We are delighted to share the names of the recipients of the Department of English and Communication’s Outstanding Alumni Award 2024. 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. Miss Demi KIM Minju, Sustainable Development Associate, United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (Graduate of 2020)
Outstanding Young Alumni Award in Community Service Achievement
Miss Demi KIM has been instrumental in bridging the digital divide. Her career has spanned several roles in sustainable development, public diplomacy, and Information and Communications Technology (ICT) consultancy. Her roles at the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific have significantly contributed to digital inclusivity. Beyond her exemplary work within the United Nations, Miss Kim has continued her global aspirations by relocating several times to international offices to focus on supporting ICT development projects in areas that need much support. Miss Kim’s unwavering commitment to digital rights and inclusivity is truly commendable.
“I am truly delighted to receive the Outstanding Young Alumni Award from my proud alma mater,” said Miss Kim. “PolyU has been a transformative home for four years, offering an amazing experience that allowed me to widen my horizons. I especially want to thank the Department of English and Communication, where every single faculty staff had been incredibly supportive of students' aspirations, fostering an environment where we felt encouraged to explore and engage with the global community in diverse ways.”
2. Mr Paul LEE Ka Kei, Senior Manager, Kum Shing Group (Graduate of 2001)
Outstanding Alumni Award in Community Service Achievement
Mr Paul LEE’s contributions to our Department and PolyU are numerous and noteworthy. He was the founding chairman of the Department of English Alumni Association in 2002 and has actively supported various activities for the Federation of PolyU Alumni Associations. His long-term involvement with the Department's Departmental Advisory Committee over the past six years, both as a member and as Chair, further exemplifies his leadership and dedication. Mr Lee also devoted his strengths and passion for language and music to the PolyU community as the winner of the Alumni Category of the PolyU 85th Anniversary Theme Song Lyric Contest and a proficient Gaohu player at the 39th PolyU SAO Chinese Orchestra Annual Performance in September 2023. Mr Lee’s approachability and readiness to share his knowledge and mentor others truly set him apart.
Mr Lee felt honoured to receive this award and said, "I owe a lot to PolyU, as it has given me three years of memorable study life. Ever since my graduation, it has been my oasis, a place where I can find peace. I'm delighted to be able to serve the school via alumni and other activities so that I continue to be part of the PolyU family."
3. Dr Jack PUN Kwok Hung, Associate Professor, Department of English, City University of Hong Kong (Graduate of 2011)
Outstanding Young Alumni Award in Scholarly Achievement
Dr Jack PUN’s extensive research in Language Education and Health Communication has significantly advanced our understanding of these domains. His research work includes two books on English as a Medium of Instruction (EMI) and 61 peer-reviewed articles. His work has been widely cited and has secured significant grant funding. Dr Pun's exceptional academic contributions have also been recognised with the New Researcher Award 2019 and the College Excellence in Knowledge Transfer Award 2020 from CityU. Dr Pun’s leadership roles, including editorial positions in high-quality journals and membership in key institutes and networks, have positioned him as an influential voice in his field.
Dr Pun expressed his excitement about receiving this award: “I feel very excited to be selected for this outstanding alumni award. PolyU ENGL has nurtured me and helped me develop my academic career. I am truly thankful to my teachers and all the world-leading faculty members from PolyU ENGL.”
