The SHTM's latest cohort of 881 graduates embarked on their careers with inspiring words ringing in their ears following the PolyU 17th Congregation (SHTM) held at the Jockey Club Auditorium on 4 November 2011. Receiving their degrees and diplomas were 5 Ph.D., 5 D.HTM, 5 MPhil, 140 MSc, 396 BSc, 59 BA and 271 HD graduates.

Both the morning and afternoon sessions began with the now customary parade of students and staff in their academic robes from the main campus to the Jockey Club Auditorium, led by two bagpipers in full Scottish dress.

PolyU Deputy President, Provost and Chairman of the SHTM's Board of School, Professor Philip Chan, opened both the morning and afternoon sessions, with the morning session also addressed by Guest of Honour Mr Symon Bridle, Chief Operating Officer of New World Hospitality. The Guest of Honour at the afternoon sessions was Mr Cliff Wallace, CFE, Managing Director of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

While the two guests of honour had many years of industry experience to draw on, the three fresh SHTM graduates who gave valedictory speeches – Joyce Ng, Anson Wong and Jonas Po – had equally inspiring words for those in attendance.

During the first session, the Outstanding PolyU SHTM Alumni Award 2011 was presented to Mr Maurice Kong, who graduated from the then Department of Hotel and Tourism Management with a Higher Diploma in 1993. Mr Kong received the award from Professor Kaye Chon for his contributions to both the School and the industry. He is currently Director of Food and Beverage at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Hong Kong.

The SHTM congratulates all graduates, and looks forward to hearing the stories of their success in the coming years.