The BUddy Post – HKBU Alumni Affairs Office

From academic advising and career counselling to mental health support and a wide range of extracurricular opportunities, the Office of Student Affairs is dedicated to enriching every aspect of student life at HKBU. On 1 September 2025, Professor Amy Lee assumed the role of Director of Student Affairs, bringing with her extensive experience in teaching, curriculum development, and academic leadership. Her previous roles include Professor at the School of Arts and Social Sciences, Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU), and, earlier, Associate Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Resident Master of CL Soong Hall at HKBU. With her strong background in both academic and student development, Professor Lee is poised to lead initiatives focusing on student support, whole-person education, and vibrant campus life. 

Mind Vision

In her new role, Professor Lee shifts her focus from academics to students’ holistic well-being and their overall university experience. She is passionate in enriching students’ campus life, fostering a supportive and engaging environment for all students. Reflecting on the core of university education, Professor Lee shared, “Studying in University is not just about acquiring knowledge and skills. A core aspect is “understanding yourself”. If you don’t understand yourself, you won’t know what to learn.” Guided by this belief, she is committed to helping students embark on a journey of self-discovery. She intends to achieve this with a creative, relaxing, and enjoyable approach that resonates with students and encourages them to grow not only academically but also personally.

Building Connections for Student Engagement

When it comes to enhancing student engagement, Professor Lee believes that the foundation lies not just in seeing from students’ perspectives, but also in enhancing communication with them. “Many people emphasise the importance of thinking from students’ points of view,” Professor Lee said. “But for me, the starting point is effective communication. My academic journey in comparative literature, at its heart, is about exploring the stories of human beings. I am passionate about understanding how people think and interact.”

Through her studies and career, Professor Lee has honed her ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds. “Learning to communicate with a variety of individuals and understanding their behaviours has been central to my work,” she explained. “That’s why I truly value personal interactions with students—it is the most direct way to connect with them, learn about their thoughts, and understand their needs.” Driven by this approach, Professor Lee eagerly seeks opportunities to engage with students beyond the classroom. She participates in student activities and even visits the social media platforms that students love. Her goal is to meet students where they are, listen to their voices, and to ensure that University’s support for them is both relevant and timely.

Empowering Students through Alumni Contributions

Professor Lee believes that alumni play a vital role in enriching the learning experience for students at HKBU. “Alumni have walked the same paths as our current students, so they understand firsthand the challenges and opportunities students face — from everyday concerns about the learning environment to the process of job-searching  and developing their careers,” she noted.

One of the most direct ways alumni can contribute is by serving as career mentors. “Alumni know what our students have learned during their time at university, and they can offer practical advice on what to expect in the real world,” Professor Lee explained. These insights help bridge the gap between academic learning and professional life, providing students with invaluable perspectives and guidance.

Professor Lee further elaborated, “Nowadays, many career paths are unconventional and often beyond our imagination. The diverse experiences and journeys of our alumni can inspire students and broaden their horizons to new possibilities.” She emphasised that alumni contributions align closely with the University’s commitment to transdisciplinary education, encouraging students to explore across different fields and industries.

Shaping Education with Passion and Kindness

Professor Lee’s love for literature sparked her academic journey, leading her to explore the cultural richness of literature. She believes cross-cultural education fosters a deeper understanding of people from diverse backgrounds. “Do not let occupation, religious beliefs, or gender define you. A true person can be multifaceted,” she said.

Professor Lee credits her inspiring high school teacher, Mrs Wong, for shaping her love for literature and her approach to education. Mrs Wong’s innovative teaching methods, such as immersing students in poetry outside the classroom, left a lasting impression. Later, she discovered that Mrs Wong actually suffered from persistent migraine, yet she remained patient, kind, and fully devoted to her students.

“If someone in that much pain most of the time could still give so much, I have no excuse to complain. She taught me what it means to serve with grace,” Professor Lee shared. This experience cemented her belief that an educator leads not only with knowledge but also with compassion, resilience, and a deep sense of responsibility.

From Inspiration to Dedication

Since her early days in the Humanities Programme, Professor Lee’s journey at HKBU has been marked by close-knit teamwork and dedication to students. As one of just four staff members supporting 40 students, she became known as the “class teacher” for her constant presence and support across all year levels.

Inspired by her high school teacher Mrs Wong, Professor Lee has always believed that teaching goes beyond academics — it means caring for students’ well-being and growth. This was evident in her active involvement in student exchange programmes and student societies, where she encouraged students to embrace new experiences. She recalled helping a distressed exchange student abroad to return home safely. “It’s about being there for students, whether in moments of joy or difficulty. That connection is precious to me.” she shared.

Embracing Life through Rhythm and Connection

Outside of work, Professor Lee finds joy in Cantonese opera singing and ballroom dancing, passions she has pursued for over a decade. She describes learning both arts as challenging but fulfilling, offering not only self-discovery but also opportunities to connect with others. “It’s about understanding your body, your rhythm, and engaging with people.” she shares.

These hobbies have allowed her to engage with people from all walks of life, including retirees, homemakers, and fellow enthusiasts. Their stories, experiences, and energy have not only enriched her personal life but also broadened her perspective on human connection.