Lo Hung-cheung
(Bachelor of Business Administration)

Lo Hung-cheung, 62, had to start working after Form 3. Finding his qualifications insufficient, he attended evening school to study Form 5 level English. He started studying accounting after being transferred to his company's accounting department, and was later promoted to the post of financial controller. Knowing that computers could increase efficiency, Mr Lo began to take computing courses a decade ago and applied the programming knowledge he learned to his work. He enrolled in the Bachelor of Business Administration programme at the OUHK in 1992 and did not give up his studies after he retired in 1994.

He started the Master of Electronic Commerce programme last year, right after finishing his BBA. Mr Lo finds the University's online resources very useful. He enjoys Web-chatting with his fellow students and surfing the Internet to boost his knowledge.

Ip Wai-ming started his career in the construction industry as an apprentice after completing Form 5. He kept advancing himself through continuous learning and gained some professional qualifications. To enhance his career prospects, in 1990 Mr Ip enrolled for the Bachelor in Applied Computing at the OUHK, during which he participated in the new airport project and got several promotions.

He gained his first degree in 1994 and later successfully joined the field of education -- as a lecturer for the Construction Industry Training Authority. Mr Ip went on to study for a Master in Education. He pays special tribute to his wife who has fully supported him throughout his studies.

When Lam Miu-hing joined the OUHK in 1995, she was only a Form 5 graduate. A clerical officer at a local university, Ms Lam is also a part-time tutor for an interest class for adults. The part-time job has inspired her to develop a career in teaching. She is now studying for her fourth degree -- Master of Education -- to add to the previous three, namely Bachelor of Business Administration, Bachelor of Business Administration with Honours in Accounting and Master of Business Administration, which she obtained in five years with some credit exemptions.

Ms Lam set herself an objective of lifelong learning at the beginning of her studies. She found studying effective in enhancing her knowledge, confidence and competence, as well as bringing her job and financial security. Being a single mother, Ms Lam is a good example to her daughter with her enthusiastic pursuit of knowledge and serious attitude towards studying. She says this has brought them closer to each other.

Wu Mei-lan, who had to leave school after Form 3 and completed secondary school through self-study, is an inspiration to those who have failed for various reasons to gain a university degree. Although Ms Wu enjoyed studying very much and had dreamed of becoming a university graduate since childhood, she suspended her studies in Form 3 due to poor health, and attempted the HKCEE as a self-learner.

Although Ms Wu gained extensive experience over the years, she regretted not having a university education. She started her studies at the OUHK in 1995, but was struck by illness again during the final examinations in August last year. Despite being told that her life would be at risk without an operation, she insisted on sitting for all the examinations first. Luckily, the operation was successful and Ms Wu also got her degree. She now works as a church administrator.