Profiles of ENGL recipients

Ms Doris Leung Shuk-yi is an award-winning and pioneering social entrepreneur and the founder of Diamond Cab, the first wheelchair-accessible taxi service company in Hong Kong. Over the past 12 years, Ms Leung’s work has inspired the taxi industry within Hong Kong to recognise the need of wheelchair users, substantially improving the availability of barrier-free taxis in the territory. Currently, with over 100 wheelchair-accessible taxis operating throughout Hong Kong, Diamond Cab has set the benchmark of running quality private hire vehicles with care, thoughtfulness and empathy. Ms Leung’s success has demonstrated how businesses are made better when entrusted with a social mission, especially with the untapped potential of customised transportation service in an ageing society. The innovative approach adopted by Ms Leung has contributed tremendously to supporting the social welfare and ageing care sectors, showcasing the potential for innovation and local ingenuity to bring about fundamental changes and policy shifts. Empowered by the knowledge of language and communication she acquired at PolyU, she practised what she learnt to curate the social entrepreneurial journey of Diamond Cab with a long-lasting impact to make the world better for the elderly, disabled and those in need.

Ms Candice Lau Lok-ying has developed a keen interest in community service since she was a PolyU student. As an undergraduate, she volunteered as a youth facilitator and programme assistant in several local NGOs. Upon graduation in 2019, she joined UNICEF Vietnam as an Education Associate stationing in Hanoi, in charge of improving children’s access to education. Currently, she works at UNICEF Sudan to advocate the rights of Sudanese children as she spearheads various campaigns. Her selfless devotion to promote the rights of disadvantaged communities is truly commendable. The purpose of communication is to bring people together to achieve meaningful objectives. Ms Lau demonstrates humanity and the pursuit of meaningful endeavours see no boundary, as she bridges various communities around the world to help those in need. She strives to seek personal development as she sustains humanitarian efforts to save the most vulnerable children, in hope of building an inclusive world where every child’s and every woman’s rights are protected.

Dr Esterina Nervino joined the retail industry after she completed her PhD studies at PolyU. She took up a teaching post in 2021 and revamped the curriculum by sharing her professional network and work experiences with her students. She considers students’ interaction with international corporations an important part of their university education. Dr Nervino is well recognised within the luxury retail sector for her efforts in raising awareness on the importance of discourse in the industry, especially discourse related to sustainability, which is a crucial component of corporate commitments, social responsibilities, and achievements. Dr Nervino’s hard work, perseverance, and continuous pursuit of professionalism have led to excellence. By sharing her insights, she has inspired her students and fellow alumni to achieve their goals. Her invaluable perspective and positive mind-set are truly an asset. In her research, she wishes to keep on pursuing the integration of linguistics and marketing and to strengthen the collaboration between academia and the business sector, highlighting the key role that discourse plays in our society.

Mr Phil Woo Pak-fai showcased his entrepreneurial acumen as Co-founder and Product Director of PREN by developing proprietary hardware and software solutions for multinational corporations and start-ups, achieving much financial success. Mr Woo co-invented ground-breaking products, such as an anti-infection waterless mobile toilet for caretakers and a smart toilet seat cover for primary healthcare providers. He has secured HK$700K of grants from the Hong Kong Government via the PolyU Maker Fund and Cyberport Creative Micro Fund. Mr Woo’s innovative endeavours have not only driven growth and success in their respective industries but also left a lasting impact on society as a whole, making people’s life better. His entrepreneurial achievements are shaped by his vision, determination, and hard work. His positive disposition has also brought positive impacts on others. Looking ahead, Mr Woo will continue to push the boundaries of exploration and pioneering for the betterment of mankind.