The annual Outstanding Students Award is an important recognition scheme of PolyU to award full-time final-year students who excel in both academic and non-academic pursuits. In mid-March, the University announced the winner list for the academic year of 2020/21. Top students from eight Faculties/Schools were presented with an “Outstanding Student Award of Faculty/School”, among which one was selected to receive the “Most Outstanding PolyU Student Award”.

Onyx Wong Hei-ching, final year student of the Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Hotel Management, was presented with both the Outstanding Student of the School of Hotel and Tourism Management Award and the Most Outstanding PolyU Student Award this year.

She recalled that she had little understanding about hospitality before she was admitted to the School of Hotel and Tourism Management. “The programme equipped me not only with professional knowledge but also many practical opportunities. I am grateful I was able to understand the real operation of a hotel through a half-year internship, and also had the chance to step out of my comfort zone to try new things in an exchange trip to the Gold Coast, Australia.”

With lots of hard work and perseverance, Onyx managed to reach her goals in her academic studies, as well as to achieve personal growth through coffee making. “After many trials, I finally learnt how to make satisfactory coffee and latte art. This was a result of my strong determination to succeed and not being afraid of making mistakes.”

Amid the pandemic, Onxy understands that she might not be able to enter the hotel industry right away. Therefore, she plans to explore other work experience first, and take some courses on languages and coffee to get herself prepared. She also shared her sincere gratitude to the PolyU community, including teachers, classmates and many others. “I would like to thank PolyU for giving me so many opportunities and wonderful experiences which shaped me to become who I am today.”

Sin Ka-yin, who is studying Aviation Engineering, was selected to receive the Outstanding Student of the Faculty of Engineering Award. Despite the uncertainty the pandemic brings, Sky has never given up on his dream of joining the aviation industry, whether as an aviation engineer, a pilot, or as an aeronautical communications personnel member.

He also expressed his gratitude to PolyU for providing him with valuable exposure to aviation. “Thanks to the Faculty of Engineering and Interdisciplinary Division of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering (AAE), I was able to acquire various essential techniques through the trainings organised by the Industrial Centre (IC). I also gained valuable experience from my internship at Cathay Pacific Airways (Bangkok Station), where I was able to apply both the soft and hard skills I had learnt in my studies to real-life situations.”

To view the full list of the Outstanding Students Award winners, please visit the website