In her current role, she attends a wide range of community activities, taking the opportunity to encourage people not to give up on their dreams.
“I can share, particularly with young people, the importance of developing their leadership skills and sense of responsibility towards society,” Chiu says.
