The business and academic sectors appear to be entirely different in nature. However, the integration of both can spark chemistry beyond imagination and nurture elites for the future. Ms. Ng Yin Yee Angel, Chung Chi College Trustee and alumna, graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Business Administration from The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) in 1990 and has engaged in the commercial sector for over three decades. Currently the Head of Asia Pacific Global Wealth Management, Citi, Ms. Ng has gained substantial experience in the banking industry. As a successful senior executive, a College Trustee, a member of Chung Chi’s Finance Committee, as well as the Convener of the Task Force on Revamping of CCC Scholarships and Awards Regime, how does Ms. Ng put her profound expertise to good use and integrate it into the whole-person development of Chung Chi students? Having witnessed the transformation of the College over the years, what is she looking forward to regarding College development?

Chung Chi: Enlightening Cradle of Eminent People

As early as Ms. Ng received junior secondary education, she had a craving for campus life at Chung Chi College. “When I was a form one student, I joined a summer camp at the College. I was impressed by the supreme beauty of Chung Chi. Two years later, as a form three student, I joined another summer camp at the same place again. The vibrant greeneries and picturesque landscape of the lakeshore ignited my determination to spend my university life there. Also, as a Christian, it’s a natural tendency for me to want to join Chung Chi, the only College with a Christian background,” Ms. Ng said cheerfully, “apart from majors, the College also encouraged us to sit in on the classes of the subjects that we favoured. I was interested in psychology and philosophy. Sitting in on such classes had broadened my exposure to general education.” Recalling her sweet memory in the much-cherished College, she thought it could be best described as an “Enlightening Cradle of Eminent People”. “Enlightening Cradle” refers to the serene and graceful environment, and “Eminent People” not to outstanding talent, but humans pursuing cross-disciplinary knowledge throughout their lifetime. It is the College’s liberal education that inspires students to perceive anything from multiple perspectives. Ms. Ng encourages Chung Chi students to expose themselves to a broad array of subjects, which not only enhances their understanding of a wide range of disciplines, but also fosters their lateral thinking. As a result, they can solve problems more resourcefully.

Ms. Ng and her husband, Prof. Wong Ka Chat Andy, are Chung Chi alumni and graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Business Administration from CUHK in 1990. Prof. Wong is the Director of Admissions and Financial Aid of CUHK.

Coming Home and Giving Back

Today, Ms. Ng is a senior executive in the banking industry. Why is she eager to be a Chung Chi Trustee and take care of College affairs amid her hectic schedules? “When I come home, I mean giving back. It is Chung Chi that has nourished me with great care. Supporting my alma mater is what I am meant to do. Relatively, the College has invested its greatest resources to nurture talent, namely Chung Chi alumni, across generations. When taking a role in College development, I can strengthen the bond with Chung Chi and other alumni. On the other hand, I can make use of this valuable opportunity to meet young people to get to know what they think and be inspired from a brand new perspective.” That’s why she believes that coming home is not purely giving back to her alma mater, but also learning a lot from taking part in College affairs.

Nurturing Talent with Crossover Collaboration

Being well experienced in the business world, Ms. Ng had already thought of incorporating her expertise into College development for fostering holistic education when she returned to Chung Chi. She said the management models of private enterprises and the College are entirely different. The governance system of the commercial sector has been evolving to keep abreast with the rapid changes in social and economic development. Chung Chi has to be in line with the future so as to nurture talent for meeting the changing needs of society. As the Convener of the Task Force on Revamping of CCC Scholarships and Awards Regime, Ms. Ng has curated a scholarship scheme by leveraging her network and experience in the business arena. The establishment of this scholarship is driven by the College’s mission of fostering whole-person development through nurturing students “to become virtuous and talented ‘master of pen and sword’ with a strong mind and spirit,” as envisioned by Dr. Chan Tak Lam Norman, Chairperson of the Board of College Trustees. Therefore, the judging criteria of this scholarship not only cover academic performance, but also multiple aspects. Qualified candidates must be active participants of non-academic activities, such as community work, spiritual nourishment, and religious and cultural events, among others.

Harmonious Blend of Old and New

From being a university student to a College Trustee, Ms. Ng has witnessed the transformation of Chung Chi over three decades. There is a stark contrast between abundant greeneries surrounding the Lotus Pond (now known as “Lake Ad Excellentiam”) and natural landscapes in the old days and the modernised campus with grand buildings and newly-paved pathways today. She appreciates the advanced infrastructure for enhancing students’ convenience and addressing the developmental needs of the University on the one hand, and believes in the importance of preserving the College’s historical features on the other. Being deeply into the natural environment and classical edifices, she hopes both old and new elements can be blended seamlessly, “Chung Chi’s historical features epitomise the College’s traditional spirits. Chung Chi-ers of the next generations will be nourished spiritually in this fertile cradle, which entails the support of both advanced infrastructure and historical landscapes.”

Hall Life: Essence of University Journey

Apart from scholarship, Ms. Ng believes hall life is an essential ingredient of whole-person education. She felt somewhat regret for not being able to be a hall resident, “As I lived in Tai Wai, which is in proximity to the University campus, and CUHK had not yet launched the ‘Guaranteed Residence Scheme’, I wasn’t granted permission to live in a student hostel. Nevertheless, my passion for hall life didn’t fade away. I kept staying in different Chung Chi hostels like Ming Hua Tang, Wen Chih Tang, and Madam S. H. Ho Hall in secret without registration,” she said gleefully. Now, CUHK students have opportunities to live in a hall and need not stay in a hostel secretly. She said students can only enjoy university life by living in a hostel, during which they can have all-round development with the improvement of communication and problem-solving skills. In light of this, she hopes Chung Chi can build more hostels and other infrastructures, such as Project E, which is currently at the fundraising stage. It will develop the Digital Culture and Art Creativity Centre, enabling students to unleash their creativity and potential, and fully enjoy their university life.

Ms. Ng received the Beta Gamma Sigma CUHK Chapter Honouree Award in 2019 in recognition of her exceptional achievements in business.

Sharpening Soft Skills in Smart Society

Nowadays, we are living in a techno-driven society where artificial intelligence (AI) has become more prevalent. Many jobs have been disappearing. Ms. Ng encourages Chung Chi students to sharpen their soft skills when entering the job market. She believes numerous jobs of operational nature have been upgraded, for example, operational management has been replaced with advanced technology gradually. Having said that, AI cannot replace jobs which entail human wisdom. She said, “The even more advanced technology cannot replace the unique quality of human beings, including soft skills, trust, human thinking, and personal views, among others. Therefore, graduates should be equipped with knowledge of humanities, and enhance soft skills like communication and interpersonal skills, and analytical and problem-solving techniques. They should also stay curious and polish their lateral thinking skills for addressing the needs of society today.”

Interviewed by Chik Chun Wai (Student Reporter)

Written by Cabbie Kwong