Student and Alumni Stories

Ying Kit Chow

2026 Graduate

PolyU-SPEED Award

Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)

Assistant Marketing Manager

In today’s increasingly complex social environment, I have come to realise that social workers need not only professional knowledge and practical skills, but also the ability to reflect critically and respond sensitively to social issues. Bachelor of Social Work (Hons) programme at SPEED, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, equipped me with professional and evidence-informed practice while deepening my understanding of the mission and values of social work through interdisciplinary learning. Beyond learning how to practise, the programme encouraged me to reflect on why we practise in certain ways. It helped me understand service users’ experiences within their broader social context and develop a more holistic professional perspective, providing a strong foundation for my future career in social work.

Hau Yi Law

2026 Graduate

PolyU-SPEED Award

Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)

Assistant Marketing Manager

Having worked as a Social Work Assistant (SWA) for several years, I was accustomed to focusing primarily on service delivery and task execution. Studying in the Bachelor of Social Work programme at SPEED, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University broadened my perspective on professional practice. The programme emphasized reflective practice, helping me realize that intervention methods are not merely techniques, but are grounded in theories, values, and social contexts. Through classroom learning, fieldwork, and critical reflection, I developed a deeper understanding of service users’ experiences and the wider social factors shaping their lives. This learning journey equipped me with a more holistic perspective and greater confidence to contribute to service planning and development in my future career.

Sin-tung, Shirley LAU

2026 Graduate

PolyU-SPEED Award

BBA (Hons) in Marketing Management

OMD

Media Executive

Graduating with First Class Honours was one of my proudest achievements at PolyU SPEED. During my studies, I received multiple scholarships totalling over HK$100,000 and represented the School in an overseas business competition, where I exchanged ideas and competed with outstanding students from different regions. These experiences broadened my international perspective and strengthened my marketing knowledge, analytical abilities and strategic thinking.

With the guidance and support of my Programme Leader and lecturers, I also learned to apply classroom knowledge to real-world business challenges.

After graduation, I joined OMD as a Media Executive, where I continue to apply what I learned at PolyU SPEED and develop my professional expertise.

Lijun Huang

2026 Graduate

PolyU-SPEED Award

BBA (Hons) in Travel Industry Management

As a graduate from BBA (Hons) in Travel Industry Management, the most profound lesson I had is that learning doesn't just happen in the book.

As a freshman, when I felt lost, my teachers were always there to patiently help me through. The school opened up the world to me as my target grew. The first thing I learned from attending the HATA conference was the new trends that are happening in the travel and tourism industry. A study tour to Hangzhou was even more exciting as I experienced the possibility of bringing ancient history to life through AI and robotics, and the seamless hospitality of smart hotels.

Furthermore, the “BHM NextGen Leadership Scheme” also matched me up with experienced leaders in the hospitality, MICE, and tourism industries, all of which have guided me to unexpected and valuable outcomes in my career. Their personal guidance helped me make sense of my next step in learning and my intentions for my career.

This has been more than an education, it has been a retraining and an education in a different way – a global perspective, a set of new industry contacts and a belief in my future.

Ho-ming, Wilson Ip

2026 Graduate

PolyU-SPEED Award

BEng (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering

I am Ip Ho-ming, Wilson, a 2026 graduate of the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Mechanical Engineering programme at PolyU SPEED (part-time mode). My path to engineering was far from conventional. During my secondary school years, long-term illness repeatedly disrupted my studies—I repeated S1, struggled through my first HKCEE attempt, and ultimately took ten years to complete my secondary education. It would have been easy to surrender, but I refused to let illness dictate my future. That decade of struggle shaped a belief that has guided me ever since: “I don’t have to win, but I refuse to lose.”

I first graduated from PolyU with a degree in Occupational Therapy, but my adolescent illness meant I never fully experienced university life. A chance to change my career led me to re-study engineering. PolyU SPEED’s work-study mode was the perfect fit—I could learn while working full-time and apply new knowledge to my job immediately. The ME lessons were well-constructed and closely aligned with my career targets.

Beyond technical knowledge, PolyU SPEED gave me the chance to experience the university life I had missed. I served as Deputy Chairman (2024–25) and then Chairman (2025–present) of the HKIE CPCE Student Chapter, with great support from the school and my peers. I organised a high-level talk series featuring executives from CLP, China State Construction Engineering Corporation, and the Civil Engineering and Development Department, and guided IVE students on Schneider-sponsored practicals on IoT and Building Management Systems.

Academically, I ranked first in my cohort, graduated with First Class Honours, received the CPCE Scholarship, was placed on the Dean’s List, was nominated for the Top Student Award, and was one of the Valedictorians at the graduation ceremony. Professionally, I am currently an Engineer and Director of the R&D Department at KINS Engineering Limited, leading the development of the company’s flagship Fresh Air Unit (FAU). I was honoured to receive the Hong Kong Green Awards 2025 – Innovative Initiative Award (SME) for Stakeholder Engagement, and have been invited to speak at the JTIA “Green Retrofitting for Hong Kong’s Heritage Buildings” Symposium and at Hong Kong Chu Hai College. Our FAU work has been featured twice on TVB and has led to collaborations with CUHK and HKU.

This journey has given me not just a degree, but personal growth, a supportive community, and a rewarding second chapter. I am grateful to PolyU SPEED for providing a platform on which I could grow and thrive.

Hiu-man, Carey Wan

Current Student

PolyU-SPEED Award

BEng (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering

Current Student

After completing the Advanced Diploma in Railway Engineering at the MTR Academy (MTRA), I furthered my studies by enrolling in the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Mechanical Engineering (Part-time) programme at PolyU SPEED. This learning experience provided me with a solid foundation and helped me adapt more smoothly to the learning pace at PolyU SPEED. The teaching mode at MTRA is very similar to that at PolyU SPEED, and subjects such as Mathematics, Engineering Mechanics, and Electrical Engineering at MTRA seamlessly align with the foundational subjects at PolyU SPEED. This allowed me to review and build upon my existing knowledge, gradually adapting to the higher-level learning.

The reason for choosing PolyU SPEED was simple: I wanted to complete a degree programme and become a professional engineer. The Mechanical Engineering programme at PolyU SPEED is well-structured, with content that progresses from basic to advanced, enabling me to learn step by step and easing the pressure of being a part-time student. I am now working as a Senior Technical Officer. Much of the professional knowledge gained from the subjects can be directly applied to my work. For example, the inventory management skills I learned in the Design and Manufacturing subject have helped me better handle spare parts inventory at work, while the simulation and report generation functions in Solidworks have made it easier for me to review structural reports from contractors. These practical skills have allowed me to make more professional judgments and have provided strong support for my career development.

Upon admission, I was awarded the Lifelong Learning Studentship by PolyU SPEED, which alleviated my financial burden. Additionally, the lecturers at PolyU SPEED left a deep impression on me. They are incredibly patient and would tirelessly answer our questions via WhatsApp, even as late as midnight. Their support made me feel truly cared for.
In the future, my goal is to become a project manager. I believe that through the learning and practical experiences at PolyU SPEED, I will be able to gradually achieve this goal and attain greater success in my career. The programme at PolyU SPEED has not only equipped me with professional knowledge but has also made me more confident and competent. All of this fills me with anticipation for the future.