News

AlumNews (July 2023) – Chilling Out in a Jolly July

The summer holiday has arrived, but the PolyU campus remains bustling! Let this issue of AlumNews be your guide to fun and leisure activities, and bring you the latest news about the PolyU alumni community.

PolyU Members Commended on the 2023 Honours List

Our sincere congratulations go to the PolyU members who have been recently honoured or appointed Justice of the Peace by the HKSAR Government, in recognition of their significant contributions and dedicated services to the community. They are (in alphabetical order of last name):  Grand Bauhinia Medal (GBM) The Honourable Jeffrey LAM Kin-fung, GBM, GBS, JP Professor the Honourable Poon Chung-kwong, GBM, GBS, OBE, PhD, DSc, JP Gold Bauhinia Star (GBS) Mr Paul CHEUNG Kwok-wing, BBS, JP Professor Herman HU Shao-ming, GBS, JP The Honourable Frankie YICK Chi-ming, GBS, JP Silver Bauhinia Star (SBS) Dr Sunny CHAI Ngai-chiu, SBS, JP Dr Eric CHENG Kam-chung, SBS, MH, JP Mr CHIU David, SBS Dr Allen SHI Lop-tak, SBS, MH, JP Mr WONG Chun-hong, SBS Ms YAO Jue, SBS, JP Bronze Bauhinia Star (BBS) Dr Daniel CHAN Ching-yan, BBS, MH Dr CHOW Kam-wai, BBS, MH Dr Sanly KAM Shau-wan, BBS, MH Dr Bankee KWAN Pak-hoo, BBS, JP Dr Wingco LO Kam-wing, BBS, JP Mr Patrick TSANG On-yip, BBS Dr Daniel YIP Chung-yin, BBS, JP Hong Kong Fire Services Medal for Distinguished Service Mr WONG Chun-yip, FSDSM Hong Kong Customs and Excise Medal for Distinguished Service Ms LAI Sau-ieng, CDSM Hong Kong Correctional Services Medal for Distinguished Service Dr Kenneth LEUNG Kin-ip, CSDSM Medal of Honour (MH) Professor CHUNG Kwok-fai, MH Mrs Monice LEE-MÜLLER Yuk-har, MH Mr LIN Ho-man, MH Dr Bobby LIU Kam-hing, MH Professor Eric YIM Chi-ming, MH, JP Chief Executive Commendation for Community Service Professor Chetwyn CHAN Che-hin  Mr Benedict SIN Nga-yan Chief Executive Commendation for Government/Public Service Ir Victor WONG Tat-tong Justice of the Peace (JP) Ms Irene CHOW, Man-ling, JP Mr Christopher CHUANG Tze-cheung, JP  Mr Rayman CHUI Man-wai, JP Dr the Honourable NG Kit-chong, MH, JP The Honourable YIU Pak-leung, MH, JP We apologise if any recipients have been inadvertently omitted. If you have not been included in the list, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us at alumni@polyu.edu.hk.

Summer Special Offer from Hotel ICON

Pre-Summer Thai Afternoon Tea Experience authentic dishes of Thai home-cooked recipes and exotic fruit desserts in a perfect marriage. Savoury dishes recipes date back to year 2000; pre-opening of The Market when Thai chef Jack Pinkkang experimented with homegrown herbs and spices in the northeastern province of Thailand to create his own unique recipes. With crafted desserts combining seasonal exotic fruits imported from Thailand; brightly coloured and echo 'Y2K', the retro revival trend, you'll be enjoying a carnival of colours and fruity flavours perfect for this early summer. Period: Starts from 2 May 2023 until further notice Time: 3:00pm – 5:00pm, daily Location: The Market Enquiries: (852) 3400 1308 Reservation: online   Summer Specials and Patin Fish Private Dining Menu at Above & Beyond This summer, enjoy seasonal delights at Michelin Guide Recommended Chinese restaurant Above & Beyond. Executive Chef Wong Chi Ki combines fresh ingredients with excellent craftsmanship that will freshen up your palate and delight your taste buds. On top of the Summer Specials, Chef Wong premiers the Patin fish set dinner for your private dining experience. One of the most sought-after and acclaimed freshwater fish from Malaysia, the unique texture of Patin fish is sure to be the highlight of your evening. Date: Available from 1 June 2023 Enquiries: (852) 3400 1318 Reservation: online

PolyU Alumni Featured on Gen.T List 2023

Congratulations to two of our exemplary alumni, Mr Lam Wun-chi (BSc 2008) and Mr Edwin Wong Kong-yuen (BBA 2014), for being recognised on Tatler’s annual Gen.T List! Both founders of PolyU start-ups, Mr Lam and Mr Wong are young pioneers who have effectively utilised AI and big data to revolutionise their respective industries. As the co-founder and CEO of Spaceship, Mr Lam has established Hong Kong’s first all-in-one logistics solution platform, with over 130,000 members and the shipment of more than 2.5 million items. Mr Wong, Director of his co-founded Cloudbreakr, has introduced AI-powered marketing technology and led his company to become a market leader in social media marketing across the Asia-Pacific region. We are proud of these two entrepreneurs for their achievements and contributions to the logistics and marketing industries. You can read more about their entrepreneurial journeys, as well as the success stories of other PolyU alumni, on our Alumni Achievements webpage. Let’s extend our well-wishes for their future endeavours!  

OPAA Mixer

The OPAA Mixer hosted by the Outstanding PolyU Alumni Association was successfully held on 29 June 2023. As the Association’s first networking event this year, it was a meaningful occasion that brought together around 30 recipients of the Outstanding PolyU Alumni Award from different faculties, industries, and generations. Some even travelled from the Mainland and overseas to attend. In his welcome remarks, Ir Dr Samson Tam Wai-ho, JP, President of the Association, expressed his delight in meeting many distinguished individuals who have dedicated themselves to giving back to the alma mater and the wider community. Dr Miranda Lou, Executive Vice President of PolyU, also shared her joy in greeting the exceptional graduates who have achieved impressive accomplishments in their respective professions, entrepreneurial ventures, community services, and scholarly pursuits. All participants enjoyed the meet-and-mingle session that followed. Apart from sharing their backgrounds, experiences and industry insights, they also met with representatives of PolyU research team members. Everyone was committed to building relationships and finding inspiration for future initiatives that will benefit the University and society. The OPAA Mixer was the first of many events that the Association will organise to strengthen ties amongst outstanding alumni, who are valuable assets of PolyU. In the future, the Association will continue to carry out its mission of bringing together alumni to support the University’s development and serve the Hong Kong community at large. For more photos of the event, please refer to our Facebook post.   

Alumni Tourcation – It’s Time to Go Green!

A group of enthusiastic alumni embarked on our second sustainability-themed tour on 21 June 2023. They were eager to discover the latest earth-friendly features and developments of their alma mater. Gathered at the Alumni Atrium, the group first delved into the University’s history and evolution at the Wall of Pride. They then began their exploration for new green facilities and advancements, including the trail of lightweight, flexible PV panels, and the vibrant urban farm. They were also impressed by the PolyU GreenCoin initiative, as well as the AI-empowered digital twin optimisation project led by the Campus Facilities and Sustainability Office and the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering. From theory to application, all these demonstrations showcased the University’s dedication to sustainability and innovation.  Our fun did not stop there – just like the first tour, the participants took part in a tie-dye organic product DIY workshop, where they created unique pieces to take home. This campus tour was more than just a leisurely walk. We hope that it ignited a passion for a greener lifestyle and inspired alumni to make a difference in their communities. PolyU is more than just a university that promotes academic growth; it is a community that fosters a sense of responsibility towards the environment and society. For more photos of the event, please refer to our Facebook post.  

PolyU Entrepreneurship Alumni NetworK (PEAK): Connecting Alumni for Successful PolyVentures

On 16 June 2023, the Alumni Affairs Office (AAO), Knowledge Transfer and Entrepreneurship Office (KTEO), and the Industrial Centre (IC) jointly hosted the seminar “Connecting Alumni for Successful PolyVentures”. Having adopted a hybrid mode, the event brought together PolyU start-up founders to share their experiences of utilising comprehensive resources to break through and cultivate market competitiveness on the entrepreneurial journey. It had around 100 in-person and online participants from the PolyU community. Dr Miranda Lou, Executive Vice President of PolyU, kicked off the seminar by analysing how the University’s unique entrepreneurship ecosystem drives entrepreneurship milestones through resource investment. It plays a key role in leading alumni to achieve their entrepreneurial aspirations as pioneers. Following Dr Lou’s keynote speech, a panel discussion was moderated by Mr Kelvin Wong, Director of KTEO. The panellists, including the three PolyU start-up founders and Dr Wai Hon-wah, Director of IC, provided valuable insights into the opportunities and challenges of entrepreneurship. Mr Lam Wun-chi, Co-founder and CEO of Spaceship, shared his unconventional career journey from nursing to logistics. Having emphasised the importance of “trial and error”, he pointed out that there was no certain right way in entrepreneurship. He encouraged alumni to be proactive in experiencing things around them and to strive to respond to challenges swiftly. Mr Chris Shum, Founder and Chief Financial Officer of Asiabots, focused on business opportunities. He believed that insight into business value was particularly important, and the best solution was always to review everything while doing so. He also expressed his views on the impact of technology on the competitiveness of innovative enterprises. Mr Declan Leung Chun-hin, Co-founder of Plaper (HK), who embarked on the entrepreneurial journey after joining an innovation and technology competition when he was an undergraduate, specified that successful entrepreneurship required more than just funding, but also good industrial partners and the ability to seize opportunities. All three alumni panellists expressed their gratitude for PolyU’s entrepreneurial support. The financial resources, hardware facilities and business networks propped up the accomplishment of their ideas and made their entrepreneurial dreams come true. In relation to this, Dr Wai highlighted IC’s latest development and the state-of-the-art equipment available, as well as introduced the “PolyU InnoHub IC Support Program”, which is a membership scheme supporting PolyU start-ups. In view of PolyU’s commitment to driving innovation and promoting entrepreneurship, AAO will continue to hold events that connect alumni to build a mutually beneficial network. We look forward to joining hands with more and more graduates for the prosperous development of our “PolyU Entrepreneurship Alumni NetworK”.  

AlumNews (June 2023) – Get Your Summer Vibes On

Calling all alumni! Summer is in the air, and we would love to have you back on campus to feel the vibrancy. Our AlumNews has everything you need to know about the events and offers that are just for you. Read up now!

Savour the Summer Flavour of Alumni-Only Catering Discounts

In addition to the Ju Yin House and Jiangnan Delight VIP Card, four more campus caterers have reserved discounts just for you! They are LibCafe, Communal Student Canteen, VA Student Canteen, and Lawn Cafe. Treat yourself to these exclusive discounts starting today (except for VA Student Canteen’s offer, which will be available from 26 June onwards). But hurry, they will end on 31 August! Remember to present your PolyU Alumni eCard or Federation of PolyU Alumni Associations Card to enjoy the offers. 1. LibCafe (Podium Level, Pao Yue-kong Library) All food and drink items are discounted by $5 (not applicable to orders placed through the Time2Eat App) 2. Communal Student Canteen (3/F, Communal Building) Get a free iced milk tea or iced coffee with any food purchase made at the cashier counter (not applicable to orders placed through self-service kiosks) 3. VA Student Canteen (G/F, Shaw Amenities Building) Get a regular $17 Red Bean Ice Cup with a discounted price of $6 (valid from 2:30 pm to 8:30 pm) 4. Lawn Cafe (G/F and 1/F, Block N) Upgrade to Coffee Tonic with a special price of $6 (original price $30) upon ordering any Tea Sets between 2:30 pm and 5:30 pm (this offer cannot be used in conjunction with other promotions or cash vouchers) Add a Dessert of the Day with a special price of $20 (original price $28+) upon ordering any Lunch Sets between 11:00 am and 2:30 pm, or any Dinner Sets between 5:30 pm and 8:30 pm (each Set is limited to ONE dessert top-up only, while stock lasts, and this offer cannot be used in conjunction with other promotions or cash vouchers) For enquiries, please contact Ms Yeung from the Catering Services Team at the Campus Facilities and Sustainability Office, at 3400 8008. This summer, let’s relive the favourite campus moments and indulge in a taste of nostalgia! *In case of any disputes, the decision of the caterer shall be final and conclusive.    

Student Athletes and Outstanding Alumni Connect Across Generations

The Alumni Atrium was alive with excitement on 13 June 2023 as 19 student athletes gathered to meet the panel members of the “University Fellows Association – Scholarship for Outstanding PolyU Student Athletes 2022/2023”. The panel was comprised of Dr Alex Wong Siu-wah, Ir Johnny Fan Siu-kay and Sr Kenneth Pang Tsan-wing, who are not only University Fellows but also recipients of the Outstanding PolyU Alumni Award. The interviews provided a unique opportunity for interaction between these PolyU members across different generations. As the interviews began, the candidates eagerly shared their perspectives as student athletes at PolyU. Being young members of the PolyU family, they perceived the University as their home, which has been offering them ample opportunities and resources to unleash their potential. They also discussed their sports training and personal goals with the senior alumni, expressing their gratitude to the University for its continued support, especially during the pandemic.  The Outstanding PolyU Alumni Awardees intently listened to the students’ stories and shared their valuable advice and experiences. They encouraged them to work hard to achieve their goals and to continue advancing their knowledge for future success. Apart from providing considerable insights on how to balance academics and sports, the senior alumni also talked about perseverance and resilience, inspiring the candidates to keep pushing themselves. To the student athletes, the support provided by these Outstanding PolyU Alumni Awardees highlighted the strong connection and support system between past and present students of the University. Everyone was deeply engaged. The “University Fellows Association – Scholarship for Outstanding PolyU Student Athletes” has supported the development of PolyU sports talents since its introduction in the academic year of 2016/2017. Indeed, PolyU alumni can play many valuable roles in guiding and inspiring the next generation: mentoring a student, providing an internship opportunity, sharing professional experience as an event speaker…...The alma mater welcomes all graduates to explore the many ways they can contribute. Contact us for more!