From Aspiration to Impact: Alumni Leaders Inspire at CityUHK Master's Student Orientation 2025

The new academic year at City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) kicked off with a powerful dose of inspiration and real-world wisdom. The CityUHK Master's Student Orientation on 30 August welcomed two alumni, Ms Suzanne CHEUNG (Master of Science in Environmental Science and Technology) and Ms. HUANG Min (Master of Business Administration), who returned to campus to share their remarkable journeys and invaluable insights with our new postgraduate cohort. Through their distinctive stories, together, they beautifully illustrated the diverse and profound impact a CityUHK education can have on shaping leaders who change the world.

Suzanne CHEUNG: My Journey of Learnings
Suzanne as a Principal Manager - Group Environment at CLP Holdings, introduced herself as a sustainability and communications professional with over 15 years in senior positions across various industries. She provided the audience with a masterclass in intentional career architecture. Suzanne outlined a strategic framework for professional development, encouraging students to consciously cultivate:

• What you want to achieve: A definitive understanding of what you want to achieve.
• Technical skill: The non-negotiable technical skills required to excel in their chosen field.
• Soft skills: The critical soft skills needed to lead, collaborate, and influence.
• Long term plan: A thoughtful long-term plan to navigate a dynamic career landscape.
• Professional ethics: The foundational importance of professional ethics in building a lasting and respected career.

Her presentation was a powerful reminder that sustained success is built on a foundation of deliberate planning and principled action.

HUANG Min: From Poverty Town to Hong Kong Dream - Finding Meaning Past Success
In a moving and deeply personal address, Min, the Chief Operations Officer of Mind HK, shared a journey of resilience and purpose. Hailing from a small village with limited financial resources, she developed a fascination with Hong Kong through TV dramas. However, upon arriving in the city, her path took an unexpected turn. She witnessed firsthand the transformative power of NGO work in helping vulnerable communities. This experience ignited a passion that led her to pivot from her original plans. After completing her MBA at CityUHK, she dedicated herself to the social sector. With incredible drive and vision, she played a pivotal role in expanding Mind HK from a team of fewer than 50 to nearly 100 members, significantly amplifying its crucial impact on mental health in Hong Kong. Her advice to students was heartfelt and energising:

• "Say yes to possibilities!" – Embrace opportunities, especially the unexpected ones.
• "Learn from the people around you." – Value every interaction as a chance to grow.
• "Follow your energy." – Pursue the work that excites and motivates you, as that is where you will make your greatest impact.

This event was a brilliant demonstration of the strength and diversity of the CityUHK alumni community. From driving corporate sustainability to expanding mental health access, our graduates are at the forefront of positive change. We extend our deepest gratitude to Suzanne and Min for their passion, authenticity, and for lighting the way for the next generation of leaders.

Let's continue to connect, inspire, and elevate each other!