You won the Study UK Alumni Award for Social Impact in 2016 – what did it mean to you to win this award?
It means a lot as it ensured that my learning at the University of Stirling brought a significant impact to the development of dementia care in Hong Kong. The British Council invited me to make a short video where I shared what I gained from my studies. It also widened my social networks with different universities’ alumni and encouraged me to achieve my PhD in dementia studies afterwards. My family is proud of the award and I was delighted to represent the University of Stirling.
What advice would you give to our graduates thinking of applying for the awards?
I believe that the experience of joining the UK Alumni Awards was unique. It was an unforgettable memory to be selected and it was exciting to share the views of studying in the UK at the ceremony. I gained many friends during the awards event and participated in different activities organised by the British Council. It enriched my life, so please do not hesitate to apply.
What has been your proudest achievement in the last five years?
They are (i) receiving the Teacher of the Year Award in the Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong; (ii) receiving the Hong Kong Outstanding Social Worker Award 2019; (iii) obtaining my PhD in Social Welfare related to the focus of dementia studies. Through studying at Stirling and international networking through the UK Alumni Awards, I have performed well in my career and developed good quality dementia care in Hong Kong.
How did your Masters degree help in your career path?
The Masters at Stirling is special in the context of Hong Kong because there is no similar programme here. With the learning experience and ongoing connection with Stirling, I had set up the first university-based dementia care educational programme in Hong Kong which is now in its 11th year. I implemented the sole Best Practice in Dementia Care Programme in Hong Kong and adopted the whole training package to the Chinese version. An official agreement was made between Stirling and my organisation so that we trained over 2,000 practitioners with specific dementia care knowledge in Hong Kong. In 2020-2021, I made the articulation with our local dementia care programme so that our graduates could study the Masters in Dementia Studies at Stirling with senior entry. I am so grateful to be the Honorary Lecturer of the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Stirling and the co-director of dementia studies’ programme in the Faculty of Medicine, the Chinese University of Hong Kong now.
How did you get involved in supporting students at the University of Stirling?
I had joined the local activities and social events organised by the local alumni so that I can share my experience with them. Also, I have made lots of promotions through the local media to raise the reputation of Stirling in Hong Kong and demonstrated the students/graduates’ competency in the local academic platform as well as the job market.
What message would you like to share with current students and fellow graduates of Stirling?
Your attitude determines your altitude. Keep passion in learning and dreams will come true!
If you live outside of the UK and studied at a UK university, you could be the next Alumni Awards Winner! Share your success with the world – submit your application for the British Council Study UK awards now. You have until October 29th, 2021 to get your application in.