We are delighted to share the names of the recipients of the Department of English and Communication’s Outstanding Alumni Award 2025. The Department would like to recognise the outstanding accomplishments of three of our alumni in their fields. The three awardees listed below have all made significant contributions to PolyU, our Department, and society.
The Alumni and Young Alumni awardees, in alphabetical order by family name, are:
1. Dr Frederick CHEUNG Fu Wah, Principal, Chinese Y.M.C.A. Secondary School (Graduate of 2005)
Outstanding Alumni Award
Dr Frederick CHEUNG’s recognition in the Scholarly Achievement area is connected to his exemplary contributions to aviation education and curriculum innovation in Hong Kong secondary schools. His pioneering work has introduced a structured aviation curriculum to local secondary school students. These initiatives have opened up new learning pathways for students and have led to outstanding student achievements, such as winning the 2024 Astron Space Lab Championship.
"Receiving the Outstanding Alumni Award in Scholarly Achievement, offered by my alma mater, is an exhilarating blend of pride, gratitude, and humility," said Dr Cheung. "This recognition brings a deep sense of fulfilment, symbolising not only personal achievement but also the acknowledgement of contributions to the field of study and the development of the first Aviation Early Career Training Education Centre (AECTEC), sponsored by BOEING. Amid the joy, there is also a profound sense of gratitude toward scholars from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, such as Professor Eric Friginal and Dr. Özgehan Uştuk, as well as peers and the School Management Committee of Chinese Y.M.C.A. Secondary School, who supported the promotion of aviation education at the secondary school level. This honour inspires a renewed commitment to excellence, a motivation to push boundaries further, and a desire to contribute even more meaningfully to the academic community. I look forward to contributing even more to my alma mater."
2. Dr Christina LEUNG Wai Ying, Vice-Principal, Salvation Army Tin Ka Ping School (Graduate of 2008)
Outstanding Alumni Award
Dr Christina LEUNG's recognition in the Professional Achievement area has been demonstrated through her efforts to lead transformative programmes in her school that have enhanced student engagement and holistic development. She also championed global citizenship through cross-border learning, significantly broadening opportunities for underprivileged students. As a committee member of the Department of English Alumni Association (DEAA), she has also played a key role in strengthening alumni ties.
Dr Leung felt honoured to receive this award and said, "This recognition reflects my dedication to the field, including my roles as a committee member of the DEAA, serving in the Hong Kong Extra-curricular Activities Masters’ Association and The Hong Kong Association of Business and Professional Women, participating in research projects, and educating others professionally. I am deeply grateful for the support of my mentors, colleagues, and friends who have been integral to my journey. This award inspires me to continue making a meaningful impact in the lives of others!"
3. Prof. Mark NARTEY, Assistant Professor, Department of English, Lingnan University (Graduate of 2020)
Outstanding Young Alumni Award
Prof. Mark NARTEY's breadth and societal relevance of his work in applied linguistics and discourse studies make him shine in the Scholarly Achievement area. From advocating for non-dominant groups and decolonising curricula, to advising organisations on diversity, equity, and inclusion, his research exemplifies outstanding scholarship with a purpose. With over 60 publications to his name—including six books—and editorial roles across leading journals and international conferences, he has firmly established himself as a rising intellectual voice in discourse studies and the humanities.
Prof. Nartey expressed his gratitude about receiving this award: "I am exceedingly humbled to receive this distinguished award, and thank the review panel for the honour. The Department of English and Communication gave me a formidable foundation for professional development and social impact. Hence, it gives me great pleasure to be their alum, and to contribute to their laudable goal of nurturing innovative problem solvers, lifelong learners, and socially responsible citizens. I look forward to future collaborations with the Department and to further consolidating my long-standing relationship with them."
