Outstanding Performance Scholarship

This year is the turning point of my life.  I have left school for more than 10 years and I am now pursuing a BA (Hon) degree programme in Public Administration and Management at the SCOPE of City University of Hong Kong.

Keen on learning and acquiring professional knowledge, I find university life enjoyable and meaningful.  As this is an intensive top-up programme, the modules are condensed and demanding.  However, after a period of adaptation, I am able to cope with the pace of study.

I would like to share with you my experience in the civil service.  At school, I was trained to follow conventions and abide by rules.  But I found that in practice, there might be exceptions.  Whenever I encounter difficulties, I remind myself to remain optimistic and open-minded and heed the advice of others.

In 2006, I attended the International Solid Waste Conference organised by the Royal Society of Health in the United Kingdom.  There, through exchange of knowledge and experience with experts from different countries, I learned a lot about new cleansing initiatives.  This boosted my confidence in subsequent application of theoretical knowledge.

In 2013, I was seconded to the Port Health Office (Harbour Section) of Department of Health, which is responsible for preventing the introduction and exportation of communicable diseases into or out of Hong Kong in accordance with the Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance (Chapter 599, Laws of Hong Kong) and Prevention and Control of Disease Regulation (Chapter 599A, Laws of Hong Kong).  Besides, the Department has the role of implementing the International Health Regulations 2005, an instrument put into force in 2007, to fulfil Hong Kong’s obligations under the World Health Organization.

In summer 2013, prior to the commissioning of Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, the issue of pest control posed a great environmental threat to the community.  With the assistance of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, my inspectorate team conducted thorough investigation and close surveillance, and took stringent measures to address the issue accordingly.

Indeed, the success could not have been achieved without the innovative ideas offered by my supervisors and colleagues in tackling the thorny issue.  I came to realise that strong team spirit and effective communication are vital to ensuring the smooth operation of an organisation.

If possible, I would like to pursue a Master’s degree programme in Public Administration and Management in order that I could make teaching my second career.  Let me share with the younger generation the motto of my alma mater “Labore et Virtute”, which suggests that it is with hard work and virtue that a student can make his life successful.  I am prepared to exert myself to overcome whatever barrier I may encounter and accomplish my ultimate goal.

In summary, my personal experience has equipped me with the knowledge and skills necessary for meeting challenges.  I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to the Education Bureau for awarding me the Outstanding Performance Scholarship, as well as teachers from St. Joseph’s College and the City University of Hong Kong for guiding me throughout my development.  Above all, I wish to show my deepest thanks to my wife and family for all the encouragement and support.