The Vigorous Pioneer – Mr Andrew FAN Ka-fai

After a whirlwind business trip in three cities over 24 hours, Mr Andrew Fan Ka-fai showed no signs of fatigue. He beamed with pride and joy when told he would be one of the first to receive CityU's First Distinguished Alumni Award.

"I'm honored to receive the award," he said. "As one of the first graduates of the University, I have a great sense of belonging to my alma mater."

Impressed by the modules offered, Mr Fan was in the first cohort of students enrolled at the City Polytechnic of Hong Kong in 1984. He graduated with a BA(Hons) in Business Studies during 1988.

After graduation, Mr Fan's pioneering spirit led him to join Nu Skin Enterprises as the US-based company's first employee in Hong Kong. He was also the first non-American employee appointed as a regional president. "As a starter, you always learn the most," he said.

Now President of the Greater China Region for Nu Skin Enterprises Inc, Mr Fan attributes his impressive career to his time at CityU.

"Having the right attitude to motivate my teammates who have different skills to work along the same core values is important. That was what I learned from my university days," he said. As a founding member of the University's debating team and an elected Councillor and then Chairman of the Students' Union Council, he certainly learned about teamwork early.

Apart from being a prominent leader, Mr Fan is also active in community work. He has even set up important projects like the Pediatric Cardiac Surgery Foundation of Thailand, the ASEAN Children Heart Surgery Fund and the China Children Heart Surgery Fund, helping to save the lives of almost 4,000 children.

Mr Fan is proud of the University's rise in the global rankings. "I hope CityU can continue to take a leading role contributing to society and redefining excellence," he said. "In life, either you win or you lose, and you don't want to be a loser."