Chan Yin-wah
Bachelor of Business Administration (in Chinese)

'The OUHK is the place where my dreams come true,' said Yin-wah, who had longed to enter university but couldn’t do so when she was a teenager. Yin-wah started enrolling in courses at the former Open Learning Institute of Hong Kong in its early days, but decided to break off her studies as she found it difficult to study in English. Now the owner of a logistics company, Yin-wah resumed her studies in 1998 and was delighted that she could apply what she had learnt from the courses to her business. Her determination in completing her studies had made her a role model for her children.

Leung Kai-tai
Bachelor of Arts in Chinese Humanities

Kai-tai lost his hearing due to illness at a young age and stopped going to school. With no entry requirement for most of its distance learning programmes, the OUHK has given him a second chance. At the beginning of his OUHK days, Kai-tai found it difficult to catch up with fellow students as he could not hear what tutors were saying in class. His dismay and economic pressure took their toll and he halted his studies time and again. Determined to complete his university education, Kai-tai later enrolled in only one course at one time and paid his tuition with the OUHK affinity card. He graduated last year after 17 years of studies and will continue to pursue an honours degree. Kai-tai plans to start writing and teaching hearing impaired students following retirement from his full-time job as a professional watch polisher.

Raymond Leung Wing-yiu
Master of Laws in Chinese Business Law

Raymond is a Vice-President of Sales in mainland China and had wanted to study Chinese law. But due to frequent travel, he was unable to find a study programme to suit his hours. So when the OUHK launched its e-learning Master of Laws in Chinese Business Law programme in 2007, the holder of two Master’s Degrees immediately enrolled in it and is now one of the programme’s first graduates. Raymond said legal knowledge gained from the programme was very useful for people doing business in China. He can now handle his work more smoothly and has seen an improvement in his Chinese.

Dave Leung Yu-fai
Bachelor of Social Sciences in Law Enforcement and Security Management

Dave has been a police officer for years and could apply for exemption of 20 credits when he started his studies for a Bachelor of Social Sciences degree in Law Enforcement and Security Management at the OUHK. But he gave up the chance so as to study more courses. Although Dave had completed secondary school only before he entered the work force, he studied diligently and finished his OUHK programme with flying colours. In addition to receiving four outstanding student awards, he is the first student of the programme who graduated with first class honours and a Council Medal. He hopes he can be a role model for peers and encourages others to work hard towards their goals.

So Keung-fai
Bachelor of Social Sciences

70-year-old retired engineer Keung-fai started the Bachelor of Social Sciences programme at the OUHK five years ago. His first year of studies was a big drain on his advanced years and made him wonder if he should give up. With encouragement from his wife and meticulous guidance from tutors and course coordinators, he persevered and has since gained much joy and satisfaction from his studies. Although his wife passed away two years ago, Keung-fai believed she would be delighted about his graduation. Keung-fai called on young people to strive hard towards their goals and not to be deterred by little obstacles. He also encouraged the elderly to pursue lifelong learning to widen their horizons and social circle.

Wong Hoi-kei
Bachelor of Science with Honours in Environmental Studies

After graduating with an associate degree, Hoi-kei became a contract staff member in the HKSAR Government. He later enrolled in a distance learning honours degree programme in environmental studies at the OUHK while keeping his full-time job. With the adage ‘Failing to plan is planning to fail’ in mind, Hoi-kei worked hard to complete the programme so that he could be qualified to apply for civil service posts, taking a course load of 60 credits at one time. During his 2.5 years of studies, he obtained two outstanding student awards, the ExxonMobil Environmental Scholarship, a Council Medal and a first class honours degree. Hoi-kei is now a Field Officer in the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department.