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AlumNews (Feb 2023) – Time to Reconnect!

AlumNews serves as your portal to all things alumni – from privileges to activities to campus information. In this issue, we have even prepared an early spring gift that you must not miss!

Refer Missing Alumni and Win a Staycation Package

The PolyU alumni community is growing across the globe. As a family bonded not only during your education but also after graduation, we care about what’s going on in your life, and very much wish to reconnect with some long lost friends. Please take a few minutes to update your contact information, and refer to us 5 or more alumni who graduated from the following predecessors of PolyU: •  Government Trade School (1937 – 1947)  •  Hong Kong Technical College (1947 – 1972)  •  Hong Kong Polytechnic (1972 – 1994) They can be your friends, family members, and/or any PolyU graduates that you are acquainted with. Your up-to-date records, especially the fresh data of former students in the last century, will prime us for our strong and lasting bond! Upon successful submission from you on or before 10 March, together with valid updates from your referred alumni, you will get the chance to win a staycation package sponsored by Hotel ICON, which includes one-night stay plus dining options! Don’t hesitate, just one click away!   Remarks: All alumni who successfully update contact information and refer to us 5 or more graduates of PolyU’s predecessors on or before 10 March 2023, together with valid updates from your referred alumni, you may win a Hotel ICON Staycation Package. The winners will be notified by the Alumni Affairs Office (AAO) via email. AAO reserves the right to modify or withhold the prizes without prior notice.

Outstanding PolyU Alumni Award 2023

The Outstanding PolyU Alumni Award 2023 has officially kicked off! The Award aims to commend our distinguished graduates on their great distinction in respective fields, active support to the alma mater, as well as impactful contributions to the wider community. Since last year, achievement categories have been established to recognise our alumni’s professional achievement, entrepreneurial achievement, scholarly achievement, and community service achievement. Recognition is also given to outstanding young alumni. The Award is organised at Department, Faculty/School and University levels. Visit here for details and stay tuned to news from your departments/ faculties/ schools. We look forward to receiving your nominations!

Visit from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (Australia) Association

On 14 February 2023, Mr Bosco Lau, Former President of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (Australia) Association, visited the alma mater with his friends. They travelled all the way from Sydney, and were warmly received by the Alumni Affairs Office. The group went to different landmarks on campus, including PolyU Main Entrance, Alumni Atrium, as well as the footbridge linking the Main Campus to Block Z. After the guided tour, they were especially delighted to meet President Prof. Jin-Guang Teng, who shared with them the latest development and achievements of PolyU. Founded in 2002, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (Australia) Association has over 130 members and actively organises networking activities. President Teng thanked the Association for its continuous support to the University, in particular their enthusiastic reception of PolyU students going on exchange to Australia. On behalf of the Association, Mr Lau extended invitation to President Teng, looking forward to meeting him again with all the alumni in Sydney in the near future.

PolyU Alumni Ambassadors Appointment Ceremony cum CNY Celebration

Officiated by PolyU President Professor Jin-Guang Teng, the Alumni Ambassadors Appointment Ceremony cum CNY Celebration was successfully held on 10 February 2023. The new Ambassadors are 16 graduates in various disciplines, who are also former PolyU Student Ambassadors, members of the Federation of PolyU Alumni Associations (FHKPUAA) Chinese Orchestra, as well as former PolyU sports team members. Over 60 guests celebrated the event together, including the senior management and staff members of PolyU, FHKPUAA representatives, and Alumni Ambassadors appointed over the years. President Teng heartily welcomed all new Ambassadors. He encouraged them to keep strengthening ties between their fellow schoolmates, and make continuous contributions to the University. He also shared with all guests the latest development and achievements of PolyU.  Other highlights of the event included fun games, special prizes, live show by Mr Eagle Chan and Miss Step Lau of the Alumni Ambassador Band, as well as wonderful performances by the Federation of PolyU Alumni Associations Chinese Orchestra and PolyU Choir. Everyone enjoyed the reunion very much. The PolyU Alumni Ambassadors Scheme was launched in 2018. To date, more than 115 graduates have been appointed. As individuals who were Student Ambassadors, or who excel in sports, arts and culture or other fields, these alumni are dedicated to serving their alma mater after graduation.  Please click here to view the event photos.

AlumNews (Jan 2023) – Power Up Your New Year Blessings in PolyU!

AlumNews is a monthly eNewsletter that gives updates on exciting events, exclusive benefits, and connection opportunities dedicated to PolyU alumni. Have a good read during Lunar New Year!

OPAA Board of Directors (2022-2024) inaugurated

On 13 January 2023, 14 members of the Outstanding PolyU Alumni Association (OPAA) attended the Annual General Meeting (AGM) 2022. They were joined by PolyU representatives, including Dr Miranda Lou, Executive Vice President of the University. The 1st Board of Directors' Meeting was also held right after the AGM. The newly elected sixth Board of Directors (2022-2024) includes: President Ir Dr Samson Tam Wai-ho, JP (2007 Awardee) Deputy President Mr Dennis Ho Chiu-ping (2017 Awardee) Honorary Secretary Mr Elton Ng Chun-ting (2019 Awardee) Honorary Treasurer Mr Jack Chan Hoi (2021 Awardee) Directors Mr Stephen AU Ling-ming (2017 Awardee) Ir Daniel LAI, BBS, JP (2001 Awardee) Ir Dr Kelvin Leung Kai-yuen (2021 Awardee) Dr Edith MOK KWAN Ngan-hing, MH (2015 Awardee) Ir Alfred Sit Wing-hang, GBS, JP (2021 Awardee) Sr Augustine Wong Ho-ming, JP (2021 Awardee) Ms Mary Yu Wah (2021 Awardee) Congratulations to all newly elected Directors of OPAA!  With the diverse backgrounds, strengths and rich experience of the new Board of Directors, the Association will continue to be proactive in bringing together resources to enhance the education, research and knowledge transfer of PolyU.

The 55th Graduation Anniversary Reunion of B.E.S.T. Class 1967

To celebrate the 55th Graduation Anniversary of 1967 graduates in Building, Engineering, Surveying and Technology, a homecoming event was successfully held for this “B.E.S.T. Class 1967”. With 11 senior alumni coming back to their alma mater on the 11th day of January, it also symbolised “best of the best” at the beginning of 2023! Organised by the Alumni Affairs Office (AAO) and supported by the Department of Building and Real Estate (BRE), the event started with warm greetings from Ms Wanze Li, Interim Director of Alumni Affairs. To capture such a memorable occasion, the group certainly did not miss the chance to take photos at the Alumni Atrium, PolyU Main Entrance and other favourite campus spots. The second part of their reunion took place at the BRE Department. After they entered Block Z, Ir Prof. Michael C.H. Yam, Head of BRE, gave a presentation on the recent development and future plans of the department. The alumni also visited the Building Technology Laboratory and CARE Resource Centre, where everyone was excited by Cave Automatic Virtual Environment and 3D printing technology. All participants were particularly elated at meeting their former teachers and classmates again. While this homecoming event has just ended, they are already anticipating celebrations for their 60th Graduation Anniversary!

Alumni Tourcation – Let’s be a Smart Citizen

As a brand-new start of 2023, our first Alumni Tourcation was held on 7 January. On the theme of “Let’s be a Smart Citizen”, the campus tour brought a relaxing and intellectually rewarding morning to 40 alumni. The tour began at Pauline Tsang Po Yan Gallery of the Alumni Atrium, where Ms Wanze Li, Interim Director of Alumni Affairs, and Ms Mandy Tang, Vice President of the Land Surveying & Geo-Informatics Alumni Association (LSGIAA), gave a big welcome to all participants. The group first had a journey of memories by visiting various PolyU landmarks; after that, they headed to the laboratories at Block Z to learn about smart cities – one of the notable research areas of their alma mater. In the Laboratory for Smart City and Spatial Big Data Analytics, we were privileged to have Prof. John Shi, Director of Smart Cities Research Institute and Chair Professor in Geographical Information Science and Remote Sensing, to share with us their impactful research works in collaboration with different units of PolyU. An impressive example was the spatial data infrastructure platform, which has been useful for identifying COVID-19 risky areas in Hong Kong, as well as advising the government on adopting timely measures in light of the latest situation. In the Remote Sensing Laboratory, we were delighted to have Sr Prof. Charles Wong, Associate Dean of the Faculty of Construction and Environment and Professor of the Department of Land Surveying and Geo-informatics, to illustrate their smart city tree management project and Augmented Teaching and Learning Advancement System (ATLAS). The former aimed at sustaining a longer tree life while the latter introduces a new technological path of engagement between teachers and students. All participants were proud of the impactful innovations by their alma mater, which have been addressing societal needs and improving everyday life on all fronts. Once again, the Alumni Tourcation received tremendous compliments. Thank you for your support! We will strive to organise more and more fruitful campus tours. See you next time!

Ring in The Year of the Rabbit with Hotel ICON’s Lunar New Year Celebrations

Kung Hei Fat Choy! Hotel ICON puts on an exciting array of auspicious festive events, traditional puddings, abalone poon choi, lo hei and a homecoming staycation to kick-start the Year of the Rabbit in spectacular style. E-shop CNY Specials Handcrafted Festive Puddings Enquiries and orders: Above & Beyond: (852) 3400 1318 or aboveandbeyond@hotel-icon.com GREEN: (852) 3400 1343 or green@hotel-icon.com e-shop: https://eshop.hotel-icon.com/en/cny-2023/ Learn More: https://www.hotel-icon.com/offers/chinese-new-year-celebrations   Prosperity Abalone Poon Choi Takeaway Enquiries and orders: Above & Beyond: (852) 3400 1318 or aboveandbeyond@hotel-icon.com GREEN: (852) 3400 1343 or green@hotel-icon.com e-shop: https://eshop.hotel-icon.com/en/cny-2023/ Learn More: https://www.hotel-icon.com/offers/chinese-new-year-celebrations   Smoked Salmon Lo Hei Takeaway Enquiries and orders: GREEN: (852) 3400 1343 or green@hotel-icon.com e-shop: https://eshop.hotel-icon.com/en/cny-2023/ Learn More: https://www.hotel-icon.com/offers/chinese-new-year-celebrations   Tangerine Orange Chocolate Tree Enquiries and orders: GREEN: (852) 3400 1343 or green@hotel-icon.com e-shop: https://eshop.hotel-icon.com/en/cny-2023/ Learn More: https://www.hotel-icon.com/offers/chinese-new-year-celebrations   Usher in a Prosperous Year at Award-winning Restaurants Both Above & Beyond and GREEN will be serving a variety of Chinese traditional delicacies during the festive period including lo hei, tossing up good fortune for the Year of the Rabbit.  Above & Beyond – Chinese New Year Chef’s Recommendation Dishes Telephone: (852) 3400 1318 E-mail: aboveandbeyond@hotel-icon.com Online reservation: https://dining.hotel-icon.com/en/reservation/?rid=107 More Details: https://www.hotel-icon.com/offers/chinese-new-year-celebrations GREEN – Chinese New Year Western Lo Hei Set Menu Telephone: (852) 3400 1300 E-mail: green@hotel-icon.com Online reservation: https://dining.hotel-icon.com/en/reservation/?&rid=108