The BUddy Post – HKBU Alumni Affairs Office

The Tenth Distinguished Alumni Award (DAA) Presentation Ceremony was held on campus on 26 June. The six DAA recipients are: the Hon Chan Hoi-yan (Communication; Media Management), Dr Wilson Cheung Wai-yin (Physical Education and Recreation Management), Professor William Cho Chi-shing (Chinese Medicine), Dr Vincent Ho Wai-fung (Communication–Film/Video), Dr Sarah Lee Wai-sze (Creative and Professional Writing) and Mr Yuen Chi-wai (Communication). Following the Ceremony, a sharing session titled “A Dialogue with Distinguished Alumni” was held, during which distinguished alumni shared their thought-provoking stories, wisdom, and life experiences with students, alumni, and guests.

Mutual Trust and Collective Effort Can We Go Further

Alumna the Hon Chan Hoi-yan has built a distinguished career spanning broadcast journalism, public administration, social entrepreneurship, and social governance. Currently serving as a member of the Legislative Council (Election Committee) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) of the People’s Republic of China, she has made impactful contributions across sectors, bringing valuable insights from media, policymaking, and community engagement while advocating for healthcare, housing, and grassroots welfare.

The Hon Chan shared her experience of balancing professional and family responsibilities, noting that individual capacity is inherently limited. She said, “My achievements are not the result of individual effort alone; they are made possible by the support of my team, including my family and colleagues.” She further explained that effective communication and collaboration at work are key to maximising team performance, while mutual understanding and shared responsibilities at home help build strong bonds. “Only through mutual trust and collective effort can we go further,” she emphasised.  

Drawing on the example of her alma mater, she observed that alumni, excelling in different roles, stay connected and contribute to the University’s continued development and broaden its impact. Looking ahead, she shared, “I aspire to bring together more talent to join my team, inspiring others to move forward together. By staying committed and offering full support whenever others are in needs, we can truly realise the strength of our collective effort.”

Bridging Asia and the Polar World

Alumnus Dr Wilson Cheung Wai-yin, a world-renowned glaciologist, polar expedition specialist, and social entrepreneur, has dedicated his career to exploring some of the most remote polar regions on earth. Through his expeditions, alumnus Cheung provides critical insights into glacier retreat, snowline monitoring, and climate change—issues that profoundly impact our planet.

Reflecting on his experiences, Dr Cheung shared, “The greatest challenge in the extreme polar environment is not physical endurance, but the struggle between the fear of loss and a sense of responsibility.” During a recent expedition to Greenland, he received the tragic news of a friend’s passing. The incident made him reflect deeply on the potential regrets of being far from loved ones if something were to happen back home.

As an Asian polar expedition specialist, Dr Cheung has chosen to shoulder the responsibility of bridging Asia and the polar world. “Many in Asia are unaware of how polar changes relate to extreme weather in our region. I see it as my duty to bring these stories back, connecting our communities to global climate issues,” he explained. Dr Cheung believes that Hong Kong and HKBU possess the talent and resources to make significant contributions to polar research.

After years in the field, Dr Cheung’s definition of success has evolved. “True success is understanding yourself and staying true to oneself. When you pursue your genuine interests and strengths, you truly contribute to the world.”

Success is Often Built on Failure

Alumnus Professor William Cho Chi-shing, a Scientific Officer (Medical) in the Department of Clinical Oncology at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, is a leading figure in clinical cancer research. His multidisciplinary work spans molecular biology, genomics, immunology, bioinformatics, and Chinese medicine, with a focus on cancer biomarkers, proteomics, non-coding RNA, extracellular vesicles, and novel anti-cancer therapeutics. Internationally recognised, he has made significant contributions to early detection and treatment strategies, advancing research across multiple cancer types.

Professor Cho reflected on his research journey, noting that it has not always been smooth, with setbacks and frustrations along the way. He shared, “Success is often built on failure. In research, repeated setbacks are inevitable, but I analyse failures from multiple perspectives and persist until I find a way forward”. He emphasised the importance of learning from failure by analysing what went wrong, citing Thomas Edison’s invention of the light bulb as an example of perseverance. He also highlighted that continually reviewing experimental designs, reassessing questions, and breaking down complex challenges into actionable steps are key to achieving breakthroughs.

While addressing a science student, Professor Cho mentioned three driving forces behind his continuous research progress. First, curiosity fuels scientific inquiry. Second, a strong sense of mission, shaped by firsthand exposure to patients and their medical needs, motivates impactful research. Third, genuine interest and passion serve as sustained sources of energy.

Staying Proactive and Embracing Opportunities

A pioneer in digital visual storytelling, alumnus Dr Vincent Ho Wai-fung has shaped the intersection of media, arts, and emerging technologies through innovation and leadership. From producing award-winning works to advancing multidisciplinary applications of digital media, his impact spans both industry and academia. Deeply committed to HKBU, he is the Founding President of the HKBU Alumni Association of the Greater Bay Area and as an Honorary Court member of HKBU, demonstrating his enduring commitment to his alma mater.

Reflecting on his journey, Dr Ho noted, “It’s natural to feel lost but the most important thing is to choose a path that you truly love. Your strengths often form the foundation of your competitive advantage.” He emphasised the importance of embracing change, especially as artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming industries—including the arts. Rather than fearing change, he encouraged young people to become a part of “new quality productive forces”—adapting swiftly to societal and industrial changes.

Dr Ho urged people to act decisively when they believe in their choices. “Don’t let fear or uncertainty hold you back,” he advised. By staying proactive and embracing opportunities, he believes young people can unlock their full potential and make a lasting impact in an ever-evolving world.

Resilience On and Off the Track

Alumna Dr Sarah Lee Wai-sze, widely known as the “Cycling Goddess of Lower Ngau Tau Kok Estate,” has become an iconic sports figure in Hong Kong. With an illustrious 19-year cycling career, she has not only brought home numerous medals and honours but also demonstrated outstanding dedication to her academic pursuits.

Behind Dr Lee’s celebrated athletic achievements is a lesser-told story of hardship and perservance. Countless wounds and injuries have marked her athletic journey, yet she remains undeterred. When asked how she endures such pain and hardship, Dr Lee reflected, “In the beginning, I cared about my wounds a lot and would carefully cover them with scar patches. Over time, I found that I even forgot about some of them. The scars were still there, but they didn’t influence me as much as I thought.” For Dr Lee, these wounds symbolise life’s challenges. “Difficulties may appear to affect us deeply, but as time passes, they often become insignificant.”

Dr Lee attributed her success not only to resilience but also to her unwavering focus. “Many people wonder what goes through my mind during a race. Some athletes imagine a whirlwind of thoughts, but for me, staying completely focused on the present moment is crucial. Without that focus, it’s impossible to be the world champion.”

A Lifelong Dedication to Truth and Storytelling

With an accomplished career spanning nearly five decades, alumnus Yuen Chi-wai is a stalwart in Hong Kong’s broadcast journalism industry. Currently serving as the Assistant General Manager (News and Information Services) at Television Broadcasts Limited (TVB), alumnus Yuen plays a pivotal role in steering the production and editorial direction of all news programmes, upholding the principles of accuracy, integrity, and public trust.

Reflecting on his formative years, alumnus Yuen shared heartfelt gratitude to Professor Raymond Wong, his mentor at Hong Kong Baptist College and former supervisor, who offered him a life-changing opportunity—as a third-year student—to become a news anchor at TVB. “That invaluable experience gave me a comprehensive understanding of news production, from grasping intricate workflows to appreciating the fast-paced, real-time nature of live broadcasting,” he recalled. Being an anchor offered him a panoramic view of both local and international news, deepening his understanding into global affairs and media’s influential role in society. “These early experiences equipped me with the confidence and adaptability needed to take on more complex responsibilities in my later career.”

Alumnus Yuen emphasised that broadcast journalism is a field built on cumulative experience and rare, hands-on learning opportunities. “Hard work always pays off,” he advised current students. “Your efforts are never wasted. If you’re ever given the chance to interview a renowned figure, preparation matters—without the right questions, you miss a meaningful story.

The sharing of the six DAA recipients was insightful and inspiring, generating a warm response and sustained applause from the audience.