Mr KWAN Chuk-fai, MH, JP, Director of Corporate Communications & Investor Relations at Hang Lung Properties, shared his reflections on life and thoughts on work ethic with university students at a Servant Leadership Seminar organised by College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (CLASS) on 28 March 2018 at CityU. Professor Xiaowei ZANG, Dean of CLASS, presented Mr Kwan with a souvenir to thank him for his inspiring talk.
Professor WONG Sing-wing Dennis, Associate Dean of CLASS, and two elite student leaders of the College, HO Chui-yi Katrina and WONG Po-luen Amy, co-hosted the event.
Mr Kwan shared his life reflections with the students in the form of personal life stories. He encouraged the students to persist and learn from setbacks, to think big and aim high, to serve the purpose of every role, and to think about what is really important when looking back on life. ‘If you FAIL, never give up, because F.A.I.L. means “First Attempt In Learning”. If you get NO as an answer, remember NO means “Next Opportunity”,’ said Mr Kwan. As well as devoting himself to his own career, Mr Kwan also cares about the education of young people. He mentors the interns in his company, visits his sponsored children in mainland China and donates funds to build a school library in China. ‘Work to make a life, not just a living,’ added Mr Kwan.
At the end of the seminar, the students enthusiastically asked Mr Kwan about leadership and strategies to develop a successful career. Building on the advice from Mr Kwan, Professor Wong affirmed that ‘it’s very important that you live and work from your heart. A good attitude really matters. Take on new knowledge and opportunities and seek continuous improvement’.
Katrina, a student in the media and communication field, deeply admired the professionalism displayed by Mr Kwan as an effective and empathetic communication director. ‘The way Mr Kwan helped his company handle the PR crisis arising from the Ngau Tau Kok mini storage fire demonstrates the many aspects, including people’s feelings and reactions, that a person in his role needs to consider and understand in making decisions. He has inspired me a lot!’
To Amy, the reflections from Mr Kwan’s life stories and personal experiences were thought-provoking. In co-hosting the event, Amy has sharpened her public speaking and event management skills.
The seminar, one in the series of Servant Leadership Seminars launched by CLASS, aims to encourage students to venture outside the curriculum of their major, develop their competencies in servant leadership and enhance their employability.
