15 GIVING HKUST Alumni Making the impossible a reality The Alumni Endowment Fund (AEF) acts as a crucial source of help for students, whether they are in need due to illness and difficulties, or require assistance to excel in fields like sports and the arts. We would like to thank alumni for their donations which are a major source of financing, and have a significant positive impact on our students. Chan Wai Hang (BEng in Computer Engineering Year 3) is a recipient of the AEF Student Emergency Fund 2023/24. The Fund allowed him to continue studying at HKUST despite suffering an emergency in the family. We learn more about his life on campus, achievements and challenges. How did you get into Computer Engineering as an interest? I have loved Computer Engineering since I was in Primary School, when we learnt some basic coding. Nowadays, I am working on an AI model to play Chess. I used to play with my roommate and lose to him all the time, so I built an AI to beat him! What were your favourite moments at HKUST? I have been so impressed by the campus and people. I met some friends at orientation camp and now study with them overnight at the learning commons – we have watched the sunset and sunrise together, which is so memorable. I am the secretary of the Computer Science and Engineering Students’ Society, and during orientation we had a big campfire that we shared together and that was amazing. Professional skating star Chow Hiu Yau, (BEng in Civil Engineering Year 4),has been rising in the scene for years, aided by the AEF Sports Scholarship 2023/24, given to students who have proven achievements and potential in regional or international competitions. A winner of many competitions across an illustrious career, she stays resilient. How did you get into figure skating? I started skating through my elder sister. When I was 3, my sister was skating, and my parents decided it would be more cost-effective for us to train together. Tell us about your career highlights? As a member of the Hong Kong Figure Skating National Team and a full-time elite athlete of the Hong Kong Sports Institute, figure skating is an integral part of my life. I have represented Hong Kong in international competitions, winning the Hong Kong Junior National title in 2019, a bronze medal at the 2019 Asian Open Figure Skating Trophy and two bronze medals at the 2nd Chinese National Youth Games. That year was What were some of the challenges? I was a direct entry into HKUST from IVE, which is very practical, but HKUST makes you think more outside of the box, and it took me a year to get used to this. The people here, how friendly they are, makes it all worthwhile. When I ask questions, people help me – we have this study culture that is very helpful to each other. I am very grateful for the AEF because it has helped me tremendously after my father was seriously injured on the job in a lorry crash and almost died in A&E. The injuries severely affected his hip and leg, and he is unable to drive anymore. I once considered dropping out of my studies to help my family, so the AEF has been essential, especially since we are not a wealthy family. A lifeline when needed Tell us about your career ambitions? I want to be an AI developer, the knowledge I have and the projects I have done will help me, so I’m hoping I can achieve that and secure a job. How about your hobbies? I like cars and I have a provisional license. I would like to import a car from abroad to Hong Kong. I love US cars and I really would like to get a muscle car. In three words: I am ordinary, hard-working and positive. What advice would you give to other students? Live a little! Don’t study too hard! a career highlight for me! In 2023, I qualified for the Four Continents Figure Skating Championships, one of the most prestigious international figure skating events held in Colorado Springs. How did you get into Civil Engineering as an interest? I have always been interested in Science and Maths, particularly Physics, and had some family members who are engineers. Engineering is hard, and balancing skating is even harder because we have training in the early morning or late at night. My friends and HKUST have helped me with everything, I’m grateful. Tell us about your ambitions? I actually wanted to quit training and skating, since transitioning from junior to senior was very hard. Looking ahead to 2025, I have qualified for the Winter Universiade and Asian Winter Games, which will be held in Torino, Italy and Harbin, China respectively. My goal is to perform my best with no regrets. At the same time, I am preparing for my career in Engineering. Tell us how the Scholarship has helped you? Receiving this Sports Scholarship has greatly supported me in pursuing my goals by providing financial assistance for my training and traveling to overseas competitions, which has enabled me to strive for excellence in competitions and win for Hong Kong, as well as HKUST. I am immensely grateful to be awarded such an opportunity. Skating is expensive and I don’t have time for a part-time job – this Scholarship has been essential. What were your favourite moments at HKUST? Although my skating schedule stopped me from joining orientation camp or living in a dorm, I have made lifelong friends – and what could be better than that? Three words that describe you are: I’m optimistic, humble and resilient. What advice would you give to other students? You need to be disciplined and have good time management. The impact we see in the above stories is clear, so please consider a donation today! Simply scan the QR here to donate online. FEELING INSPIRED? ACT TODAY! 14 Smooth skating superstar
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