Clarence Ng Ka-lun
Graduate, College of Engineering
Director of Global Training Operations and Strategic Growth, Alibaba Cloud Intelligence
“Believe and you will see.”
Clarence Ng Ka-lun’s passion for Information Engineering stems from its unique blend of computer science, electronics, and information systems, driving innovation in software, hardware, and data management. Drawn to this vibrant field, he chose the Electrical Engineering programme at City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) because of its distinguished faculty and state-of-the-art facilities. The University’s international environment and strategic Hong Kong location also offered promising career opportunities.
During his studies, he learned that fully grasping the foundational principles behind newly developed tools was more important than practical usage because technology is ever-changing. While programming languages like C++ evolved into Python, and physical servers gave way to cloud solutions, the core problem-solving mindset remained vital. This ability proved invaluable in his career, enabling swift mastery of emerging technologies.
The humility and dedication of a key mentor, Professor Sammy Chan of the Department of Electrical Engineering, left a lasting impact on Clarence. Their ongoing relationship, spanning nearly two decades, demonstrates that Professor Chan’s mentorship can transcend academia and extend to the professional field.
During his career, which has spanned e-commerce and cloud computing, Clarence has come to appreciate technology’s endless possibilities for improving our lives. At Alibaba Cloud, he has led a global training team that has partnered with over 110 universities worldwide to bridge the digital skills gap. Seeing students gain confidence and use cloud technologies to innovate has been deeply rewarding for him.
His collaboration with CityUHK through the Alibaba Cloud Academic Empowerment Programme remains a priority. By delivering workshops on AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity, he equips students with cutting-edge skills. This partnership also supports CityUHK’s MSc AI in Business programme, ensuring academia stays aligned with tech advancements in the commercial world.
Looking ahead, Clarence emphasises the vital need for balancing technical expertise with soft skills like critical thinking and adaptability. In an AI-driven era, he advises students to view technology as a collaborative tool and to embrace interdisciplinary learning. His motto, “Believe and you will see,” reflects his conviction in visionary thinking, trusting innovation to shape outcomes in uncharted technological landscapes.For more stories about our Heroes, please click here.
Last updated: 10-04-2026