UK University Alumni Credit their UK Education at Prestigious Award Ceremony
26 January 2016 (Hong Kong) – The three winners of the Education UK Alumni Awards have been announced at a ceremony in Hong Kong on 22 January 2016.
Kelvin Chan Tak On, Kenneth Ng King Tsun and Kenny Chui Chi Man were presented with the prestigious award at a ceremony held at the exclusive China Club, Hong Kong. The awards were presented by special guests British Consul General to Hong Kong and Macao Caroline Wilson; social entrepreneur and founder of Diamond Cab Doris Leung; and founder of lifestyle brand G.O.D Douglas Young.
The Education UK Alumni Awards celebrate the achievements of alumni from UK universities who are now living in Hong Kong and have gone on to achieve success in their professional careers. The awards aim to demonstrate the impact that a UK education can have upon individuals and countries around the world, as well as to inspire others to reach their potential by studying in the UK.
At the awards ceremony in Hong Kong, all three winners of the Education UK Alumni Awards Hong Kong said their UK education had broadened their vision and equipped them with the skills which are crucial to their successful careers.
“Apart from the professional teaching I received during my master’s studies, UK education also helps me integrate the learning into my PhD thesis and pursue the goal of building a more caring society,” said Kenny Chui Chi Man, winner of the Social Impact Award.
“The awards are all about honouring the success of individuals whose achievements here in Hong Kong have been influenced by their experience of studying at a UK university. We celebrate with them and congratulate them not only on their impressive professional successes but also in their capacity as 'ambassadors' for UK higher education,” said Robert Ness, Director of British Council Hong Kong and chair of the Hong Kong judging panel.
The Entrepreneurial Award, for alumni who are active in initiating, or contributing to innovative new business opportunities with strong growth prospects, was presented to Kelvin Chan Tak On who studied at the University of Greenwich and Manchester Business School.
Kelvin founded ‘Korean Corner’ and created his new brand ‘paper world’ that uses the latest technology to produce high quality paper that is 100 percent recyclable. The product is used by multinationals including H&M, NGOs and government departments. In less than a year since it was founded, ‘Korean Corner’ has become a market leader in Hong Kong and Taiwan, pioneering the import of high quality products from Korea. With sales already in Australia and Korea, Kelvin plans to launch in the US soon.
The Professional Achievement Award, for alumni who have distinguished themselves through exemplary leadership and achievements in their professional industry, was presented to Kenneth Ng King Tsun who studied at the University of Bristol.
Kenneth has established himself as a successful political journalist in Hong Kong, and has covered elections in Hong Kong and Taiwan, controversial political reform, and international affairs.
After completing his studies at the University of Bristol, in 2012 Kenneth launched and now hosts the one-on-one talk show ‘On the Record’, generally recognised as one of the most insightful news programmes in Hong Kong. Kenneth also hosts weekly documentary ‘News Magazine’. Kenneth says that the interaction among professors and classmates enhanced his critical thinking and broadened his vision – crucial in developing his skills as a journalist.
The Social Impact Award, for alumni who have made an exceptional contribution to creating positive social change and improving the lives of others, was presented to Kenny Chui Chi Man who studied at the University of Stirling.
Kenny is changing perceptions of dementia and has designed a programme to improve health care professionals’ interventions with thousands of service users with dementia. Kenny says his UK education widened his scope in designing services to support people with dementia.
Applications for the Education UK Alumni Awards in ten locations were received from alumni from more than 110 British universities in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Winners and finalists of the Education UK Alumni Awards 2016 will be celebrated in nine other locations in 2016 including Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and the USA.