Graduate Sharing

My most unforgettable experience during my two-year study at HKCC was that I got a placement in Shangri-La Hotel as a guest relation officer and became one of the winners of the Silver Star award (awarded to those who received the highest number of positive comments from guests).

I truly understand that chances will wait for no one. HKCC provided many chances for me to facilitate my whole-person development, such as study tour and placement, etc. I was so glad that I got the opportunity to do what I liked and learned outside the classroom.

Cheuk-yin felt that the programme he studied at PolyU HKCC was comprehensive in content and the knowledge taught was both interesting and practical, such as customer relations, advertising and promotion, and market research, which were all his favourite subjects. The programme also arranged group projects for students to simulate creating promotional campaigns for well-known companies and brands, allowing them to put theory and knowledge into practice.

In addition, the College regularly organised lectures and workshops on further studies, employment, and interview skills to help students plan their careers ahead. Cheuk-yin said the College provided students with a good learning environment and facilities, allowing him to concentrate on his studies and strive for good grades.

He hopes to graduate from HKUST with excellent grades and join the business world to fulfil his ambitions.

Chung-man's dream was to work at the airport control tower and he had a strong interest in PolyU's International Shipping and Logistics programme. Having heard about PolyU HKCC's high articulation rates, she applied for the Associate in Business (Logistics and Supply Chain Management) programme, hoping to get into a related bachelor's degree programme at PolyU via this articulation pathway.

"During my studies, the most unforgettable thing was attending talks conducted by industry practitioners. I gained from them a lot of little-known knowledge about the logistics industry, such as air transportation of human remains, which was really eye-opening."

Chung-man made good use of her spare time to participate in activities, such as forming a team to take part in a visual communication competition, where she put the environmental protection concepts learned in class into a proposal to help logistics companies reduce carbon emissions and pollution. She felt that the curriculum design of the College could help students acquire subject knowledge step by step. For example, they would study topics like warehouse and procurement management only after mastering the basic knowledge of logistics. She was nominated by her lecturer to receive a scholarship offered by The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport in Hong Kong.

The Higher Diploma in Mechanical Engineering programme taught me both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the field of mechanical engineering. Lectures were conducted at HKCC as well as PolyU’s Industrial Centre.

My most unforgettable and valuable experience during my study was participating in the Work-IntegratedEducation programme which provided a chance for me to work in an aircraft services company where I was responsible for aircraft maintenance. I could put what I learned into practice during the internship. This programme not only deepened my knowledge of automobiles and building services but also enhanced my understanding about the aviation and other engineering related industries.

Karina learned from her friend, who studied at HKCC, about the high articulation rates of HKCC graduates, so she decided to enrol in Associate in Health Studies. “Besides nursing knowledge, subjects in language, mathematics and arts were also covered in the programme. These subjects seemed not to be closely related to health studies, but I believe they are conducive to my further studies and career development. For example, business English was very helpful during my internship.” Karina also participated in many activities, such as taking a first aid course and undergoing an internship at an elderly home. “Through taking care of the elderly, I understood more about the duties of a nurse in a real-life setting and got well-prepared for future challenges.”

Grace had always aspired to study at the Department of Logistics and Maritime Studies of PolyU when she was a secondary student. However, she was not able to realise her dream as she attained a total score of only 12 in HKDSE. Grace then decided to enrol in HKCC’s Associate in Business (Logistics and Supply Chain Management) not only because the programme matched her interest but also because its graduates had a high articulation rate in pursuing bachelor’s degree studies. Nevertheless, Grace encountered considerable difficulties in her first-semester studies, resulting in poor academic performance which upset her.

“I majored in science subjects in secondary school, so I felt somewhat lost when I had to learn basic business knowledge from scratch,” said Grace. Although Grace obtained a subpar GPA of only 1.63 in her first semester, she was able to rebuild her confidence and improve her performance dramatically with the help and guidance from lecturers.

Grace said, “Our lecturers always quoted real cases in the logistics industry to illustrate their points, which facilitated our understanding of the subject matter and key ideas.” In the following three semesters, Grace’s GPA took an upward turn to 3.0 or above.

After learning the prosperous future of the thriving fashion and textiles industry and its high demand for supply chain management professionals, Grace decided to go with PolyU’s BA (Hons) Scheme in Fashion and Textiles, to which she was admitted.

“The learning skills acquired at HKCC helped me lay a solid academic foundation conducive to my degree studies,” said Grace.

Keith chose HKCC’s Associate in Business (Marketing), hoping that he could acquire basic business knowledge and learn its practical applications, so that he could prepare himself well for further studies and career development in the business sector.

“The Associate in Business (Marketing) programme was comprehensive; it covered advertising and promotion, customer relationship management, and marketing research, etc. Lecturers encouraged me and my classmates to take part in an open advertising and promotion competition so as to apply our knowledge and to understand more about the performance level of contestants from other institutions.”

Keith also participated in the mentorship programme of HKCC which gave him invaluable opportunities to learn from business professionals and establish a social network for future career development.

Because of her own perseverance and support from HKCC, Lok-yee overcame her congenital visual impairment and went to university. Upon her admission to HKCC, staff approached Lok-yee to understand her learning needs so as to provide suitable support. For example, lecturers would make sure that lecture notes were compatible with reading software so that text files could be converted into audio files, which allowed Lok-yee to listen to the content. Besides, lecturers kept a close watch on her learning progress. "Classmates also helped me a lot. For example, when doing a group project, they adjusted the fonts and colours for me so that I could convert it into an audio file. Facility-wise, the College libraries provided electronic theses and journals to facilitate my research."

Miki is determined to develop her career in hotel management. Knowing that the industry emphasises practical experience, Miki chose to enrol in HKCC’s hospitality management programme as it offered lots of opportunities for practice and gaining work experience.

She remembered when she was a hotel intern, she had to help evacuate an outdoor restaurant and comfort customers as a typhoon was approaching quickly. This experience made her understand that hotel staff always need to be flexible when dealing with unexpected incidents, and customers should always be her first priority.

“HKCC’s complementary studies programme enables students to acquire knowledge beyond textbooks. I took a course on table manner and learned a lot about red and white wines, which is conducive to my future job in hotel catering.”

Mei-sin had wanted to study language related programmes. However, her public exam results did not meet the minimum entry requirements of a language programme at university. In order not to waste time and money on a programme she was not really interested in, Mei-sin chose to work in sales while at the same time looking for opportunities for further studies. Eventually, Mei-sin found that HKCC's Associate in Language and Culture suited her interest and needs, so she decided to go back to school.

"The programme teaches the pronunciation, phonics and grammar of English, Japanese and Putonghua. Students can learn to use various languages and enhance their employability," said Mei-sin. She also points out that the College provides adequate facilities and services for students to enjoy their vibrant college life to the fullest. For example, students can conduct group discussions in common areas and participate in co-curricular activities such as workshops on computer word processing and photo editing software.

Mei-sin was awarded the first "Back-to-School Scholarship" with her outstanding GPA of 3.9. She hopes to keep it up and articulate to the Bachelor of Arts programme of HKU after graduation.

For those who plan to go back to school, Mei-sin advises that they should choose their programmes according to their own goals and interests. Besides, the programme also requires students to do group projects to facilitate co-operation among groupmates, and back-to-school students definitely have the edge. "Our work experience enables us to take a cautious approach and think from multiple perspectives," she said.

My 2+2 journey at CPCE has been incredibly rewarding. Starting with the Associate Degree in Business (Tourism Management), I built a strong academic foundation and gained valuable industry exposure. Continuing into the BA (Hons) in Travel Industry Management programme, I deepened my knowledge and honed practical skills through internships at the Royal Pacific Hotel and YHA Mei Ho House Youth Hostel. These experiences strengthened my communication and problem-solving abilities. I also had the opportunity to assist in academic research, which broadened my perspective and enhanced my analytical skills. I'm truly grateful for the support and guidance I received throughout my studies. I'm excited to continue my academic journey as I pursue a Master's degree at PolyU SHTM.

首先，我非常榮幸獲邀代表應屆畢業生致辭，兩年的副學士生涯轉眼間過去，當中實在有太多的苦與樂。回想起第一日上堂分組的時候，老師要同學說出大家的期望，同學懷著不同的心情戰戰兢兢地說出自己的目標。今日，眼見身邊的同學大多都達到自己的目標，甚至超乎預期，令我更加相信在HKCC，你付出多少，就會收穫多少。在座各位同學，你們又於這兩年獲得了什麼呢? 我就結識了一班志同道合的朋友，當中不少摯友更加與我升讀同一所大學，繼續並肩作戰，我相信即使離開了校園，大家的友情仍會一直延續下去。

除了朋輩的扶持和鼓勵外，學院的悉心安排亦令到當時剛剛成為大專生的我，可以更快適應校園生活，例如我參加了學生大使計劃，認識了一班有熱誠和理想的師兄師姐。此外，我參加了其中一個科目所舉辦的模擬比賽，最初我只是把這個比賽當作功課去完成，到後期大家一起為了共同目標而去不斷努力，由產品的設計到實際的推廣，當中每一步都有賴組員之間的支持和鼓勵，更加重要的是HKCC一眾老師的指導，無論是學業上遇到的問題，或是對選科或未來的疑惑，甚至當時比賽遇到的困難，他們都會用最大的能力去幫助我們解決問題，令我們克服一次又一次想放棄的念頭。相信沒有老師的諄諄教誨，亦沒有今天的自己。

雖然過去兩年在絕大多數的情況下大家都只能以網上形式學習，所幸的是各位老師都緊守崗位，將問題一一解決，令到課堂得以暢順進行。在此我想引用唐代思想家韓愈的一句名言：「師者，所以傳道、授業、解惑也」，我從一眾老師身上除了獲得知識外，更多的是做人的道理，在此特別感謝 (點名老師) 對我的照顧及指導，令我成長不少。

最後，我想對大家說一句：「辛苦了」。副學士生涯的結束，只是代表人生其中一個章節的完結，前面仍有無數的未知等待大家發掘，而大學的旅程亦如遠足般，有些人可能會比較幸運，選擇了一條平坦順暢的路，而有些人則踏上了一條相對迂迴曲折的路，但所謂條條大路通羅馬，只要大家的目標一致，都可以達到同一終點。

再一次希望大家以熱烈的掌聲鼓勵自己，祝願大家前程似錦，一帆風順。

*Excerpted from CHAN Nathan (2021, October). Valedictory Speech. School of Professional Education and Executive Development and Hong Kong Community College Joint Graduation Ceremony 2021. Hong Kong: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

During his studies, Nathan participated in the Student Ambassador Programme, through which he made friends with a group of enthusiastic and aspiring seniors. Besides, he took part in a mock competition arranged by a subject. At first, he treated the competition merely as an assignment, but he and his teammates gradually worked hard and supported each other throughout the process, from product design to advertising, so as to achieve their common goal.

"Most important of all, HKCC lecturers offered us guidance on issues regarding our studies, subject selection and future, and even problems we encountered during the competition. They spared no effort in helping us find a way out and overcome the thought of giving up time after time. Their patient guidance made me who I am today."

Parry highly commended HKCC for its programme flexibility. HKCC offers over 30 programmes, most of them are schemebased. Students can enrol in any programme within a scheme in year one. Then before year two, they can switch to another programme within the scheme.

“Students who are not fully aware of their interests at the beginning of their studies may not be able to select their favourite majors. Such flexibility allows students to know more about their programmes before making the final decision.”

During his studies at HKCC, Parry visited numerous engineering companies to understand their working environment and operations.

“I was also an HKCC student ambassador responsible for receiving guests and acting as emcee at various events. Those experiences are precious. I am grateful to HKCC for providing me with abundant learning opportunities.”

Tin-long, who had studied physics in secondary school, enrolled in HKCC’s Higher Diploma in Mechanical Engineering on his friend’s recommendation, with a view of further developing his interest in the discipline. “Apart from using the Metal and Wood Workshop at HKCC, we also attended classes at the laboratory at PolyU to learn engineering design, welding, and materials processing. Whenever we encountered difficulties, our lecturers would encourage us to look for solutions by employing lateral thinking,” said Tin-long.

At HKCC, Tin-long enjoyed the harmonious relationship between lecturers and students. Lecturers constantly offered him advice on further studies and career development, thereby giving him a lot of support and care. Besides, the College assigned him to work as an intern at an aircraft maintenance company for two weeks, and the experience was a real eye-opener. “I could actually apply my knowledge of engineering safety acquired in class to the workplace.” Tin-long said the internship kindled his interest in aircraft engineering and affirmed his desire to acquire more advanced aircraft engineering knowledge at university.

Wilson has had a great interest in science since childhood, and he said HKCC's Associate of Science helped him zero in on his goal of pursuing a future career in medical biology. "The programme content was extensive, comprehensive and professional. For example, we were equipped with experiment techniques indispensable in degree studies. During my studies, I acquired knowledge in different aspects of science, which helped confirm my goal." Besides, Wilson said that HKCC offered strong support to students' holistic development by providing different kinds of scholarships and support funds and by creating a campus environment conducive to learning. "I worked much harder in HKCC then I did in secondary school," said Wilson.

Wing-hong articulated into The University of Hong Kong with a perfect 4.0 GPA. He said HKCC's Associate in Information Technology provided sufficient support for students to facilitate their studies – a dedicated computer room and the most up-to-date computer software being two examples. "The College would provide us with the best possible resources as long as we were willing to learn."

Through his group project, Wing-hong helped a telecommunications company establish a fully automatic online platform, which was showcased in an IT exhibition. During the preparation process, he and his teammates had to hold meetings with the telecommunications company, through which he sharpened his communication and presentation skills.

With good performance in HKDSE English and the aspiration to pursue a career in the business sector, Kelly enrolled herself in HKCC’s Associate in English for Business Communication. “HKCC lecturers were always kind and willing to offer us guidance whenever we encountered problems in our studies.” Kelly said that the programme covered a wide range of subjects, ranging from discipline-specific ones such as language and communication and business English writing to elective ones such as mass communication and marketing, thereby helping her to identify the clear goal of building a career in the communication field.

To HKDSE candidates who would like to study at HKCC in the future, Kelly suggested that they set a specific further study goal and work unflinchingly towards it, and they should also explore new things in order to unearth their innate potentials and interests.

After graduating from HKCC, Yik-tung articulated to PolyU SPEED via the "2+2" pathway, hoping to lay a foundation for her further study and career. She said while competition among sub-degree students for UGC-funded places was fierce, the "2+2" pathway guarantees HKCC students an articulation opportunity by automatically granting them a conditional offer of admission to PolyU SPEED.

Yik-tung said the professionally oriented programmes of PolyU SPEED could facilitate students' career development. For example, with e-commerce gaining much popularity in the IT industry in recent years, the School requires students to complete an e-commerce group assignment and acquire other basic knowledge as early as the first semester, which would be very helpful for her future career in software engineering and web development.

Yik-tung said another feature of PolyU SPEED programmes was that students should complete a 300-hour internship. "The internship requirement stipulated by the School can help satisfy employers' expectations of graduates' work experience and facilitate our entry into the workforce."

During my learning journey at HKCC, I gradually understood that design is not just a presentation of spatial aesthetics, but an in-depth exploration of the relationship between people and their environment. I learned to seek the essence and meaning in every design, considering how space influences people's experiences and feelings. The thinking framework I developed during this process enabled me to graduate from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University with a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Environment and Interior Design (First Class Honors) and receive multiple awards, laying a solid foundation for my career development.

Currently, I work at an architectural design firm, and I sincerely thank the teachers at HKCC for their enlightenment and nurturing, which have allowed me to continuously translate human-centered thinking into meaningful design solutions, bridging the gap from theory to application.

After graduation from HKCC, Yat chose to articulate to PolyU SPEED's PolyU Accredited Degrees. He described the HKCC+SPEED articulation pathway as a safety net, which allowed him to focus on his studies without having any articulation worries because HKCC students, upon meeting stipulated requirements, would be guaranteed admission to a PolyU accredited two-year honours degree programme. "Besides this fallback, students can also take an aggressive stance by applying for admission to programmes offered by the eight publicly-funded local universities via the Non-JUPAS route."

According to Yat, the programmes of HKCC and SPEED are highly integrated, meaning that HKCC students are not required to take PolyU SPEED subjects equivalent to those already studied at HKCC.

Yat was an active participant in co-curricular activities. He served as a student ambassador in the Student Affairs Office to help students find articulation and career information and answer their enquiries. Keen on learning foreign languages, Yat is now attending Japanese and Korean courses organised by the Student Affairs Office; he is also planning to go on an exchange tour to Korea University.

My time at PolyU CPCE has been instrumental in my academic and personal growth. The rigorous curriculum sharpened my critical thinking, communication skills, and cultural awareness, preparing me for future challenges.

With a strong passion for learning, I maintained a GPA of 3.91 over two years, earning the SPSS Scholarship awarded by the Hong Kong Education Bureau. This achievement would not have been possible without the unwavering support of my lecturers, who patiently guided me through academic difficulties and boosted my confidence. Their encouragement helped me overcome self-doubt in my studies.

I am deeply grateful to PolyU CPCE for providing such a nurturing environment. The knowledge, skills, and recognition I gained here have laid a solid foundation for my future endeavours. This experience has been truly rewarding, and I will carry its lessons with me always.

“Apart from business English writing skills and creative advertising, the programme offered by HKCC also covered marketing and management, which aroused my interest in marketing.” Hui-yan once cooperated with classmates to come up with a simulated promotional plan for a new product of a bedding company. Thanks to her outstanding performance, Hiu-yan was recommended by her lecturer to assist a local charitable group in organising public relations activities for an auction, which in turn made her more determined to pursue further study in the field of marketing and public relations. Therefore, she chose to enrol in a relevant degree programme offered by SPEED.

“Although I didn’t major in marketing at HKCC, it’s not difficult for me to catch up my studies at SPEED because it offers additional elementary subjects to students like me, allowing us to enhance our basic marketing knowledge.”

Ho-kwan described his two years at PolyU HKCC as fulfilling and challenging."The curriculum progressed from basic foundational subjects, which gave me a comprehensive understanding of engineering, to advanced specialised subjects that deepened my mechanical engineering knowledge." Through his studies, Ho-kwan confirmed his interest in mechanical engineering.
"Its applications span power supply, water services, manufacturing, and more—offering flexible and diverse career options."

Ho-kwan seamlessly articulated to the BEng (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering at PolyU SPEED through the "2+2" pathway. "This pathway helped me build a solid academic foundation at PolyU HKCC, making it easier to handle degree-level studies. I will be able to obtain my bachelor's degree in the same four-year period, comparable to progressing through JUPAS to a publicly funded local university."

Ka-kwan once believed that making close friends would be difficult after graduating from secondary school and teacher-student relationships would also become more distant. However, after entering HKCC, she found that group study could greatly promote friendship among teammates and lecturers also had great faith in students. They not only taught students unreservedly but also encouraged them to experiment more and participate in various competitions. She particularly appreciated the well-equipped campuses conducive to learning.

"HKCC lecturers always answered our questions patiently. Besides, our personal academic advisor and tips from successful graduates also helped boost our chances and confidence in further study." Ka-kwan was honoured on the HKCC Director's List and received the PolyU HKCC Outstanding Student Award (Silver Award).

Time flies, two years of study in HKCC have come to an end. On this graduation day, every one of us may have different feelings and thoughts. Looking back and compared with how we were when we entered HKCC, we have now grown up to be more mature and well-equipped for our future. I had never expected this would be a place for me to meet so many inspirational people and true friends who have walked with me under difficult circumstances. HKCC is much more than a college for us to acquire academic qualifications.

First of all, I would like to thank our passionate lecturers for their unfailing support and guidance. When we prepared for further studies, no matter how busy our lecturers were, they were still willing to write reference letters and hold interview workshops for us. Whenever we were uncertain about our future, they provided us with useful suggestions and help. We’re not only teachers and students, but also friends and partners. They taught us to be persistent and courageous when chasing our dreams, and to believe in ourselves when having doubts about our abilities.

I believe every one of us would also like to thank our friends and fellows who have supported and walked with us together on this uneasy path. Some may think that it is hard to make true friends after graduating from secondary schools. In these two years, some of our fellows have quitted their studies; some have walked along with us until now. Because of tutorials, group projects and different activities, we met friends who shared common goals and beliefs, studied hard together through the night, and also overcame difficulties together. Thanks to HKCC, we have met great and true friends who have worked hard together.

My dear fellow schoolmates, it was not easy for us to overcome hurdles in the past two years, but we have made it! We may not know what our future will be like. Yet, I would like to use the orientation theme two years ago to encourage ourselves, which is “take the leap”. Leaving HKCC, what’s next? To achieve each and every milestone in our life, we need to face difficulties, challenges and uncertainties. Sometimes, we don’t even know how to deal with them. However, just take the leap! Be courageous and step out of our comfort zone, do our best in every situation. With courage and perseverance, uncertainties and challenges cannot stop us from moving on further. When you feel lost, remember the great things we have done and great people we have met at HKCC. Do believe that our lecturers and schoolmates will always stand by us in the future. I hope that we can always leap over obstacles and have a wonderful and prosperous life.

Here, I would like to thank you all again for sharing this unforgettable moment together. I sincerely wish HKCC would continue its contributions to higher education in Hong Kong, and wish you all good health and a bright future. Thank you.

Christy graduated with a perfect 4.0 GPA in all four semesters, which won her the PolyU HKCC Outstanding Student Award (Gold Award) and a place on the CPCE Dean's List. She underwent her internship in a private hospital, where she helped take care of patients and practised skills such as taking a temperature and measuring blood pressure. "I learned to observe and evaluate patients' condition carefully and then address their needs accordingly." She was presented with the Credit-based Internship Award in recognition of her outstanding performance. Adapting quickly to university life, Christy was grateful to HKCC lecturers for sharing their nursing experience, which inspired her and boosted her confidence in pursuing further studies and career development in the nursing field.

The Associate in Applied Social Sciences programme allows students to choose discipline-specific compulsory subjects offered in the other programmes under the Associate Degree Scheme in Applied Social Sciences, including Psychology, Social Policy and Administration, Sociology and Culture, to suit their own interests. Besides, my lecturer also arranged for me to work as an intern in a voluntary organisation which promotes youth development. Such opportunity not only enabled me to apply my knowledge in the workplace but also helped me set my future career goals.

Before I decided to join PolyU HKCC, I felt motivated by its learning environment and the extensive assistance it offered for both advancement and job opportunities. I opted to study for an Associate Degree in International Business with the belief that it would open doors for me to achieve my professional goals.

Starting my year in college brought about feelings of nervousness as I adjusted to the setting and occasionally faced challenges with my studies. However,lecturers at HKCC were both patient and knowledgeable, offering me guidance that helped me navigate the Non-JUPAS pathways and perform well in my coursework. Their unwavering support played a significant role in achieving academic outcomes, which resulted in the government's Self-financing Post-secondary Scholarship and offers from various universities.

Moreover, the program equipped me with skills for understanding cultural communication and the intricacies of the global market, enabling me to thrive in international business endeavors.

In addition to my journey at HKCC, I gained insights that influenced my career direction towards event management. Engaging in the mentorship initiative allowed me to connect with experts in industries, enhancing my knowledge of business landscapes. Through involvement in the Business Case Competition, I honed my abilities in presenting ideas and analyzing real-life scenarios, fueling my enthusiasm for event planning. Moreover, thanks to the CPCE study visit program scholarship, my global outlook was broadened through a study trip to Northern Europe.

It is a great pleasure to be among the first cohort of graduates of the Associate in Chinese Language and Literature programme. This programme covers a wide range of Chinese literature subjects including classical and modern literature for students to choose according to their own interests. In addition, lecturers were not only dedicated to teaching but also meticulous and responsible, making my studies at HKCC very enjoyable and helping me become an active learner of knowledge related to Chinese literature. Apart from merely teaching Chinese Literature, this programme emphasises a far more important aspect: the core values of literature essential for enhancing one's ability in appreciating literature works and linking literature with self and reality, making us unconsciously pursue a higher level of moral and cultural cultivation which will benefit me for a lifetime.

Hiu-lam has had a strong interest in English since she was young. However, her HKDSE results could not fulfil the entrance requirements of a government-funded bachelor's degree programme. As HKCC has a proven track record of high articulation rates, she decided to enrol on its Associate in English for Business Communication* as a springboard for articulating into a relevant degree programme. As an English Ambassador at HKCC, she used English in daily communication and encouraged her peers to participate in English activities of the College. She also helped organise an open English speech contest and served as a judge in the first round. "During the process, I not only enhanced my communication and English skills but also acquired organisation and leadership skills."

*This programme has been replaced by Associate in English for Professional Communication.

I worked as a ground crew member after finishing secondary school education, but the job lacked promotional opportunities and the salary was not satisfactory. I tried to find other jobs but there were few options due to my low academic qualifications. I understood that better jobs required a bachelor's degree or a sub-degree, and I loved to communicate with foreigners in English, so I decided to enrol on HKCC's Associate in English for Business Communication* as a springboard for articulating to university, majoring in English.

The programme that I studied at HKCC proceeded from easy to difficult, helping me lay a solid foundation in English. Besides, every lecturer assigned consultation hours to help students solve their problems. My academic performance at HKCC has been very satisfactory, attaining a GPA of 3.9 in the last semester (the highest being 4.0). In the second semester last year, I even received an offer of admission to year one of a UGC-funded bachelor's degree programme offered by a local university, but I chose to stay at HKCC to complete my sub-degree studies as I was confident that I could be admitted to year three after graduation. That means I could obtain a UGC degree in four years, same as taking the JUPAS route. My dream has finally come true as I got a senior year place offer from the City University of Hong Kong.

*Now replaced by Associate in English for Professional Communication

During two years at PolyU HKCC, I gained a deeper understanding of art and design. The Associate in Design (Visual Communication) curriculum covers screenwriting, photography, publishing, and illustration, helping me build diverse skills and define a clearer direction.

Thinking back to the uncertainty I felt about further studies a few years ago, I am grateful to have progressed to CUHK Fine Arts. I sincerely thank the HKCC teachers for their dedicated guidance and daily care, which helped me greatly.

Finally, I wish to thank everyone who supported and encouraged me throughout my learning journey. Your trust and support became the driving force that keeps me moving forward.

Today is a turning point in our lives. The past two years at HKCC have been very unforgettable and fruitful to say the least. Finally, we're here at today's graduation ceremony. To make this happen, we are thankful that the college provided various opportunities for us, and fortunately different helpful lecturers, staff, schoolmates and friends appeared in our college lives.

HKCC offered great opportunities and learning environment for us to strive for whole-person development during our studies. Through studying in the academic programmes, we have achieved academic advancement and enhanced our language proficiency. By working with classmates in assignments, we have acquired skills to comprehend and communicate effectively in English and Chinese, both orally and in writing. Even when we encountered obstacles in projects, we have learnt the way to examine different viewpoints, identify the problems, and come up with workable solutions collaboratively. These skills enable us to become an effective communicator, a critical thinker, as well as a practical problem solver, which are essential in both professional and daily contexts. HKCC also puts great emphasis on nurturing our self-development and continuous learning. To satisfy the need of going far beyond learning in the classroom, our college provides a wide variety of co-curricular activities and cultural exchange programmes. Take myself as an example, in the Student Ambassador Programme, I have participated in various promotional events and orientation activities. Through leading campus tours and being an MC, I had chances to meet and communicate with educational workers from overseas, and share my campus life and study experience with freshmen and the public. The experiences have broadened my horizons and enriched my college life.

When it comes to the college life in the previous two years, our lecturers played an important role in our studies. Unlike lessons in high school, HKCC lectures are inspiring and creative. This enabled us to grasp concepts much more easily. Even though we had many queries, they were always willing to answer them after class and during consultation hours. Besides, they were also deeply concerned about our future study path. They spared their time to conduct mock interviews and discuss issues about articulation. Their efforts meant a lot to our further studies.

Undoubtedly, another indispensable part in our college life is friendship. I'm lucky that the friends I have made in HKCC are friends I will have for life. They were the buddies for teaming up a study group before every mid-term test and examination; they were responsible riders when working on projects; and they were companions for food hunting, hiking, as well as travelling. With such like-minded friends, studying at HKCC became wonderful.

College is something we complete; life is something we experience. It's inescapable that we make mistakes in our lives. When we are making mistakes, we are creating new things; trying new stuff; learning, living, pushing and changing ourselves. Two years ago, we experienced a setback in the public examination. Today, we have learnt from mistakes and equipped ourselves to strive for our goals. No road to success is straight and easy. Still, let's continue to be courageous to embark on our aspired path.

As today is our graduation day, we should be proud of our accomplishments. All our efforts paid off. Although today officially marks the end of our studies at HKCC, our connections with HKCC, lecturers, staff, and friends will remain. Thank you all the peers who have accompanied us throughout the years with bitterness and sweetness. May I wish all of our graduates a bright future. And let's express our gratitude to HKCC with a big round of applause.

*Excerpted from CHEUNG Hong-ting Emily (2017, October). Valedictory Speech. School of Professional Education and Executive Development and Hong Kong Community College Joint Graduation Ceremony 2017. Hong Kong: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

When I first chose the path of design, I faced countless doubts. Family often advised me to take a more "stable" route, but ultimately, I realised that life belongs to me. I don't want to look back at sixty and discover I've been living someone else's life, filled with regret. The road of design may be challenging, and there might be moments of doubt, but it's a choice I'll never regret because it's true to my heart.

I'm deeply grateful to the version of myself who stood firm in that decision. Today, I've successfully entered university, pursuing the bachelor's degree I once thought was out of reach. In the end, I want to share a seemingly cliché but heartfelt reminder—stay true to your original aspirations and keep chasing your unique light.

Today is our graduation. Indeed, time flies. Do you still remember the first day you came to HKCC? How was your two years’ life at HKCC? For me, life at HKCC was challenging, happy and fruitful. I am grateful that I met friendly and knowledgeable lecturers, precious friends, and got tons of opportunities to enhance myself. I am sure all of you agree that HKCC is a nice and warm place. Not only a place for acquiring academic knowledge, it’ s also a place full of love, care, and unforgettable memories.

The reason why we’ve become a whole new person with determination and confidence is undoubtedly credited to our lecturers who have equipped us to face new challenges ahead. I am thankful for being taught by many passionate and helpful lecturers. They were willing to answer any questions about studies, articulation and even personal difficulties. I am proud to say that the relationship between lecturers and students at HKCC is far more than a teacher-student relationship, we are more like friends. I would like to deliver my deepest thanks to all lecturers for being so kind and supportive. Without you, we wouldn’t be who we are today.

Apart from our dearest lecturers, we should never miss the ones who are sitting next to us right now, they are our companions who have worked, played, studied, laughed and shared burdens with us in the past two years. We have met different friends who have helped us succeed: a friend who studied in the library day by day and you could never figure out why he or she could be so hard-working, a friend who pushed you to do assignments and projects, a friend who convinced you not to skip lessons, or a friend who stayed with you till the last minute of the deadline for your assignment. After this ceremony, don’t hesitate to give your precious buddies a big hug and a warm greeting as I believe that they will be your life-long friends.

Today, we are wearing our graduation gowns and officially starting a new chapter in our life. Yet, don’t forget those who stand behind us and cheer for us in silence, they are our parents. Give them a hug too. Never make yourself regret before it’s too late. Please allow me to express my gratitude in both Chinese and English. 多謝父母多年來的養育之恩.Thank you for supporting us unconditionally.

My beloved fellow schoolmates, even though we have different paths, even though we might encounter different difficulties, please remember that all of us are inseparable. I believe that we HKCC students are always kind, caring, lively, passionate and enthusiastic. Some may say life becomes hard once we enter society as we need to be realistic and mature in order to survive. Although life might be frustrating and confusing, we should never give up our hopes and dreams, just like kids. Let your passion guide you, never underestimate your ability nor limit your imagination. Be confident to express yourselves as much as you can, and show the world who you really are. I know all of you are capable of being successful the way you are.

Last but not least, I want to end my speech with a quote from Anatole France, a French poet, “To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe”. Thank you all for listening and wish you all the best of luck.

*Excerpted from CHEUNG Lok-lam (2016, October). Valedictory Speech. School of Professional Education and Executive Development and Hong Kong Community College Joint Graduation Ceremony 2016. Hong Kong: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

The Associate in Applied Social Sciences (Sociology and Culture) programme kindled my interest in social research and participation. Sociological theories and knowledge gave me a whole new perspective on thinking, allowed me to re-develop my understanding about individuals, history and society as well as fostered my humanistic solicitude. Through the application of social research methods, I had the opportunity to interact with different groups so as to explore society. Lecturers' guidance and the excellent learning environment both helped make my journey at HKCC enjoyable.

After graduation from university, I joined a charity called "EDiversity", which aims to promote "choices and diversity in education". We have been encouraging parents and teachers to rethink the real meaning of education in schools and communities, and therefore education can truly meet the needs of every child.

In the first few years, I was mainly responsible for research work, and then expanded to more areas, including teacher training, curriculum design, intern supervision, exchange and sharing event, publicity and liaison, project development and planning, etc. All these tasks are challenging, but very meaningful indeed. I need to apply various skills in the workplace, such as thinking in multiple perspectives, analyzing information, giving empathy, and connecting with others. These crucial abilities were equipped from sociological training, and they are being applied and enhanced in my daily work.

My name is Jackie. I did not achieve ideal scores in the public examination (HKDSE), so I enrolled in the HKCC Health Studies program under the Secondary School Principals' Recommendation Scheme. I believe that this program at HKCC has strengthened my resolve and helped me consider my future career. Nursing is a highly professional field that allows me to gain not only a solid understanding of basic
theories but also a deeper understanding of nursing techniques. This will make it easier for me to adapt to university programs in the future.

Furthermore, the HKCC program encourages and recommends students to participate in internships, which allow you to understand patients' needs and immerse yourself in the role of a healthcare professional, thus better preparing you for your future career.

I would like to encourage all students here at HKCC: "No pain, no gain," and you will eventually achieve your goals.

My most memorable experience during my study at HKCC was participating in the HATA Annual Overseas Convention held in Taiwan. I could meet and chat with a lot of successful leaders in the tourism industry.

Working as an intern in an inbound travel agency was another unforgettable experience. I could utilise all the knowledge that I learned from HKCC during my internship.

Besides, our programme leader also provided us with a lot of opportunities to learn outside the classroom, such as organising field trips and inviting tourism professionals to share their experiences. Our programme leader and lecturers gave us useful suggestions for academic and career development. The study life at HKCC made me become a more confident person.

Chi-kit believes that HKCC's Associate in Business, which is unique among other major-bearing business programmes, provides students with a wide selection of elective subjects and flexibility in their own articulation pathway. Being free to choose their favourite subjects, students may identify personal interests much more easily, which will facilitate their Non-JUPAS application.

"Enjoying warmth and love from HKCC lecturers is always a memorable experience. They were like our companions who fought with us in these two challenging years."

Chi-kit also joined study tours and travelled to different cities, like Brisbane and Sydney in Australia and Santa Monica in USA, which filled him with new insights. Being one of the Student Ambassadors, Chi-kit also enhanced his interpersonal and leadership skills.

Looking ahead, Chi-kit sincerely hopes to be a versatile and successful marketer.

Although Chi-kit's DSE results were not satisfactory, he graduated with outstanding academic achievements, thanks to the care and guidance from HKCC lecturers. "Lecturers devoted themselves to teaching and encouraging students. They were willing to answer our questions, and they would use lively and interesting examples from movies and personal experience to help students understand lectures." Chi-kit was awarded HKCC scholarships to join study tours organised by the College, which allowed him to experience different cultures and broaden his horizons. "During the study tour to Canada, I learned to treat people with honesty from the locals, while the US study tour enabled me to get a real taste of the free atmosphere there."

Because of my setback in the public examination and family financial difficulties, I worked as a rehabilitation worker for ex-mentally ill persons in a social welfare organisation after completing a diploma programme to earn a living. I eventually developed a passion for this job and wish to be a professional social worker to offer more frontline services to them, so I decided to go back to school and applied for admission to HKCC's Higher Diploma in Social Work, which became a milestone in my life.

This programme emphasised both theory and practice; it also allowed me to understand more about my personality and attributes. Besides, lecturers not only imparted knowledge but also shared with us the important values that a social worker should hold. After returning to school, I had lots of opportunities to integrate knowledge, abstract concepts, and practical work experience, which helped me solve mysteries and understand lectures. My whole learning process also became more rewarding.

我十分榮幸能夠站在台上，代表畢業同學致辭。光陰似箭，不知不覺間，我在HKCC的兩年時間已經過去。兩年前的今天，我們才剛開學不久；兩年後，我們已經參加畢業禮了。

兩年前，大家完成公開試，對前路充滿疑問。以我為例，我的公開試成績未如理想，人生霎時變得迷茫，對未來充滿疑慮。其後入讀HKCC，既徬徨又憂慮，擔心未能結交良伴，擔心未能適應環境轉變，更擔心未能升上學士學位課程。慶幸的是，現在我發覺當初一切的憂慮都是多餘的，反而擁有很多美好的回憶。

能夠克服重重障礙，確實有賴眾多HKCC老師的關懷和努力。以往無法適應新環境，擔心跟不上學習進度等等的疑慮，都有他們為我分憂。上堂的時候，他們會悉心、詳盡教授知識，有時更會分享他們的人生經驗，鼓勵我們。下課後，無論是學業還是其他問題，他們不單不厭其煩用心聆聽，更會為我們提供合適的意見和協助，支持我們。師生關係融洽，可謂亦師亦友。老師的無私教導，就像強心針一樣，增強我們的信心。

除了感謝一班老師之外，我亦都十分感激這兩年一起奮鬥、一起並肩作戰的同學。兩年前，我們互不相識，但正正因為有著共同目標，我們一起笑、一起做功課、一起溫習、一起分享成果，令大家在這兩年從不孤單。因為互相鼓勵，共同努力，我們成為好戰友，甚至好知己。認識到這班志同道合的朋友，確實難能可貴，為我這兩年的校園生活添上豐富的色彩。雖然以後大家未必再在同一班房上課，但我相信彼此的友情一定會延續下去。

在很多人的眼中，修讀副學士課程未必是升學的最佳選擇。但我仍記得剛剛入學的時候，有位老師在課堂上說過：「雖然你們所走的路較其他人迂迴，但你們沿路欣賞的風景卻比別人多。」的確，可能有些事情，我們並非一次就能成功做到，經歷亦與其他人不同，路途可能更崎嶇，正因如此，我們會更珍惜這兩年的成果。就像行山一樣，路途雖然迂迴曲折，但是可以享受沿路的風景，亦可考驗毅力。更重要的是，登上山頂後，可以享受達到目標的喜悅。

結束，可以代表另一個新的開始。過去兩年，大家都有不同的經歷；未來，大家有著不同的志向。雖然未來充滿未知之數，但希望HKCC學習生活的一點一滴，都能夠成為大家奮鬥的動力，無論前路有多難行，都會堅持理想，勇往直前，迎接新開始。

最後，我衷心祝願各位畢業同學一帆風順，前程似錦，鵬程萬里！多謝。

* Excerpted from CHONG Tsz-yan Anne (2018, October). Valedictory Speech. School of Professional Education and Executive Development and Hong Kong Community College Joint Graduation Ceremony 2018. Hong Kong: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

The year of the DSE results, I narrowly missed out on my dream program and ultimately chose to enroll at HKCC, viewing the associate degree as a crucial stepping stone. During that period, the library became my second home, where countless days and nights were spent immersed in books, filling page after page with notes. Unexpectedly, as I delved deeper into counseling courses, my passion for social work became even clearer, giving me a strong sense of purpose with every step I took.

I am deeply grateful to the teachers who guided me during moments of uncertainty and to my supportive peers who stood by me. The hard work and experiences I gained during this time laid a solid foundation, making my transition to university smoother than I had imagined. Now, as I step into my dream campus, I realize that what once felt like regret turned out to be one of life's most rewarding detours, thanks to the encouragement I received and the perfect timing of it all.

During secondary school, I was passionate about first aid and nursing. Despite the undesired DSE result, HKCC Health Studies offered me a second chance to pursue my dream, and I was able to enroll in CUHK Nursing.

The similar curriculum of HKCC Health Studies and other bachelor programs has helped me establish a strong foundation. Even in University, my knowledge was not much different from that of others.

Studying over the past two years has been really enjoyable. The lecturers are super helpful and always willing to support students, both academically and in terms of career advice. I've personally benefited a lot from my program leader, especially when it came to choosing a university and getting guidance for case competitions - Multinational Business Case Tournament (2022/23), and Youth Entrepreneur Scheme (2022/23).

HKCC has also organized plenty of internal case competitions, which gave students a chance to apply what they've learned to real-world scenarios. These experiences really helped me better understand the concepts from textbooks.

Overall, I'd say my study life at HKCC has been great. The facilities, study environment, and teaching quality are definitely the things I've appreciated the most during these two years.

During my studies at the Hong Kong Community College (HKCC), I consistently attained outstanding academic results and was repeatedly named to the "Dean's List for Academic Achievement". I was further recognised with the "Outstanding Student Award (Bronze Award)" and the "HSBC Vocational Education Scholarship", affirming my academic dedication and performance. Subsequently, I was admitted to the University of Hong Kong (HKU), where I was placed on the "Dean's Honour List" of the Faculty of Social Sciences and awarded multiple scholarships, including funding to undertake an academic exchange programme at Tsinghua University. The rigorous and well-structured academic environment at HKCC provided me with a solid foundation in the social sciences and nurtured my intellectual curiosity. Through critical engagement with peers and faculty, I was able to broaden my perspectives on pressing social issues. This formative academic journey not only reinforced my commitment to academic excellence but also deepened my aspiration to serve the community. It laid a strong foundation for my pursuit of a Master's degree in Social Work, further enhancing my professional competence and sense of social responsibility.

I sought to continue studying and broaden my horizons, so I enrolled in Associate in Design (Visual Communication). Over two years, I clarified my direction and moved toward the path that suited me best. The time was brief yet rewarding, as my design knowledge and hands‑on experience grew in tandem, and guidance from tutors strengthened my foundations. In the end, I applied what I learned to course projects, assembled a clear and coherent portfolio, and gained admission to my desired BA (Hons) in Media Design at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

"I have had a keen interest in Chinese culture since childhood and have long aspired to become a history teacher, so I decided to enrol in HKCC’s Associate of Arts. Associate of Arts is a high quality programme. Its content encompasses arts, history and philosophy, helping me broaden my horizons and lay a solid foundation for my future studies.

HKCC boasts a team of quality teaching staff who are willing to offer assistance to us after class so as to boost our chances of articulating to bachelor’s degree programmes.

Upon graduation from HKCC, I received eight offers from the following institutions and universities:

1. PolyU – BA (Hons) in Bilingual Interdisciplinary Chinese Studies
2. PolyU SPEED - BA (Hons) in English for Business and Professional Communication
3. CityU – BA in Culture and Heritage Management
4. CityU - BSocSc in Asian and International Studies
5. CityU – BSocSc in Criminology
6. HKBU - BA in History
7. HKIEd – BA (Hons) in Liberal Studies Education
8. HKIEd – Bachelor of Education (Hons) (History)

I finally chose to enrol in HKBU’s BA (Hons) in History to make my long-cherished dreams of university come true."

After two years of studies at HKCC, this is the moment when we should be proud of ourselves since today is our graduation.

Do you still remember that day when we received our DSE results? What was your feeling at that moment? I was frustrated at failing to achieve good grades. Same as all of you, I entered HKCC to pursue my dreams. Many of us were striving for university degrees. Others were striving for their dream jobs. We, associate degree students, have to face more challenges when chasing our dreams than our friends who have already entered the university. Therefore, we shared the hard times which others won't understand.

Resilience and perseverance are what we have learnt at HKCC. We tried to find another articulation pathway and adapt to college life. On our struggle to overcome different obstacles, we all persevered in the past two years. HKCC helped us improve ourselves in various aspects, such as critical thinking skills and self-confidence. It also gave us a chance to discover our personal aptitudes. Some may uncover their leadership talent; others may unearth their interpersonal skills.

I was lucky to be admitted to HKCC. The hard times changed my understanding of the word "failure". For me, studying at HKCC was a challenge but also an opportunity. Since I am determined to chase my dream, the challenge gave me an opportunity to transform myself into a better person. For example, my written and spoken English were poor in the past. Moreover, I was too shy to speak to strangers before entering HKCC. I knew I should improve my English communication skills. Then, I worked hard on English lessons and attended English workshops at HKCC. Practice makes perfect. After all, I have enhanced my English communication skills and self-confidence. Now, I am confident enough to present my speech even in English to all of you. I have learnt different skills and yielded some unexpected academic results in these two years. I also met my passionate lecturers and precious friends. They made me feel delightful studying at HKCC.

HKCC lecturers are not just teachers; they are mentors and friends. They supported us by giving advice on articulation and listening to our pressure from studies or personal issues patiently. They were willing to solve our problems whenever we needed them. Lecturers and students have a harmonious relationship. It was heart-warming when they supported and encouraged us to keep on chasing our dreams.

Now, look at your friends sitting right next to you! Friends who supported you all the way in your sub-degree studies. They were your teammates who studied and played with you together; they also gave you the motivation to study hard. I believe you spent most of the time with them in the past two years. Perhaps we have to part now, but we won't forget how we worked hard together on different tasks.

We all have experienced how frustrating it could be when adapting to a new environment. After spending two years at HKCC, now we have to leave and adjust to new situations. Maybe you are now getting lost in your path or worrying about your future, but don't worry and don't hesitate to share your feelings with your friends and family, especially those who have the same experience with you. They care about your feelings and will stand firmly by you. I remember one of my lecturers told me a quote "Change your mind, change your life; take your action, take your time". Every goal takes time. So, please don't think of giving up though your goals are hard to reach. You would think your painstaking effort is worth it when you have successfully achieved your goals.

Whether we have decided to further our studies or enter the workforce, we won't forget what happened in the past two years. This is the place where we achieved our goals. We will remember the good old days that we shared. From now on, we should be confident to get out of our comfort zone and move on to our own paths with the skills and knowledge learnt at HKCC. Thank you.

*Excerpted from DWI Wai-shan, Jaimie (2018, October). Valedictory Speech. School of Professional Education and Executive Development and Hong Kong Community College Joint Graduation Ceremony 2018. Hong Kong: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

Jaimie enrolled on Associate of Science not only because HKCC was known for its high articulation rates but also the programme offered fundamental subjects including biology, chemistry, and physics, which helped students lay a firm academic foundation. She appreciated that HKCC lecturers were willing to answer students' questions both inside and outside the classroom; they also gave her a lot of learning support. "I learned to make lecture notes every day to facilitate my revision." Jaimie was placed on the CPCE Dean's List in recognition of her outstanding academic performance. Besides, she actively participated in co-curricular activities such as language workshops, mountaineering training, and bonsai workshops. Such a vibrant college life helped her relieve stress, explore potential, and strengthen confidence.

Although Elvis did not take any business subjects in secondary school, he aspired to develop a career in the business sector. After discussing with his senior peers, he concluded that HKCC offered better campus facilities and a better programme curriculum, so he enrolled in HKCC’s Associate in Business. Despite having to learn business knowledge from scratch, Elvis said, “As long as one was attentive in class and willing to consult lecturers on problems encountered, getting good results was not that difficult; moreover, I also went through past exam papers to better prepare myself.”

Besides, Elvis teamed up with classmates to compete in the Young Entrepreneur Scheme of HKCC and learned how to prepare a business proposal through industry visits and workshops. Championing the creative idea of the unmanned aircraft, they won the first runner-up award and the “Best Company Website Design” award. Despite having only two months to complete the project, Elvis said the whole team worked tirelessly to see things through. “The competition itself enabled me to gain knowledge beyond what was covered in the textbook while its final presentation tested and trained my ability to interact spontaneously with others on the spot.”

Harris is now pursuing his doctoral degree in Mechanical Engineering at PolyU. His research interests lie in physics, computer applications and programming etc and he has a strong mathematical ability, so he is determined to develop his career in the engineering industry. Although his HKALE results didn’t allow him to be admitted to a bachelor’s degree programme via JUPAS, he learned that HKCC’s Associate in Engineering matched his interests and strengths, so he decided to enrol in the programme.

During his studies at HKCC, Harris always sought academic advice from lecturers and then digested the knowledge through revision. After two years of efforts, Harris graduated with outstanding results and was admitted to the second year of PolyU’s BEng (Honours) in Mechanical Engineering.

After earning his bachelor’s degree, Harris pursued his Master of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering at PolyU. Because of his excellent performance, he was allowed to switch to a doctoral degree in 2012. At present, he is using computer programming to study the relationship among fluid, acoustics and structure. He aims to finish his study in 2015 and apply his research results to aviation equipment.

“HKCC helped me develop a proactive attitude to learning. Through group projects, I also learned how to build team spirit and manage my time effectively. Not only did I obtain good academic results at HKCC, I also acquired research and analytical skills which formed a firm basis for my current research work. In the future, I hope to work as an engineer and make good use of my expertise to benefit the industry as well as the whole community. ”

During my 2-year study journey in HKCC Health Studies, I have learnt what I could not have learned outside HKCC. All the lecturers teach with their kind and patient hearts, which allows us to learn as much as we can. Although I knew nothing about nursing during my secondary school, I can explain questions about nursing in detail now. Also, I have met like-minded friends who can study with me and help me improve myself. As one of the class representatives, I can strengthen the relationship between teachers and students. Additionally, during semester break, we have a placement in a private hospital and nursing home, where we can apply what we have learnt in the lessons and reinforce our knowledge. Ensuring my dream of becoming a nurse in the future after graduation. Thank you to all the lecturers who taught me last 2 years and my friends who support me anytime. At last, I can articulate to the PolyU Nursing program.

The Associate in Business (Accounting) programme enhanced my knowledge of a wide array of professional areas of accounting, such as accounting, taxation, auditing, and business law. The programme also organised business talks with various themes to facilitate my understanding of different industries. In the HKCC family, I not only made best friends but also took part in business competitions to gain practical experience. Besides, through the Mentorship Programme, mentors shared their valuable experience which prompted me to ponder on my future career development.

The Higher Diploma in Aircraft Services Engineering programme emphasises both theory and practice. Some classes are conducted at the Industrial Centre of PolyU where I can learn different processes of aircraft maintenance in a simulated environment, including engineering drawings, making parts, and welding parts, etc. Besides, I can also learn about the operations and principles of different parts of an aircraft from theoretical lessons, which are conducive to my future career development in the aviation industry.

There were many precious experiences during my two-year study at HKCC. Although the study pattern was totally different from secondary education, HKCC provided a lot of support for me to adapt to the new learning environment. When I encountered learning problems, lecturers were able and willing to help me.

Apart from study, there were plenty of co-curricular activities for students. The study tours and the internship programme that I joined are the most memorable things to me. I broadened my horizons and acquired a lot of knowledge outside the classroom through three different study tours. Also, I was given a chance to work as an intern at a large company so that I could apply my business management skills. All these experiences have facilitated my further study in university and future career planning.

Frustrated in a public exam years ago, Oscar didn't expect that he would become a professional in the engineering industry years later. Oscar said he chose to enrol in HKCC's Associate in Engineering because the College had a high reputation, thus providing graduates with ample opportunities for further studies.

Apart from equipping Oscar with professional knowledge of engineering, the programme also enabled him to learn about the many disciplines of engineering so that he knew clearly which path to take. During his studies, he learned to adopt a target-oriented learning approach and formed study groups with friends who all shared a common goal: getting admitted to their own favourite programmes in university. Eventually, two years of efforts paid off: Oscar and his friends were all admitted to university.

Oscar shared that the harmonious teacher-student relationship has impressed him a lot. Not only were lecturers passionate about teaching, they were also willing to offer advice on further studies. Although many years have passed since he graduated, Oscar is still thankful for their help and in contact with them. He was also invited by the Research Centre for Advanced Design, Materials and Manufacturing Technologies of SPEED to be a speaker for an online research seminar on advanced materials.

Setting a good example for DSE students, Oscar said, "Students who have experienced a setback in the public exam should not be discouraged. What you need to do is to get up after a fall and pull yourself together. With diligence to make up for deficiencies, you can surely carve out your own path to success."

With only 17 marks in the best five HKDSE subjects, I was very grateful for receiving offers from three well-known universities –The University of Hong Kong, The Chinese University of Hong Kong and The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.

Through studying the Associate in Business (International Business) programme, I gained professional and well-rounded business knowledge, especially international business, globalisation, international finance, and supply chain management. With these profound insights, I can understand the ever-changing global business world, which is conducive to my further studies and internship training.

As an International Business student, it is of paramount importance for me to widen my international perspectives. With the PolyU HKCC Travelling Scholarship and PolyU HKCC Student Project Support Fund, I respectively joined the Elite Tour to Los Angeles, USA and the Rotaract International Service Trip to Taiwan. Also, I joined the Voluntary Teaching in Nanxiong, China organised by the Social Service Society of the Students' Union. These three tours gave me unique international experiences and cultivated my global mindset.

I would like to express my gratitude to the lecturers of International Business for supporting me throughout my college life at HKCC. Without their care and guidance, I could never fulfil my university dream. The alumni were also very helpful in providing advice on my studies and further education. I strongly recommend this programme to HKDSE students who want to enjoy holistic development and fulfil their university dreams.

我很榮幸能夠代表各位畢業生致辭，為我們這兩年在HKCC的生活作總結。

不知道大家兩年前第一天踏入HKCC的心情如何？開心？緊張？還是害怕自己結識不到朋友或難以適應大專生活？我想大部分人當初都是懷着忐忑不安的心情展開在HKCC的學習生活。但過了不久，這種不安便被拋到九霄雲外，因為我們在這裏結識到一班良師益友。HKCC的老師熱心教學，當學生在學科內容、功課或升學上遇到難題，他們亦很樂意一一解答，甚至願意付出自己寶貴的休息時間，為我們整理筆記要點。記得一年級時 ，有兩位英文老師更加以自身經歷，鼓勵大家不要因為副學士學生這個身份而感到徬徨，反而應該相信自己的能力，發憤圖強。很感激HKCC的老師，因為有他們的幫助和鼓勵，我們才能在學習和升學路上排除萬難。除了老師，我想大家亦很感激一起做group projects、溫習，以及互相傾訴的同學。我們會為了一些group projects的內容而爭論不休；會為了令一句譯文更加順暢自然而絞盡腦汁。能夠與這群志同道合的同學、朋友一起交流知識，互相鼓勵，向着目標進發，實在是很難得的事，希望大家都可以繼續維持這份寶貴的友誼。

此外，我亦要感謝HKCC令我們重拾對學習的興趣和熱誠，主修科目固然有趣、實用，例如我學到文化和歷史對翻譯的影響，以及譯文如何達到信達雅。此外，HKCC亦提供了豐富的選修科目，令我們能夠擴闊視野，思想變得更加成熟，為未來踏出社會做好準備。學院鼓勵我們修讀不同範疇的選修科，例如社會科學和不同語言，令我們能夠汲取主修科目以外的知識。此外，我們更可以把選修科目的知識與主修科目融會貫通，甚至應用在日常生活上。因此，我很感謝HKCC為同學開啟知識的大門，令我們接觸不同範疇的學科，增廣見聞，令學習生活非常充實。

經過兩年的默默耕耘，各位畢業生在今天終於學有所成，過程中可能有喜有悲，但無論如何，請大家都不要因少少成功而沾沾自喜；亦不要因為少少挫折而心灰意冷，因為今天只不過是人生中的一個里程碑，而非終點，我們的人生還很漫長，所以我們不應該停下腳步。未來的路可能還會有些曲折，要花更多時間才能到達終點，但我們亦會因而看到不一樣的風景，增加我們的人生閱歷。無論走的是哪一條道路，只要肯努力裝備自己，都必定夠引領我們朝著人生目標進發。

在此，我衷心祝願學院能繼續為香港教育作出貢獻，並祝各位身體健康、前程似錦！多謝。

*Excerpted from HSU Ying-ying (2021, April). Valedictory Speech. School of Professional Education and Executive Development and Hong Kong Community College Joint Graduation Ceremony 2020. Hong Kong: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

HKCC lecturers were willing to provide additional support based on different students' learning progress, which was particularly important amid the pandemic. The College also offered us many opportunities to put knowledge gained into practice and enrich our learning experiences. For example, I participated in a case competition Young Entrepreneur Scheme co-organised by Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and the College to understand more about business decision-making process and operations.

Ling-cheung said, "PolyU HKCC's sub-degree programmes are renowned for their high articulation rates; students are also guaranteed to progress to PolyU SPEED bachelor's degree programmes upon meeting specified requirements via a '2+2' articulation pathway."

Ling-cheung described that the Associate in Engineering was comprehensive in content, covering civil engineering, construction engineering, electrical engineering, and transportation engineering, etc., helping students understand their future development paths. "I was originally interested in civil engineering, but later I found that construction engineering is more suitable for me." Ling-cheung eventually articulated into PolyU SPEED's BSc (Hons) in Building Engineering and Management through the "2+2" pathway. "Some of the foundation subjects in the programme were already taken in my associate degree, so I was granted credit exemptions, freeing up more time for me to participate in extracurricular activities and enjoy college life." He also pointed out that all PolyU SPEED's engineering programmes are accredited by The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (HKIE). Graduates are eligible for Scheme A training. After accumulating designated work experience, they can apply to become registered engineers to facilitate their career development in the industry.

Chun-shing believes that the biggest feature of PolyU HKCC is the close lecturer-student relationship. Lecturers are not only dedicated to teaching but also willing to communicate with students after class and answer questions about study. "I once chatted with my lecturer for an hour after class. Not only did he answer all my questions, he was also very friendly towards us."

Regarding the programme, Chun-shing was particularly interested in subjects related to Hong Kong society, which integrated general education and historical knowledge, thus stimulating his passion for history. In addition, the College also arranged many site visits and internship opportunities for students to study outside the classroom. Chun-shing interned at a social welfare organisation to learn about its operations, which broadened his horizons and knowledge.

With his outstanding achievements, Chun-shing earned his place in the Dean's List and received the Outstanding Student Award.

Cheuk-man took visual arts as an elective subject in secondary school, and was particularly interested in graphic design. Even though he scored 19 points in DSE, he gave up his chance to enrol in a university programme that he was not interested in. Instead, he chose to study at PolyU HKCC.

Cheuk-man praised the lecturers at HKCC for caring about students' further study. "They knew that I loved graphic design and advised me to follow the '2+2' pathway to further my study with PolyU SPEED's BA (Hons) in Media and Communication Design because it offered graphic design subjects that would suit my needs. Besides, being awarded by PolyU, the degree had high recognition."

Cheuk-man also pointed out that PolyU HKCC's sub-degree programmes were closely linked with PolyU SPEED's bachelor's degree programmes. "During my associate degree studies, I acquired knowledge and skills in graphic design and in short film production, making it easier for me to study related advanced subjects at the degree level."

Some PolyU HKCC lecturers also teach PolyU SPEED programmes, so they clearly understand the needs of students from PolyU HKCC and teach them according to their abilities, thereby enabling these students to adapt more easily to the learning and teaching of degree programmes, not the least in making good use of the learning facilities of the design studios.

Chi-yuen did not adapt well to the traditional study mode in secondary school, so he had always lacked motivation to learn. Enrolling in PolyU HKCC became a turning point for him. Not only did he find the joy and motivation to learn, but his personality also became more mature. He found that the lecturers were very friendly and dedicated to teaching; the senior fellow students were also happy to communicate with the juniors, and the learning atmosphere was good. What's more important was that the programme aligned with his interests. Chi-yuen, who has been passionate about computers since childhood, acquired a variety of computer software and hardware knowledge from the programme, such as cloud computing, mobile apps design, and artificial intelligence and machine learning emerged in recent years, which were both practical and interesting.

Chi-yuen was also actively engaged in extracurricular activities. He served as a student ambassador and an event emcee, participating in different types of workshops and organising orientation camps, etc. Through these activities, he met a group of friends. In addition, he participated in internships in Hong Kong and Beijing, as well as an exchange programme in Munich, Germany, all of which provided him with valuable experiences.

Though I experienced a setback in HKDSE, HKCC gave me a chance to make a new start and keep going.

Seasoned and professional lecturers at HKCC offered me gentle guidance on translation skills, which helped me lay a firm foundation for further studies and career development. I benefited greatly from their willingness to share their experience in translation. Besides, careers talks also introduced me to various pathways. HKCC lecturers always encouraged me and helped me unlock my potential, which enabled me to regain my confidence.

The Higher Diploma in Aircraft Services Engineering has enabled me to gain a thorough understanding of aircraft engineering and operations. We could use the PolyU Industrial Centre for practical workshops such as welding, machining, and composites, which is conducive to our future careers in the aviation engineering industry. The subjects covered also centred on the aviation industry, specifically aircraft structures and flight performance. The lecturers went over the calculations and design in great detail, which greatly stimulated my interest in this programme. The aircraft engineering skills and principles I learned here have prepared me well for further study in the aviation field.

首先，我感到非常榮幸，可以代表本屆畢業生致辭。未知在座各位畢業生對兩年的大專生活有何體會呢？回想起當初經歷文憑試，面對眼前不少的升學出路，我選擇了HKCC，開展我兩年的大專生涯，最初或許曾經懷疑過自己這個決定是否正確，但現在深深覺得如果兩年前沒有選擇這條路，今天我不會站在這裡，也沒有現在的我。

當初的我，懷著戰戰兢兢的心情來到這裡，面對一個陌生的環境，感到無比擔心，除了害怕結交不到新朋友外，我亦擔心有負自己和家人的期望，未能升讀心儀的大學。幸而HKCC就像一個溫暖的家，無論學院、老師還是同學，都給我很大的支持，令我可以很快適應大專生活。除了身邊的人之外，校園環境都有利於我的學習。當我有需要安靜溫習的時候，可以到學院的圖書館；當我想跟組員討論小組報告的時候，可以到小組研討室。完善的學習設施大大促進了我的學習。

此外，在我的大專生涯中，老師亦時常在旁扶持和鼓勵。上課時，他們會盡量解釋課堂重點，令我們可以透徹明白當中的概念。考試前夕，無論是上學日子還是假期，老師都不厭其煩解答我們的疑問，不會推卻站在辦公室門外等候的同學，有問必答。老師亦都在百忙之中抽空為我們寫推薦信，又安排模擬面試，增強我們對大學面試的信心。他們還給予我們很多寶貴的升學意見，消除我們的疑惑和迷惘。我們十分多謝老師的提攜和教導，兩年間，我們建立了濃厚的師生情，加強了我對HKCC的歸屬感。

另外，我聽說很多人升讀大專之後，很難給交知心好友，但事實並非如此。因為要做小組報告的關係，我認識到一班志同道合的好朋友，令我覺得不再孤軍作戰。我們一起參加不少活動，例如交流團及師友計劃等，為我的大專生活增添不少色彩。雖然我們有不同目標，但仍然一起努力奮鬥，經歷無數困難，互相扶持，互相鼓勵。現在，我們已經建立了深厚的友誼，成為無所不談的好知己、好戰友，我們還約定日後一定要保持聯絡。

兩年匆匆過去，今天的畢業禮代表大專生涯的結束，亦都象徵另一段新旅程的開始，我們將會開展人生新的一頁。無論在座的畢業生有何期盼或目標，我希望各位都會有一個美好的將來。最後，我要多謝各位老師循循善誘的教導，感謝HKCC提供無限支持，並在此祝願各位畢業生前程錦繡。多謝！

*Excerpted from KWOK Tsz-ying (2018, October). Valedictory Speech. School of Professional Education and Executive Development and Hong Kong Community College Joint Graduation Ceremony 2018. Hong Kong: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

I still remember after DSE, I was faced with multiple pathways for further studies, from which I chose HKCC to embark on my tertiary education. Throughout my two years of studies here, I was blessed with support from my lecturers, buddies, and the College as a whole. In particular, my learning was greatly enhanced by the comprehensive facilities such as the CPCE libraries and group discussion rooms. Also, thanks to my lecturers, who would take time to explain main points and answer questions; I soon adapted to my college life and developed a sense of belonging to HKCC.

Outside the classroom, I participated in various activities such as exchange tours and the mentorship programme. These experiences have broadened my horizons and enriched my college life which would otherwise have been all about studying.

時光飛逝，大專生活轉眼過去。今天是我們的畢業禮，我非常榮幸能夠站在台上代表畢業同學致辭。

曾經，我們都迷惘過。公開考試過後，我們都站在升學及就業的交叉路上猶豫不決。在以往的教育制度下，我們只知如何背誦書本的內容及作答題目，而不知道學習的意義，自己應該行一條怎樣的路及過一個怎樣的人生。原先，我們都對大專生活懵然不知，甚至會像外界一樣質疑副學位課程的認受性。然而，兩年過後，我們對此都有另一番體會。

修讀副學位課程讓我們學會閱讀多方面的資訊，然後理性分析，作出比較後才下定論。而且，透過批判性思維的鍛鍊及知識上的增值，我們逐漸建立一套屬於自己的價值觀。就個人而言，修讀社會科學，讓我認識到香港政制發展、社會公義及意識形態等概念，較以往更貼近社會，更留意時事，更關注自己及他人的權益。同時，我亦了解到每個人都被自身的成長環境所影響，學會和而不同，尊重及接納他人的想法。

除了知識層面外，我們在CC亦得到難能可貴的友誼。正因大家都是副學位課程學生，正因大家都擁有共同目標，我們逐漸成立同路人互助小組，有福同享，有難同當，共同努力及互相勉勵。此外，我們會關心彼此身心健康，在戰友難過失意時，耐心聆聽他們的苦況，有時更會送上一些小吃，為對方打打氣。

這兩年，我們的生活因CC而變得多姿多采。有些同學上莊籌劃活動，有些同學成為學生代表，有些同學積極參與義工活動、實習及海外交流。而且，透過參與 CARES的活動，我們亦發掘到個人的特性及長短處，找到真正適合自己的學士學位課程及將來希望從事的工作。

現在，CC對我們而言，不再只是一所學院，而是一個家。在這個家，我們有像兄弟姊妹般的同學，像爸媽一樣的老師。這裏的老師從不以成績判別我們，而是比任何人更相信我們的能力，更關心我們的發展。每當我們在學習上遇到困難，他們總是願意花額外時間及精神，輔助我們。每當我們感到徬徨無助及迷失方向，他們會像明燈一樣指引我們。每當我們感到氣餒挫敗，他們總會鼓勵我們，甚至與我們一起檢討進度，重整旗鼓，繼續前進。在CC，老師與學生並無高低等級之分，他們的辦公室大門總是長開，歡迎我們隨時諮詢。

總括而言，這些一點一滴成就了今天的我們。千言萬語盡在不言中，現在請以最熱烈的掌聲答謝所有支持我們的人。

畢業標誌着另一段人生的開始。或許我們都會因未知而感到擔憂，但我相信CC的回憶會成為動力，使我們追夢時不孤單、不懼怕。我們都需要有無比的勇氣向未知出發，走自己想走的路。現在，就讓我們一起勇敢地踏出第一步吧。

*Excerpted from KWOK Yee-tak (2016, October). Valedictory Speech. School of Professional Education and Executive Development and Hong Kong Community College Joint Graduation Ceremony 2016. Hong Kong: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

The Associate Degree in Applied Social Sciences (Social Policy and Administration) programme offers unique internship opportunities that allow me to apply the knowledge I've gained in a practical setting, gain local work experience, and contribute to social organizations. More importantly, it provides diverse and multi-dimensional pathways for further studies—such as progression to UGC-funded degree programmes—helping me prepare for my future career.

我非常榮幸能夠站在台上代表畢業同學致辭。時間過得很快，兩年的大專生活轉眼過去，今天是在座各位同學的畢業禮，亦標誌著另一段人生旅程的開始。

回想起剛剛入讀HKCC，大家都懷著緊張不安的心情，擔心自己是否能夠適應新環境。當時經歷公開考試之後，大家亦覺得人生好像失去方向，不知如何是好；但原來我們並非孤軍作戰，身邊還有很多支持我們的人，一直鼓勵我們勇敢向前。在HKCC時， 我記得每逢考試期間，老師都會特別為我們安排課後溫習；亦不介意回覆我們深夜12時發出的電郵和短訊。最窩心的是當天考試前收到老師的短訊，為我們打氣。無論遇到甚麼困難，老師都會伸出援手，幫助我們，從不計較收穫。現在，我希望代表所有畢業生，感謝所有老師給予我們豐富的知識，與我們分享人生經驗，為我們解決疑難。沒有他們的支持，相信我們今天難以站在這裡，向各自的目標邁進。

HKCC 提供豐富的資源和舒適的學習環境，讓學生能夠發展所長。正如上年學生發展活動的主題一樣：Believe in Every Step，提醒我們要好好把握每個學習機會，相信每一步都是邁向成功的足跡。我們透過參加不同的課外活動、遊學團、比賽及義工服務等等，擴闊視野，認識朋友之外，更有助我們達到全人發展。以我為例，我參加了學生大使計劃，為學院不同的講座擔任司儀，亦試過擔任校園導遊，向新生介紹學院的設施，我很開心有這些機會，令我在HKCC的生活更加多姿多采。

而最開心的是透過計劃，我可以認識到一群好友，在這兩年間互相幫助。遇到困難的時候，我們互相鼓勵與支持。歡樂的時候，我們一起玩、大聲笑。而最難忘的，可以說是大家為了做好分組習作，會在HKCC留到夜深，直到電腦室關門仍然繼續，希望爭取好成績。所以HKCC就好像一個大家庭，將我們彼此聯繫起來，建立深厚的感情。

今天，我們畢業了。要跟熟識的同學與學院告別，或者會覺得有點不捨。但無論如何，希望各位能夠珍惜與朋友之間的這份友誼，以後繼續保持聯繫和溝通。十年後，當各位回憶起那些年與朋友一起學習的時光，一定會感受更深。

過去兩年，大家有不同的經歷和體會，相信在座各位未來亦有不同的目標和志向。當中有些同學會選擇繼續升學，有些會投身社會工作，大家各奔前程。但是，就算各自目標不同，我們仍然會互相支持對方。無論前面遇到任何高山低谷，只要堅持自己的理想，不要放棄，我相信你一定可以達成目標。

*Excerpted from Lam Hei-yi (2015, October). Valedictory Speech. School of Professional Education and Executive Development and Hong Kong Community College Joint Graduation Ceremony 2015. Hong Kong: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

Benny thinks that the Associate in English for Business Communication programme provides an all-round education for students as it comprises general subjects like Introduction to Linguistics and also practical subjects like professional English, both of which help facilitate his further studies and career development. Benny added that apart from libraries at PolyU Hung Hom Bay and West Kowloon Campuses, HKCC students can also make use of the PolyU Pao Yue-kong Library in doing research and assignments.

我十分榮幸能夠站在台上代表畢業同學致辭。今天是我們的畢業禮，我覺得十分興奮，同時卻又感到依依不捨，因為畢業後，一切將變成回憶。

大家在HKCC相處兩年，整整七百三十天，而我因為在HKCC修讀了一年制的副學士先修課程(Pre-AD)，因此，我與他們共處三年，彼此之間已經形成了強烈的默契，培養出深厚的感情，我相信我們不會忘記大家相處的日子。

有賴HKCC提供的資助，很多同學都有機會參加遊學團、海外實習計劃及暑期課程等等，前往世界各地進行不同形式的學習，擴闊視野。

兩年轉眼即逝，還記得第一天上學的日子，我既緊張又憂慮，擔心無法適應新的環境，而第一天已經有老師提醒我們，副學士的學習生涯就像人生，是一場馬拉松比賽，誰在中途跌倒，停下來便輸。到今天我仍將這句話銘記在心，時刻警醒自己。

我們不但可以從老師身上學習，更可以從同學身上學習，例如分組做專題研習報告，組員之間往往各有不同意見，容易出現分歧，我們從一開始各持己見，到後來學懂妥協，尊重對方意見，更學會有條理地表達自己意見，而我們每一次努力換取回來的，是一份金錢買不到的滿足感。

隨著時間過去，大家逐漸熟落，彼此建立了默契，合作起來更加事半功倍，但我們未有因為效率提升而變得輕鬆，反而因為愈來愈多挑戰，變得愈來愈吃力。雖然每天我們都感到疲累，但沒有人說過要放棄，反而彼此鼓勵，在歡笑聲中得到力量。

到學期完結時，同學除了互相合照，也爭著與每一位老師合照留念，因為我們都十分感謝他們的用心教學。HKCC的老師會在中期測驗數小時前親自致電問我們有沒有問題，還會不辭勞苦、毫無怨言為我們準備大學面試，有些老師更會犧牲睡眠時間，在凌晨回覆我們的電郵。HKCC的老師並非只是傳授知識，更會教導我們人生道理。撫心自問，這三年是我人生中成長最多的三年。

還有很多很多好老師未能一一答謝。所以請大家以熱烈掌聲答謝HKCC每一位用心教學的老師！

兩年匆匆過去，相信在座各位同學在這兩年都有著不同程度的成長。今日之後，我們當中有些同學繼續升學，有些投身社會工作，甚至有些會參加工作假期計劃，各奔前程。然而，就算各散東西，我都不會忘記這兩年與一班同學共度的喜與悲。

另外，我想引用一套電視劇裡面一個名為柴九的角色的金句：「人生有幾多個十年?」，相信大家這兩年的生活有不同的收穫，希望大家可以延續這一份收穫，尋找有意義的目標，然後實踐，令人生每一個十年都活得豐盛。就好像HKCC的課程，激發你對某領域的興趣，令你日後朝著這個方向發展一樣。

我希望各位畢業生以快樂去衡量成功，而不是單單以物質去衡量。無論我們從事什麼工作或賺取多少金錢，都應該找尋工作上的滿足感，這樣才可活得開心和成功。就好像這兩年我們費盡心思完成的功課一樣，每一份都是心血結晶，付出與收穫都不可以用金錢去衡量。

最後，亦是最重要的，無論環境順逆，大家都要時刻保持心境開朗，探索這個美好的世界，珍惜身邊的所有人，愛惜身處的社區，相信每一天都會做得更好。

*Excerpted from Lam, Man-ho Benny (2014, October). Valedictory Speech. School of Professional Education and Executive Development and Hong Kong Community College Joint Graduation Ceremony 2014. Hong Kong: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

I lacked study motivation with unsatisfactory results when I was studying in high school. After the result announcement of HKDSE, seeing my friends applying to HKCC for their tertiary education, whose programmes suit my interests, plus having a higher articulation rate compared to other institutes, I chose the Associate in Information Technology programme by HKCC, hoping to achieve my university dream.

During my 2-year study at HKCC, I have met lecturers who are mostly willing to help students out, delivering lessons which were not as boring as those in high schools. The facilities within the campus were comprehensive, with clear information on articulation provided, making me confident and interested in my study and my path to university. I have also formed study groups with my friends after school to discuss the content of lessons and group projects. Eventually, I was awarded the Outstanding Performance Scholarship of the Self-financing Post-secondary Scholarship Scheme of the Education Bureau, before graduating and getting admitted to my target university.

While I was studying at HKCC, not only did I acquire the support from lecturers and friends, but also, and most importantly, the self-discipline and stamina. Facilities in campus aside, the library has also provided past papers of all subjects from previous semesters, providing some after-school exercises for students to maintaining and strengthening their knowledge learnt.

Determined to be a nurse, Suet-man declined an offer from a self-financed nursing degree programme and chose HKCC's Associate in Health Studies instead, with the aim of articulating to a government-funded after graduation. Suet-man's excellent academic performance won her a place on the CPCE Dean's List. When asked about her study tips, Suet-man believed that good time management, setting practical study goals, and making lecture notes for revision were all important. Apart from organising a study group with classmates, Suet-man also went to the library and accessed the Internet often to find solutions to problems. Besides, Suet-man underwent internship training in a private hospital and a residential care home for the elderly for over 300 hours to gain valuable nursing clinical experience.

The Associate in Applied Social Sciences (Social Policy and Administration) programme offered me a lot of social policy related subjects which enabled me to know how policies are formulated to respond to community needs. Besides, this programme also provided internship training for me to put theory and knowledge into practice in a social services organisation and understand its daily operation.

劉俊禧立志成為土木工程師，對理大土木工程學士深感興趣。得悉 PolyU HKCC 畢業生升讀大學的比率甚高後，他選擇報讀工程學副學士，期望藉此銜接理大相關課程。

修讀期間，學系持續提供升學與就業講座、企業參觀及交流活動，讓我更清晰地了解工程專業與職業發展路徑。此外，課程亦涵蓋多項基礎理論科目，幫助我掌握基本概念，為升讀學士打穩學術根基。

During his studies at HKCC, Leong-wang actively participated in external competitions to extend his knowledge and challenge himself. He once entered a business competition and conceived with teammates how to use limited capital to launch a business. "With six members in our team, we had different opinions during the brainstorming process, but we learned to be communicative and inclusive. During the competition, we could apply our accounting knowledge learned in class. When the judges raised legal issues we had never explored before, we tried out best to answer. This competition was a precious learning experience for us."

First of all, I would like to offer my heartfelt congratulations to our fellow graduates! We all deserve a round of applause for completing our studies amid the unprecedented COVID- 19 pandemic. We have surely proven ourselves to be one of the most resilient classes in HKCC's history.

As Shakespeare once said, "We know what we are, but know not what we may be." Two years ago, I was emotionally overwhelmed when I received an HKDSE result slip with a failure in Chinese Language while seeing my fellow classmates got admitted to different universities. With great determination to pursue my career as a nurse, I headed to HKCC to apply for admission to the Associate in Health Studies programme. I am indebted to all the passionate lecturers in HKCC for giving us endless opportunities to err and grow from our mistakes, spending hours to coach us amid their busy schedules and giving us suggestions.

This is especially important in times of the pandemic. I'm sure you all share my helplessness when we first shifted from face-to-face learning to online learning . All of us must have gone through technical issues during online classes and difficulty finding partners and holding discussions online. But then of course, there were always funny moments like people forgetting to mute their microphones during lectures. Despite all these hiccups, we have become experts in Microsoft Teams and Zoom!

As a student of Health Studies, I must say I was one of the lucky bunch to have the chance to take part in several placements amid the pandemic. Although the job of a nurse is physically and mentally demanding,beingabletohelpthose in need is unlike any other profession. There is nothing more fulfilling than receiving an appreciation email addressed to me from the TKO Nursing Home where I spent 15 days during my last placement. I am determined that I would like to become a person that will positively impact others as well.

At HKCC, we have also created lifelong bonds with the very people sitting right beside, behind and across from us by taking part in an array of fun activities, for instance, sports workshops, photography competitions, and various inspiring seminars. We cherish the fond memories and friendship we have built over the past two years: the long hours in the library doing group projects; the many sleepless nights struggling with overdue homework and revision; the tears and laughter we shared both before and after the release of GPAs. Today, we will be saying farewell to some of our friends, but we are always proud alumni of HKCC.

I am thankful that the road was not easy in the past two years, otherwise this moment would not have been so sweet. And as fulfilling as today may seem, graduation is not the ultimate goal. We will take what we have learnt in HKCC to go forth and unlock our full potential.

Let us all spread our wings and fly high! Thank You!

*Excerpted from LAU Tsz-chun (2021, October). Valedictory Speech. School of Professional Education and Executive Development and Hong Kong Community College Joint Graduation Ceremony 2021. Hong Kong: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

Tsz-chun aspired to be admitted to a nursing degree programme in university, but his DSE results were not satisfactory. After comparing the sub-degree programmes of various institutions, he decided to enrol in HKCC's Associate in Health Studies as he believed that it could greatly facilitate his further study and career development. He thought a wide array of activities organised by the College were conducive to students' holistic development. Besides, lecturers placed much emphasis on making their teaching more interactive and interesting so as to stimulate students' interest in learning.

"Lecturers were friendly and happy to answer our questions about further study and employment; they would also write recommendation letters and explore internship opportunities for us." During his studies, Tsz-chun underwent his internship at Pfizer where he assisted healthcare staff in conducting health checks for members. He also received practicum training in a hospital and an elderly home to get a real taste of healthcare work, getting himself prepared to become a healthcare professional in the future.

HKCC offered various compulsory and elective subjects to equip me for further studies. All professional lecturers were willing to provide support and guidance on my studies and career development. Besides, HKCC also organised a wide array of co-curricular activities, such as the student ambassador programme, which not only broadened my horizons but also nurtured me to be an all-round student.

The Associate in Bilingual Communication programme taught me how to avoid grammatical mistakes and understand languages from different angles. I am now a PhD student and a researcher on linguistics, and my research studies appear worldwide in different academic conferences and journals. All my confidence and competitive edge were nurtured by HKCC.

I have a keen interest in becoming a human resources professional. Therefore, I chose to enrol in the Associate in Business (Human Resources Management) programme. The programme provided me with a better understanding of the human resources field and equipped me with professional knowledge and practical skills.

HKCC offers an ideal study environment to students. The college not only allocates abundant resources to support students’ learning, but also provides many study tours and internship opportunities for students to learn about different countries through travelling around the world and gain useful work experience respectively. Moreover, the lecturers here are devoted to teaching. Therefore, I really enjoyed the time studying at HKCC.

During my studies at HKCC, I joined the Beijing Summer Internship Programme to gain a better understanding of the culture and business environment on the Chinese mainland.

Ho-ying often participated in volunteer activities in secondary school and hoped to develop her future career in this area, so she enrolled in PolyU HKCC's Associate in Applied Social Sciences (Social Policy and Administration).

During her studies, she took an internship in a district councillor's office, working as a councillor assistant to help residents apply for various government services and benefits. The internship was an invaluable experience in that it prompted her to reflect on social policies and equipped her with the skills to communicate with people from different walks of life. In addition, she assisted in promoting vaccination, distributing lucky bags to residents, and organising health check-up days. "When providing services, I applied the communication skills learned in the classroom. I also learned how to plan and assign work to staff."

Reflecting on her study, Ho-ying pointed out that she had found like-minded comrades who were also interested in studying housing and healthcare policies, which made her even more enthusiastic about studying the subjects and doing the group assignments. With her outstanding academic performance, Ho-ying was honoured on both the CPCE Dean's List and the PolyU HKCC Director's List. She was also awarded the PolyU HKCC Outstanding Student Award - Bronze Award.

HKCC has put great emphasis on students’ academic enhancement and personal development. Through studying in academic programmes, we have achieved academic advancement and enhanced our language proficiency. By teaming up with our classmates in assignments, we have learnt the way to work with others - appreciating the diversity of opinions, applying creative and critical thinking skills, and analysing the pros and cons of each suggestion to come up with the best decision. These skills are essential for the workplace and our everyday lives. We also have ample opportunities to learn outside the classroom. To expand our knowledge and world-view, our college has organised a series of cross-cultural exchange activities. Take my experience as an example, in a cultural hiking tour, a PhD linguistics student shared with me her stories of living at the foot of Himalaya, and the biology laboratory experiments she has done for her major. The experiences have broadened my horizons and deepened my interest in linguistics, which has become my current major. At HKCC, we were strongly encouraged to interact with people especially with those whose mother language and cultural background are different from us, as this is how we authentically learn about the world.

Our lecturers were mentors who were always there to give advice on our studies and life issues. They stayed behind for after-class discussions, and allowed us to visit them for consultations, where they patiently addressed all our doubts and questions. Most of all, our lecturers have captivated us with their humour and liveliness in teaching, enabling us to learn while having fun. Their efforts in creating such a great learning atmosphere have motivated us to work harder. Take myself as an example. I was an unmotivated person. But my lecturers really inspired me and I began to work hard on my academic and personal pursuits in HKCC. Two years later, I have maximised my potential and seized every opportunity. Our lecturers were also deeply concerned with our study prospects. They conducted mock interviews and provided rich information on university programmes which have paved the way for our further studies. Besides teaching, we have created a bond between each other. Our lecturers were there to listen to our personal issues. Their words of wisdom and life experience have enriched our insight in life.

It’s inevitable that almost everything has an end, including our fruitful years at HKCC. Nevertheless, the end reveals the beginning of our future which is full of possibilities. Let’s all remember that success is not solely determined by money and material, as what society may have told us. Let’s continue to be courageous to walk on our aspired path, follow our dreams and passion. Ultimately, we will realise that success is defined by ourselves.

Today marks our graduation, and this is an accomplishment we should be proud of. We reach this milestone with our hard work and determination and of course, the support from our family and friends. As we say goodbye today, our friendship and memories will remain with us. Finally, HKCC will always be our base, as we will carry the knowledge and values we have acquired here for a lifetime. Once again, let’s express our gratitude to HKCC, our lecturers and staff for their dedication to teaching with a big round of applause.

*Excerpted from Lee Hoi-ching, Heidi (2015, October). Valedictory Speech. School of Professional Education and Executive Development and Hong Kong Community College Joint Graduation Ceremony 2015. Hong Kong: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

The Associate in English for Business Communication programme at HKCC helped Heidi develop knowledge in business as well as English—two board domains encompassing marketing, linguistics, communication, and English business writing, etc. Heidi thought the programme was rich in content and it enabled her to identify her strengths and interests as well as enhanced her articulation prospects.

“During my studies, I participated in a cultural exchange activity with my classmates and took some exchange students from India to a tour of Lamma Island. Not only did I sharpen my English communication skills, but I also deepened my understanding about Indian culture.”

Heidi also joined other activities organised by HKCC, including a workshop on hospitality and a visit to a theme park hotel; they enabled her to know more about the operations of different departments in a hotel, ranging from front desk, housekeeping to food and beverages. She said such experiences were conducive to her career planning.

Hong-yin actively participated in HKCC's co-curricular activities, the most memorable one being that of writing an advertising proposal for a chosen brand for the POAD 360 Creative Campaign Competition. To do their proposal, Hong-yin and his teammates visited the salespersons of the brand's shop to understand the brand's image and interviewed consumers to learn about their thoughts – efforts which eventually won them the Gold Award. Hong-yin believed that this kind of competitions enabled him to apply knowledge learned and understand the business environment of the real world.

Determined to become a social worker since she was a secondary student, Ka-mei learned that HKCC's Higher Diploma in Social Work is a reputable programme, through which she hoped to realise her aspiration. She thought the learning environment in secondary schools was completely different from that in tertiary institutions, so she was concerned about adaptation in the beginning. Fortunately, all her lecturers and classmates were very friendly, helping her ease herself into the new environment. She said the programme provided a lot of internship opportunities for students to choose their favourite one that suited their interests. Even if they could not participate in all internship activities, they could learn about the real workplace from lecturers' sharing regarding their rich frontline experience. She particularly mentioned the communication platform provided by the College for students to express their opinions, such as class schedules and arrangements for subject selection. Ka-mei was honoured on the HKCC Director's List and received the PolyU HKCC Outstanding Student Award (Bronze Award).

光陰似箭，兩年時間過得很快。不如在座各位畢業生一同回想一下，當天初次踏入HKCC時的情況！你們是懷著緊張的心情，還是對新生活有份憧憬呢？我當初踏入HKCC，沒有抱太大的期望，因為一想到要適應新環境，身邊又沒有其他朋友可以依靠，就會感到十分徬徨，令我只希望兩年時間可以快點過，不知道同是畢業生的你們有沒有這種想法呢？但是當我在HKCC的生活逐漸步入尾聲時，回想當初隻身來到這個陌生的地方，到今天要離開，不捨的感覺一湧而上。這兩年發生的事，一一在腦海中劃過，歷歷在目。

不知道大家這兩年得到了甚麼？是否你們兩年前想要的？公開試後，我曾經失去了人生目標和方向。幸好在這裡，我重新找到了目標，並對自己的前路有更清晰的規劃，謝謝當日啟發我的一班老師，是他們令我知道自己要走的路，朝我的夢想進發。若果沒有他們的提攜，我可能仍在渾渾噩噩的過日子，不會走到今日，更不會站在台上代表各畢業生致辭。

融洽的師生關係也是我在HKCC的收穫。有很多人會把師生關係形容為父母與子女，但我會用亦師亦友來形容。他們上課時不是只有嚴肅的一面，也有輕鬆的一面，除了把不同的知識傳授給我們之外，也會不時跟我們分享人生經驗，好讓我們對未來抱有盼望和憧憬。下課後，他們都很樂意繼續教導我們，從不嫌煩。不論是學業上的問題，還是升學的煩惱，他們都會用心聆聽，提供合適的意見和鼓勵，使我們不再惶恐，從容面對每一個挑戰。

此外，HKCC還給了我們很多機會，包括交流計劃、本地和外地的實習等。而我在一年級的暑假，沒有跟其他同學一樣選擇在暑假的學期上課，以減輕來年的負擔，反而選擇參與學院的實習計劃。在過程中，我學習到很多課堂以外的知識，例如在辦公室的待人接物都與平日跟同學相處大有不同。透過工作的實踐，使自己有不少的進步和意想不到的收穫。相信在座有相同經歷的同學都會覺得這些機會很難得，令我畢生難忘。在此，我要感謝當日鼓勵我嘗試的老師。

入讀副學位課程，在很多人眼中代表了在公開試的失敗，而我覺得走過與其他人不一樣的路，才有不一樣的經歷。路看似走遠了，付出的當然會比其他人多，但得到的正好反映了我們在途中的付出，或者是因為我們走過的路較崎嶇，令我們更珍惜現在所擁有的。曾經，我們會因為副學位學生的身份而自卑；今天，我們因此感到自豪。我不後悔當天入讀HKCC的決定。

除了一班用心良苦的老師，我還要多謝志同道合的同學，是你們陪我度過一個又一個的難關。儘管認識時間不長，但相同的目標把我們拉近，讓我在困難的路上不用孤軍作戰。一班有共同目標的戰友讓我們突破自己，也是走得更遠的強心針。很感激這兩年遇到不同人，包括老師和同學。沒有他們，我們在這荊棘路途上不會走得那麼順利。

HKCC就好像家庭一樣，悉心培養我們這班對未來還有理想的學生，圓了我們一個又一個的夢想。大家當初入來的理想還在嗎？那團火有沒有熄滅呢？還是比之前燒得更旺盛呢？在我迷失時，有人跟我說過一番鼓勵的說話︰路遠一些，風景也許更好。以前我不相信。但走過一段黑暗的路後，我們終會找到屬於我們的光明。在座各位還有理想，那團火還在的，請謹記你曾經為自己理想而流過的汗水，不要輕言放棄。不論是選擇繼續升學或是投身社會的畢業生，要堅持自己的理想，總有一天會成功，找到自己的光明大道。

* Excerpted from LEUNG Cheuk-yiu (2016, October). Valedictory Speech. School of Professional Education and Executive Development and Hong Kong Community College Joint Graduation Ceremony 2016. Hong Kong: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

I gained lots of opportunities and support for both academic and co-curricular development from the two-year college life at HKCC. I not only acquired theoretical knowledge and practical skills but I was also awarded several scholarships for my academic and co-curricular achievements. In particular, I participated in two voluntary service trips so that I could interact with students from other programmes in HKCC, giving me joyful and memorable experiences. Furthermore, I worked at the Information Technology Unit of the College of Professional and Continuing Education as an intern for two months.

After two fruitful years at HKCC, I am now continuing my study at The Chinese University of Hong Kong.

Graduation is the best time for us to reflect on the past and look forward to the future. So let's take a quick flashback before we embark on our next adventure.

Remember the first time we entered HKCC on the registration day? We stepped into HKCC with unsatisfactory public examination results in our hands and the word "Worry" on our forehead. We felt helpless in adapting to the new learning environment; we feared that we would encounter "free riders" in project groups; and we struggled to cope with uncertainty about our future.

Today, we are leaving HKCC. I can see all of you are carrying a bright smile, proudly wearing the graduation gown and celebrating our graduation. Comparing to our first day, such a great change marks our success in overcoming different challenges in these two years. We definitely have to say a big thank you to a lot of people.

We are so grateful to be taught by passionate lecturers. They not only equipped us with knowledge and skills, but also helped us set a clear goal for our future career development. They were willing to spare their valuable time to talk with us after class, during consultation hours, or even during holidays. Their efforts created a strong motivation for us to achieve better academic results, realise our dreams and become a better person.

Apart from lecturers, we met new friends and developed a strong bonding in these two years. Thank you, my friends, or in other words, my companions. We stood by each other, shared our happiness and overcame difficulties together. I will definitely remember those sleepless nights that we experienced together. We worked hard for projects, presentations and examinations in the common room that we called "Tomorrow Land". But frankly speaking, don't be a "deadline fighter" anymore! After graduating from HKCC, some of us may continue their studies, some may decide to work. But whatever path we choose, may I wish our friendship and all the memories we share would last forever.

Last but not least, we are so blessed to have caring parents who encourage us in every way possible. They never stop giving their love and support to make our dreams come true. Mummy and Daddy, we hope we have made you proud.

Graduates, we have just finished a glorious chapter of our lives and a new one has just begun. Life is full of obstacles, but please don't give up. When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it. Let us spread our wings and soar to new heights.

Once again, congratulations to the class of 2017. All the best until we meet again.

*Excerpted from LEUNG Ching-yin Alanis (2017, October). Valedictory Speech. School of Professional Education and Executive Development and Hong Kong Community College Joint Graduation Ceremony 2017. Hong Kong: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

Ho-tin, who studied science in secondary school, did not perform well enough in DSE English for admission to university. After gathering information from the Internet and experience from his seniors, Ho-tin learned about the high articulation rates of HKCC graduates, so he decided to apply for admission. Looking back on his two-year associate degree studies, he was most grateful to lecturers for their patient guidance. He said he was so inquisitive that he always sought help from lecturers who all answered him patiently. Among the many co-curricular activities in which he actively participated, the most unforgettable experience was distributing face masks and cleaning kits in the community.

"This was the first time I led my classmates to contact the grassroots. During the whole process, I realised the importance of teamwork and friendship that has lasted until now."

Studying at HKCC was full of fun! HKCC organised a lot of co-curricular activities for us. For instance, I took part in various business competitions and served as a committee member of the Accounting and Finance Society.

The most memorable thing is that I joined two study tours to London and Eastern Europe to broaden my horizons. It was my first time to travel to countries in Europe. I visited different hot spots and interacted with local citizens.

When considering applying for sub-degree programmes, Elton learned that the proportion of HKCC graduates being admitted to UGC-funded programmes was higher than that of other institutions, so he decided to choose HKCC. He thought the College provided an ideal learning environment, especially the library's rich collections and comfortable setting suitable for reading and revising after class. The two campuses also boast a large number of rooms for group discussions and projects. Elton was honoured on the HKCC Director's List and received the PolyU HKCC Outstanding Student Award (Gold Award).

"I recommend that students form a study group to discuss problems together first and then seek help from lecturers. Students should also try to do more past exam papers so as to be more proficient in preparing for exams."

My interest in surveying began with my curiosity about engineering construction. In 2023, I enrolled in HKCC College. Over the past two years, I have systematically studied various professional courses and experienced a rich and wonderful campus life. The most memorable thing is the time spent with friends: eating and chatting together, catching up on assignments in the library together. These experiences and pieces have become my precious memories and have always accompanied me forward.

The solid learning foundation I built during my two years of study allowed me to smoothly transition to the university courses. I am now continuing my studies in surveying at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. I hope to apply what I have learned to practical engineering projects in the future and contributing to urban construction.

The Logistics and Supply Chain Management programme offers students a variety of company visits, allowing them to gain an in-depth understanding of real-world industry operations. In addition, the college organises a range of activities on campus, such as ESG environmental protection competitions and mentorship programmes. These not only enrich students' learning experiences but also support their future academic pursuits. HKCC lecturers are dedicated and approachable, always willing to answer questions both in and out of class. They also provide academic support and guidance on further studies after class, ensuring students receive comprehensive support throughout their learning journey.

I graduated from HKCC's Associate in Design (Advertising Design), from which I gained a wide range of inspiring learning experiences related to the advertising industry. To know more about advertising, students should also learn outside the classroom and get first-hand experience. HKCC did provide lots of opportunities for me to practise in the workplace, such as working as an art director in an advertising agency and a photographer in a production house. Such valuable experience could not be gained from textbooks.

There are many design graduates entering the increasingly competitive job market every year, I believe that connections are key to standing out from the crowd. During my studies at HKCC, I joined quite a few company visits, which helped me build up my professional network.

Thanks to the dedicated lecturers at HKCC, I was able to further my studies at PolyU. During my two-year studies at HKCC, besides acquiring practical translation and interpretation skills, I also had the opportunity to apply what I have learned by translating articles for the HKCC Newsletter, which helped build a solid foundation for my future studies and career development. Besides, I also took some elective subjects in other disciplines such as marketing and sociology to extend my knowledge in different areas.

各位同學，你們是否還記得兩年前剛剛踏入HKCC的感受呢？當時的心情是否十分忐忑？覺得迷茫與無助？記得兩年前，我剛剛入讀HKCC，對這間學院沒甚感覺，只把它當作人生旅途的一個中途站。但是，經過兩年的大專生活，今天的你，相信與我一樣，對CC有另一番體會，甚至把它當作第二個家，因為這裡有很多老師和同學愛護和支持我們，而我們在這兩年內所得到的東西，實在超乎想像。

今天，我們終於畢業了！大家都展開了新的一頁，有些同學選擇繼續升學，有些同學選擇就業。無論如何，大家都感激學院這兩年來的栽培。我認為，除了依靠本身的努力與堅持外，還有賴其他不可或缺的環境因素。

首先，我希望向學院致以衷心的謝意。記得剛剛進來的時候，我對副學士課程的認受性存疑，對將來缺乏信心，幸而學院為我們提供一個良好的學習環境及各種學習設施，例如小組討論室、24小時溫習室、每層設置電腦等，方便我們學習。除了硬件配套外，當然還有師資的配合。老師除了詳盡教授書本知識之外，還會在考試前舉辦一些精讀班，希望我們取得好成績。老師也會利用課餘時間為學生舉辦舊生分享會，令我們對日後的發展有更深入的了解。學院完善的配套，加上老師無私的付出，都令我們重燃對學習的熱誠，加強對將來的信心，不願再浪費這麼難得的學習機會。

另外，學院與老師不單在學業上提供無限支持，還鼓勵我們參加不同的課外活動，達至全人發展，當中包括升學就業講座、領袖才能訓練、海外交流與實習等等。以我為例，我參加了學長計劃，與學弟妹分享自己的學習經歷，鼓勵及幫助他們投入校園生活。我也曾在學院舉辦的商業比賽中擔任司儀，藉此訓練口才及應變能力，增廣見聞。在這兩年間，我得到很多學習機會，擴闊了眼界，豐富了經驗。我再一次感謝學院與各位老師帶給我無數快樂又充實的學習經歷。

除了感謝老師，我相信台下同學最想多謝的，還有坐在身邊的朋友。大家都會認同朋友是不可或缺的！學業上，我們是擁有共同目標的同伴，互相鞭策，每逢測驗考試前都會組成溫習小組；在日常生活中，我們亦是無所不談的知己，一起上堂、做功課、吃飯；一起走過無助、失望和喜悅。這兩年彼此之間建立的友誼，令校園生活添上更多色彩。上堂時偷偷吃零食，在電腦室為功課作最後衝刺，在露天花園舉辦「大食會」等等。這些點點滴滴都令大家知道，在學習路途上，我們並非孤單一人。大家相處時間雖然短暫，但共同努力的經歷已經為我們的友誼奠下穩固基礎。雖然畢業後大家升讀不同的院校或踏進社會工作，但彼此感情仍會延續下去。多謝你們帶給我愉快的校園生活。

最後，我們這班畢業生在此承諾，會時刻謹記老師的教誨，並抱有積極向上和永不言敗的精神，把握機會，創造美好前程。

*Excerpted from Liu, Wai-shan (2013, October). Valedictory Speech. School of Professional Education and Executive Development and Hong Kong Community College Joint Graduation Ceremony 2013. Hong Kong: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

Enrolling in the Higher Diploma in Mechanical Engineering at HKCC helped me explore and understand the field of mechanical engineering. The program allowed me to gain essential knowledge and skills through classes at HKCC and the Industrial Centre of PolyU. The expertise I gained in the classroom, covering topics such as material properties, 3D printing and metal bending, provided a valuable foundation as I approached my graduation project, which involved building a robot. The program has given me a solid foundation for my future academic and professional goals.

Reflecting on my first math class two years ago, I remember feeling immense confusion and pressure, especially since I hadn't taken physics or calculus in secondary school. In the second semester, I noticed that many of my peers were performing better, which made me anxious about the non-JUPAS university application.

Fortunately, the lecturers in the Engineering Department were incredibly supportive, answering my questions and providing guidance via WhatsApp and email, similar to my high school teachers. My two years at HKCC not only taught me physics and math but also emphasized the importance of self-discipline. Finally, not being admitted directly to university through the DSE doesn't mean failure. If you're less qualified, you can compensate with hard work. These two years have been a valuable opportunity.

Jamie returned to HKCC and embarked on her career as a full-time lecturer this September. Looking back on the day of HKALE result announcement in 2002, Jamie still remembered the reasons why she chose to enrol in HKCC’s Associate Degree in Business: her keen interest in hotel management and the encouragement from her secondary school teacher. “Before I applied, I already knew that if I could be admitted to this associate degree programme, I would stand a good chance of articulating into a relevant hotel management degree programme offered by PolyU. That’s what attracted most.”

Apart from lectures, there are also group discussions in tutorials which facilitate teacher-student interaction at HKCC. “Lecturers gave me a lot of advice on my study and life issues. All the hurdles that I faced in my studies helped strengthen my confidence in overcoming difficulties.” HKCC lecturers used English as the medium of instruction, which sharpened Jamie’s English listening and oral skills. At her leisure, Jamie actively participated in HKCC’s Student Ambassador Programme, Mentorship Scheme and Leadership Training Programme etc.

Jamie was admitted to PolyU’s Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Degree in Hotel and Catering Management in 2004. Since her associate degree studies at HKCC already helped her lay a solid foundation in the discipline, not only did Jamie adapt to her university life quickly, she also graduated with excellent academic results. After graduation, Jamie started her career in the hotel management industry. She said the professional knowledge acquired from her associate degree and degree studies as well as communication skills gained from co-curricular activities were all conducive to her career.

After getting her bachelor’s degree, Jamie pursued the Master of Science in Hotel and Tourism Management programme at PolyU. In order to focus on her studies, Jamie decided to give up her hotel job. She worked hard on her thesis and took up the position of tutor at PolyU’s School of Hotel and Tourism Management at the same time. The teaching duties aroused her interest in education. Later, Jamie was invited by HKCC, her alma mater, to be a visiting lecturer. Now, she works full time at HKCC to help students realise their dreams of going to university. “I hope my life experiences could have a positive impact on the lives of my students. I always encourage them to strike a balance between studies and co-curricular activities so as to fully develop their potential and equip themselves for a bright future.”

“I studied business, science, psychology and language subjects at HKCC. Although some of the subjects seemed irrelevant to public relations, the theories that I learned did facilitate my understanding of the discipline and enrich my knowledge.” Stephanie joined a UK study tour organised by HKCC. During her stay, she not only participated in discussions and games with students from all over the world but also lived with a host family to understand the differences between Chinese culture and Western culture.

"Two-year learning experience in the Associate in Translation and Interpretataion programme at HKCC has equipped me with practical skills that have definitely facilitated my further studies at PolyU and future career development. I was offered an internship opportunity to work in a translation company where I could apply my translation knowledge in a real-life work environment; more importantly, it has enabled me to achieve my goal to be a full-time translator in the coming future.

Thanks to the support from my lecturers and the scholarships granted by HKCC, I could fully commit myself to my studies and I graduated with more than what I had expected."

During my studies in the Associate of Social Sciences programme at Hong Kong Community College, I cultivated a nuanced understanding of the complex interplay between individual experiences and broader social structures. The intellectually rich curriculum, guided by seasoned educators with both academic and practical expertise, refined my critical thinking and affirmed my aspiration to pursue social work. Concurrently, as a representative athlete in long jump for Hong Kong, I navigated the demands of elite sports training alongside academic commitments. I am deeply grateful to HKCC for its flexible and student-focused learning environment, which empowered me to excel in both arenas and complete the programme with success. I subsequently advanced to The Hong Kong Polytechnic University to major in Social Work. Looking ahead, I aspire to further my studies in physical education and obtain professional teaching credentials. It is my ambition to integrate my experiences in social work and athletics to contribute meaningfully to the realms of education, public service, and community empowerment.

Wing-hei has a deep interest in Japanese language and culture. After learning that PolyU HKCC's Associate in Language and Culture blends Chinese studies and Japanese studies, which can develop students' cultural literacy and bilingual skills, she chose to enrol in the programme. She described HKCC as having a good learning atmosphere, with lecturers dedicated to teaching and caring much about students' learning needs and progress. Wing-hei was particularly interested in content related to culture and social sciences, which not only allowed her to understand national culture, but also deepened her understanding of the development and cultural features of other Southeast Asian countries. In addition, the programme covered some popular social topics, such as gender stereotypes, which led to her deeper reflection and broadened her perspectives.

During her studies, she also participated in exchange activities co-organised with Meiji University in Japan, French classes and lectures on studying in Japan to expand her knowledge and broaden her horizons.

The Associate in Public Relations and Communication programme allowed me to understand the public relations and mass communication industries firsthand. Covering a wide range of knowledge including business and corporate communication, this programme helped me learn more about the duties of a PR officer and journalist; it also gave me an overview of the two industries.

HKCC provided a lot of learning opportunities for me. Inside the classroom, I acquired professional knowledge in different areas such as public relations writing, corporate communication, and crisis management skills. Outside the classroom, I participated in company visits and study tours. For example, I visited Bloomberg Television to understand its staff's daily routine; I also joined a 12-day tour to Japan and exchanged views with local students. This programme's broad curriculum offers students ample development opportunities and equips them with professional knowledge of communication, which greatly facilitate their future academic pursuits and career development.

Tin-sang said that PolyU HKCC boasted a high articulation rate. Its teaching mode, programme structure and arrangements were close to university degree programmes, allowing students to adapt to university life early. He said, "The programme content was more in-depth than expected, and the lecturers had rich experience in the hotel industry and often provided many real examples, making it easier for students to grasp the content."

Tin-sang also pointed out that the College regularly hosted lectures, inviting professionals from the hotel industry to share the latest industry developments with students. Visits to different hotels were also arranged for students to understand the daily operations and the responsibilities of different departments and positions so that students could understand the needs of the hotel industry and know whether they were suitable for developing their careers in the industry.

Tin-sang earned his place in the Dean's List and received the Outstanding Student Award for his outstanding achievements during his studies; he was also awarded the government's Self-financing Post-secondary Scholarship. This not only affirmed Tin-sang's hard work, but also increased his opportunities and choices for further studies.

"I had a rewarding two-year associate degree learning journey at HKCC where I acquired a lot of professional knowledge and skills. The research and writing skills that I learned equipped me well for university education. HKCC adopts university’s mode of learning which allowed me to gain time management skills conducive to my studies and future career development.

I graduated from Hong Kong Baptist University with first-class honours in 2015 and started pursuing further studies at The Chinese University of Hong Kong in the same year."

The Associate in English for Business Communication programme offered me training in practical business skills while letting me dive into language and cultural studies. The in-depth business and communication subjects equipped me with practical skills for my future career. The language and cultural subjects, on the other hand, deepened my knowledge and interest in linguistics and cultural awareness. The wide range of elective options encouraged me to try out new things, such as Chinese medicine and French, to broaden my horizons.

Moreover, HKCC organised a lot of fun and relaxing activities such as film appreciation, hiking and language classes, which brought students and lecturers closer. Our lecturers also put a lot of effort in facilitating our studies and Non-JUPAS applications.

My two years at HKCC gave me a chance to understand myself. I am truly grateful to have HKCC as part of my life journey.

During my studies in Advertising Design at HKCC, I had the opportunity to learn from and engage with industry mentors, which laid a solid foundation in professional knowledge. This enabled me to apply what I'd learnt during my internship at an advertising agency, building a strong grounding in creative design. Furthermore, while studying Advertising Design at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, I participated in student award organized by The Association of Accredited Advertising Agencies of Hong Kong the Hong Kong and received awards in consecutive years.

After graduated from Associate in Chinese Language and Literature, Mei-lung followed the '2+2' pathway to further his study with BA (Hons) in Chinese Language and Culture. He believes the programme at PolyU SPEED is accredited and quality assured by PolyU. The relevant skills learned can be applied to my current work, especially in designing teaching materials. In addition, I have acquired Chinese knowledge via different subjects, such as writing skills, semiotics and linguistics, which has facilitated my teaching.

Zack has always been determined to embark on a career in aircraft engineering, so he decided to enrol in HKCC’s Higher Diploma in Mechanical Engineering in order to prepare himself for further studies and career development in his chosen field. “The programme not only imparted knowledge of mechanical engineering to students, but also required students to understand real-world operations so as to consolidate the knowledge learned. Apart from using the Metal and Wood Workshop, we also attended classes at the Industrial Centre of PolyU. Going through different practical training subjects and practice sessions in the labs, we were able to acquire the specialised skills of our field.”

In their final group project, the mission of Zack and his teammates was that of designing a robotic arm model. Starting with purchasing materials and parts up to the final assembly, they had to pay meticulous attention to every detail in every step of the process. “Although we encountered a lot of difficulties along the way, we were able to solve them one by one, thanks to the gentle guidance from our lecturers.” Zack said that the programme he studied at HKCC provided him with a firm foundation in knowledge and theory, and helped him adapt quickly to his university studies.

During my two years of study at HKCC, I have acquired knowledge and skills which are useful for my future development. Also, I have completed a horizon-broadening practicum at two diagnostic centers. Having found my goals, I have now earned a place to study in the undergraduate programme I prefer. What’s more, what I have experienced here has changed my attitude to learning and life.

Frankly, before joining HKCC, I was not a particularly motivated student, despite having gone through two public exams. Yet, I became more serious about my academic performance after being inspired by fellow hard-working HKCC students. I have developed a sense of responsibility for myself, my family as well as society. Reflecting on my experience, I would like to use three words to share the things I have learned and how they have fostered my personal growth.

The first word is “failure”. Most of us began our school life at HKCC with less-than-satisfactory public exam results. But have we ever thought about what this failure has brought us? To me, my disappointing public exam results have brought me a wonderful experience. To be honest, when I first became an HKCC student, I was a bit ashamed at that time, because my results in the public exams could not get me into any undergraduate programmes. It was also difficult for me to explain to my relatives and friends about the associate degree programme I enrolled in. However, after these two years, I am proud to say that I was a student, and I am now a graduate, of this college. Studying at HKCC provided me with knowledge in different fields. For example, I had no idea that psychology could be applied to child-raising to such a great extent. HKCC is also where I have met many caring teachers and good friends. Thanks to my lecturers who have helped me throughout these two years, I am now a university student. Indeed, it has taken me a bit longer to get there, yet I have accomplished more, compared to those who are admitted into university straight after high school. All these show me that failure is not the end of the world, but an opportunity. Instead of regrets, we, students of HKCC, have learned from our mistakes and grown to be stronger.

The second word is “choices”. As young adults, we are free to make our own decisions – which tertiary institutes to apply for admission, which subjects to study, what to wear to school, etc. I believe that we have all made a good choice by applying for admission into HKCC which provided us with ample facilities and professional teachers to assist our learning. But what about our other choices and decisions? Looking back, how did we manage our time during these two years? Actually, we often faced temptations which distracted us from our studies, such as going to karaoke instead of attending a lecture. Having fun can make us feel good in the short term, but learning can benefit us for life. We are free to make choices, but once done, our choices make our paths. I think we have all made a good choice, otherwise we wouldn't be here today. We should all continue to try our best to make decisions wisely in the days and years to come.

The last word is “faith”. During these two years, I have questioned myself and been questioned by other people about "what’s next" many times. There were occasions when I really doubted my decisions. One of them was right after I had received my HKALE results. A friend asked me, “Why would you choose to study for an associate degree programme? The articulation is very difficult, if not impossible, you know.” On another occasion some friends said, “Hayley, why don’t you apply for another undergraduate programme? It is unlikely for you to be articulated into those you are aiming at.” Well, it is true, I suppose, because even my programme leader stated that the chances of getting into those programmes I preferred were “particularly slim”. But I knew for certain what I was interested in and what I was not. The only thing I could do and I did was to try my best – study hard and get prepared; the rest was out of my control. Having been through this, I now understand that we should get to know ourselves, believe in ourselves and go for our dreams. Have you heard a joke? A person prays to God day and night for his wishes to win the lottery, and God tells him to buy the lottery first! Of course, studying is not a game of chance and luck. But my point is: we should be brave and we should have faith in ourselves. If we don’t, we would not stand a chance.

What I just shared are my reflections about how school life here has fostered my personal growth and made me more prepared for the challenges to come. I am sure fellow graduates here have all learned important lessons of their own that are beneficial to their future. We are all deeply grateful for the precious opportunities and experiences that the College has offered us.

In closing, I would like to express our warm wishes to HKCC as it continues to make important contributions to education in Hong Kong. Finally, please give our lecturers and staff who have helped us all along, as well as ourselves who have finally graduated, a big hand. Thank you very much.

*Excerpted from Mong, Hiu-tung (2013, October). Valedictory Speech. School of Professional Education and Executive Development and Hong Kong Community College Joint Graduation Ceremony 2013. Hong Kong: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

I aspire to be a psychologist. The Associate in Applied Social Sciences (Psychology) programme, with a flexible and comprehensive curriculum, helped me develop my interest in psychology. Throughout my two-year study at HKCC, my knowledge of psychology was well consolidated, facilitating my pursuit of bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral studies.

我感到十分榮幸能夠以畢業生代表致辭。首先，我想請各位畢業生一同回想當天初次踏進HKCC的情況。我當時懷著緊張不安的心情，擔心自己未能適應新的環境，當時身邊又沒有朋友可以依靠，因此感到十分徬徨。最初或許曾經懷疑自己這個決定是否正確，但現在深深覺得如果兩年前沒有選擇這條路，就沒有現在的我。在CC的兩年時間過得很快，不知道大家在這兩年的大專生活有甚麼收穫？文憑試後，我對於人生的目標和未來感到迷失，幸好在這裏我找到了目標，對前路有更清晰的規劃。

首先要感謝CC的老師。他們充滿教學熱誠，每當我們遇到學業上的困難時，他們都會耐心解答，而且也十分關心我們的升學甚至是個人問題，耐心聆聽我們的傾訴。因此，我相信大家和我一樣，都會認為我們與HKCC的老師不只是一般的師生關係，而是一種亦師亦友的關係，陪伴我們一同成長。另外，身為健康學副學士的學生，需要完成一定的實習時數才可順利升學，儘管當時受到社會事件和疫情影響，但CC的老師一直不遺餘力為我們爭取實習機會，跟不同的院舍、醫院和老人中心協調，讓我們可以獲得足夠的實習時數，而且在實習期間給予我們很多支持和鼓勵，他們的教導和付出，扭轉我們的命運，令我們最終能夠順利升學，他們所做的一切，我們銘記於心。

除了老師之外，我們還要好好感謝陪伴著我們的朋友。在還未入學時，時常聽說在大專院校裏，學生為了取得好成績，都會視同學為競爭對手，所以院校裏只會有對手，而不會有真正的朋友。不過，這兩年來我們幸運地在CC能夠遇到一些很好的朋友。還記得我們一開始素未謀面，因為課堂、分組報告以及不同的活動，我們認識到一些擁有共同目標的朋友，為了達到目標，我們說過要一起努力，一起奮鬥。我們為了做好分組習作和溫習考試，更會在CC留到夜深，一起討論功課，互相幫助。在這段時間，我很感恩可以認識到一班好朋友，無論遇到甚麼困難，都會記得有同伴在身邊，而我深信這份友誼可以一直延續下去。

回顧過去，與我們一開始踏進HKCC時候相比，我們已經成為一個更成熟的人。兩年的大專生活終於告一段落，各位同學， CC只是我們人生一個中途站，我們在CC的旅程已經結束，但這亦代表著另一個新的開始。過去，大家都有不同的經歷；未來，大家都有不同的目標。未來，我們難免會遇上不同的困難，也許有時你會感到氣餒，感到失望，但緊記要對未來抱有希望。無論前路有多難行，都希望你會堅持下去，盡力做到最好，希望過去在HKCC學習生活的一點一滴，都會成為你奮鬥的動力。

在此，我衷心祝願學院能繼續為香港教育作出貢獻，並祝各位身體健康、前程似錦！多謝。

*Excerpted from NG Long-yin (2021, April). Valedictory Speech. School of Professional Education and Executive Development and Hong Kong Community College Joint Graduation Ceremony 2020. Hong Kong: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

“Apart from teaching basic nursing knowledge, lecturers also explained the real-world operations of the nursing industry so as to give us a clear vision of our future.” Students may be assigned to different medical institutions for training. “I worked in a public hospital and a private nursing home to help nurses take care of patients, such as making beds and feeding. I could practice what I have learned and gain a deeper understanding of the duties of a nurse.”

Apart from teaching theories and imparting knowledge, the Associate in Business (Logistics and Supply Chain Management) programme arranged a lot of company visits to help us understand more about the day-to-day operation of the industry.

HKCC lecturers were friendly and caring; they were willing to solve our learning problems and offer us advice after class. In particular, during a competition organised by The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport in Hong Kong, lecturers often helped us practise so as to boost our confidence.

Besides, I also had the opportunity to work as an intern at the Marine Department of the government. Such practical experience is conducive to my future studies and career development.

Kwan-kei has been interested in the human resources discipline since the time when she was a student of the Diploma Yi Jin Programme, and she enrolled on HKCC's Associate in Business (Human Resources Management) to acquire higher qualifications.

Kwan-kei was awarded the PolyU HKCC Outstanding Student Award (Bronze Award) and named to the CPCE Dean's List. "I always prepared myself well before lessons and consulted my lecturers immediately whenever I encountered difficulties. I also allowed enough time for doing homework and revision." Through joining the Mentorship Programme, Kwan-kei received guidance from logistics professionals, who taught her how individuals should find their own position in a team, and cooperate with others through the division of labour. Such experience will benefit her future career in the human resources management field, particularly employee training.

My most valuable experience in my two-year study at HKCC was that I became one of the ten finalists in the 2015 Sony World Photography Awards Student Focus Competition. I was invited to join the award ceremony in London where I met different shortlisted contestants and also professional photographers from around the world.

Comments from the judges of the competition have expanded my vision. I learned a lot at HKCC and it helped me develop my potential.

The Higher Diploma in Mechanical Engineering at HKCC provided an opportunity for me to explore the area of Mechanical Engineering. My study experience not only deepened my understanding of mechanical engineering but also allowed me to learn professional skills and knowledge. During the course, we had the opportunity to apply what we learned in class. For instance, we were required to design a fully functional robotic arm in our final year group project. The experience at HKCC equipped me with professional skills and knowledge for further academic and career development.

As a graduate with an Associate in Engineering from Hong Kong Community College (HKCC), I developed a strong passion for engineering and machines during my gap years through various job experiences. This inspired me to pursue the Associate in Engineering program to gain both professional knowledge and practical skills.

The HKCC Associate in Engineering program is one of the best sub-degree programs in Hong Kong, offering extensive support, including educational consultations, extracurricular activities, mock interviews for university applications, and STEM workshops.

I am deeply grateful to the program leaders and lecturers for their tremendous support over these two years. Many lecturers are enthusiastic in their teaching, and the faculty in the engineering programme at HKCC are always willing to assist students with their questions.

Wai-kwan previously studied engineering and worked in the disciplined services for several years, but he never gave up on his dream of studying translation at CUHK. Two years ago, he made a bold decision to resign and enrol in the Associate in Translation and Interpretation at PolyU HKCC.

Besides core translation subjects, he said the College offered diverse electives like economics and Japanese. "These subjects, though not directly related to translation, gave me more room to excel. I chose subjects I was good at to boost my grades and improve my chances of university admission."

During his studies, Wai-kwan attended many seminars that deepened his understanding of translation. One seminar focused on the role of translation in the AI era.
"People say AI might replace translators, but the seminar taught me how to find a niche amid AI disruption. Guest speakers also emphasised that legal documents are highly confidential and cannot be casually handled by AI—legal translation still requires human expertise."

The Associate Degree in Applied Social Sciences (Social Policy and Administration) programme places strong emphasis on developing our critical thinking skills in policy design, implementation, and evaluation. In addition to theoretical learning, the programme encourages us to understand the needs of different communities through field observation and active social participation. It also offers a wide range of articulation pathways across disciplines such as the humanities and social sciences, giving us diverse options for further studies. The teaching staff are also very willing to offer valuable advice on both career planning and academic progression.

Receiving education at HKCC has shaped me with a powerful tool for personal and professional growth. This program has equipped me with essential skills in effective communication, critical thinking, and cultural awareness, preparing me for a dynamic career. With enthusiasm and a curious mind, I made most of the rich learning environment at PolyU and my dedication has been awarded with notable scholarships, including the Young Persons Scholarship from The Zubin Foundation and the PolyU CPCE Scholarship and Bursary, sponsored by Honourable External Donors for 2024 and 2025. Overall, my experience at HKCC has been very fruitful and enjoyable.

After completing a diploma programme, I did not achieve satisfactory academic performance for further studies. Besides, I also experienced financial difficulties, so I had no choice but to enter the job market, working in the human services field. However, my insufficient professional knowledge hindered my career prospects, so I went back to school.

I got offers from several tertiary institutions, but I chose HKCC because PolyU's Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Social Work is highly prestigious, and HKCC students can enjoy PolyU's facilities and rich learning resources. HKCC provided ample opportunities for me to broaden my horizons, particularly a summer cultural study tour to the US, which is definitely an unforgettable tour. More importantly, HKCC lecturers had a strong passion for teaching, which encouraged me to change my passive attitude and ask questions bravely in class.

Returning to school after working for a while allowed me to know clearly why I wanted to further my studies. With strong motivation, I became more active in learning and treasured every opportunity. My work experience also helped me understand theory and put it into practice.

Higher Diploma in Social Work not only equipped me with social work theories, skills and values, but also facilitated my exploration and participation in social issues through a wide variety of workshops, field visits, social action and internship training. For example, maintenance payments, standard working hours hearings, and different kinds of processions and commemorative events. Apart from helping me reconstruct personal values, this programme also provided me with a platform to reflect on the importance of collective power and the role of social workers, which developed my capacity and proper attitude towards social work challenges ahead.

Cheuk-ying has a keen interest in the business discipline and aspires to develop her career in the business field. After graduation from HKCC, she enrolled on a SPEED programme via the CPCE "2+2" articulation pathway. HKCC year-one students will receive from SPEED a conditional offer. Upon meeting academic and other requirements by the end of the third semester, they can be admitted to a top-up honours degree programme leading to a PolyU-SPEED award without

an interview. "The '2+2' articulation pathway provides a safety net for HKCC students, who could either apply for a government-funded bachelor's degree programme via the Non-JUPAS route or choose SPEED, " said Cheuk-ying. Besides, HKCC and SPEED programmes are highly integrated, meaning that Cheuk-ying is not required to take SPEED subjects equivalent to those already studied at HKCC. She also does not have to adapt to a new learning environment.

Without worrying about her pathway for further studies, Cheuk-ying could enjoy her college life at HKCC to the fullest. She joined a leadership training programme to cultivate team spirit and leadership attributes; she also teamed up with classmates to participate in an orienteering competition and won the first-runner up through good communication and cooperation.

我很榮幸能夠代表各位畢業生致畢業辭。我希望在以下的時間與大家分享我最真摯的感受和經歷。

時日如飛，兩年的時間轉眼即逝，大家還記得放榜當天拿著DSE成績單時，腦袋在想甚麼嗎？也許我們在當天曾為前途擔心過、徬徨過，看著代表中學生活結束的句號，變成一個又一個的問號。面對這條人生分岔路，我們最終決定向著HKCC的大門走去。當時我選擇了HKCC，是因為它的巴士廣告。廣告上有一隻十分顯眼的拇指和89.3%升學率這個訊息，令我留下深刻的印象，並在人生重要的里程碑上選擇了它。身邊的人總說副學士是一條彎彎曲曲的路，今天，我們證明了無論前面的路有多迂迴，只要堅持走下去，總會走邁向正確的目標。

新生總會有以下幾個常見的憂慮：會否很難適應大專生活?同學會不會是freerider?老師教得好不好?科目內容會不會太難?如何才能獲取優異的成績等等。十分感恩的是，HKCC給予我們大大小小的支援，加上同學互相勉勵，由互不相識，到一起上課、一起溫習、一起做project，大家總是並肩作戰。我十分慶幸能夠在副學士的旅程上遇上這群共同努力的同學，為大專生活留下一個美好的回憶。

除了好同學之外，相信大家也像我一樣，遇到了不少關心學生的好老師。我代表各位畢業生向所有老師由衷地說聲：「感謝你們，辛苦你們了！」。你們設計的每份筆記、每份測驗，都是希望學生溫故知新。每次上課，你們都會關注我們的學習進度，語重心長地提醒我們要牢記自己的目標。

HKCC除了注重學生的學業成績外，亦提供很多課外活動，啟發我們的思維，擴闊我們的眼界，促進我們的全人發展。以我為例，老師讓我擔任比賽司儀，其後我成為同一比賽的參加者，獲獎後更得到實習機會。此外，我也參加了學院和香港科學園合作的實習計劃，甚至今天有幸被選上，站在台上致辭。HKCC為學生提供了豐富的學習資源，每一個課程和活動，背後都有著促進學生全人發展的理念。我相信在座各位不論當初為甚麼選擇HKCC，今天也證明了這個決定是絕對正確的。在此，我再次感謝老師們的諄諄教誨。

我們即將各奔前程，繼續踏上屬於我們的旅程。我深信只要我們心中擁有一片希望的田野，勤奮耕耘，終將有豐盛的收穫，成為社會的棟樑。

Without attaining 33222 in DSE, William could not enter university via the JUPAS route. He learned that HKCC boasts well-equipped campuses, so he applied for its Associate in Business (Human Resources Management) programme.

Economics subjects are compulsory in the Associate Degree Scheme in Business, but William performed unsatisfactorily in DSE Economics, so he had to make an all-out effort to overcome this challenge. "HKCC cares about the learning needs of students. Past exam papers are available in the libraries to help students do revision."

A turning point in William's studies was when he encountered Dr Ivy Chan, a senior lecturer who taught human resources subjects in the first semester, "Dr Chan illustrated her points with abundant international and local examples of human resources management. She also guided us in case studies and taught us how to apply theories and knowledge in a flexible manner." William always consulted Dr Chan after class, which significantly improved his overall academic performance. He finally graduated with a good GPA of 3.6 on a 4.0 scale.

William's two years of colourful college life led to his increasing interest in logistics management, so he applied for PolyU's BBA (Honours) in Aviation Management and Logistics and was offered a UGC-funded Senior Year Place for direct entry into the third year of the programme. This means he will earn a UGC bachelor's degree in four years after HKDSE – just like those who go the JUPAS route.

During my two years at HKCC, I learned how to be a designer. I also met many mentors who taught me a lot and were willing to spend their private time with me, helping me expand my design knowledge.

After graduating from HKCC, I worked in an architecture design firm for a while and now I am honoured to continue my studies at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. I hope I can apply all my knowledge acquired at HKCC in my future studies and career.

Hei-wa wished to study data science in university. She thought that the discipline suited her best because it combined mathematics and computing. However, her DSE results failed to make her realise her dream, so she enrolled instead in PolyU HKCC's Associate in Statistics and Data Science, hoping to articulate into a related university degree after graduation.

Hei-wa admitted that she had little confidence in getting into university at the beginning of her AD study. Fortunately, HKCC cared a lot about students' articulation. "There are academic advisors in the College who follow through students' further studies and provide them with advice on programme selection. In addition, the College regularly invites alumni to share their experiences."

Thanks to excellent academic results and the right programme selection strategies, Hei-wa received five bachelor's degree offers, and she eventually chose to study at CUHK. After entering university, she found that PolyU HKCC's curriculum was similar to her degree programme. For example, there were some important statistical analysis programmes that she had already used before, making it easier for her to adapt to her degree studies.

During my studies at HKCC, I was really inspired by our lecturers, especially the ones from the Associate Degree Scheme in Humanities & Communication. They are the most dedicated teachers I have ever met. They were always there to help us with our assignments and projects. Besides, they also held different Non-JUPAS workshops to facilitate our applications. Our alumni were also very friendly and helpful. They often came back to give us advice on our current and future studies.

This programme offers different linguistics-related subjects such as Foundation of Linguistics, Introduction to Phonetics, and Analysis of English Grammar. We also learned more about workplace communication skills from subjects like Introduction to Communication and Professional English. Thanks to this programme, I have built up my fundamental linguistics knowledge and professional communication skills.

First, I would like to offer my warmest congratulations to my fellow graduates. It was a hard time studying in HKCC under the COVID-19 pandemic, but all of us have accomplished much over the past two years.

Since childhood, I have not been good at studying. During secondary school, I was not even qualified to study science subjects. Two years ago, I was so depressed when I received my HKDSE result slip and saw a fail grade in Chinese language. This was a bolt from the blue for me. I saw my friends go to different universities while I didn't have the chance to. However, I was bent on pursuing a nursing career, so I chose to apply for the Associate in Health Studies at HKCC because of its reputation in passionate lecturers, a good studying environment and high articulation rates.

As a student of Health Studies, I must say that I was lucky and honoured to have different chances to take part in several placements. Learning different nursing skills in different venues and helping patients in hospitals and society not only gave me great satisfaction but also reinforced my aspiration to become a nurse in the future. There is nothing more fulfilling than seeing a patient's smiling face after offering my help.

During my study in HKCC, I also created a strong bond with my classmates and schoolmates through participating in different student activities and inspiring seminars. Also, the College provided many chances for students to develop their talents by joining a wide array of activities. I was so lucky to have the chance to be the master of ceremonies of the CPCE Health Conference 2022. That was a fruitful and memorable experience in my study life at HKCC.

Time flies, and I cherish the memories and friendships I have built over the past two years with my companions, such as the long hours we spent studying in the common area, the meetings we had via Microsoft Teams, the sleepless nights we struggled with projects and assignments, the tears and laughter we shared. Today, we will be bidding each other farewell, but we will always be proud alumni of HKCC.

The past two years have not been easy, but I am grateful because this trying period has made this moment particularly sweet. No matter how rewarding, today's graduation is not our final goal. We'll use the knowledge we have gained at HKCC to pursue our future goals and reach our full potential.

The promise of future success is just around the corner. Let's all spread our wings and fly high! Thank you!

*Excerpted from TAM Nga Man, Karen (2022, October). Valedictory Speech. School of Professional Education and Executive Development and Hong Kong Community College Joint Graduation Ceremony 2022. Hong Kong: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

"My journey in HKCC is unforgettable. I had never learned Japanese before, yet I developed a lifelong interest in it after enrolling in the Associate in Language and Culture programme. Learning different cultures has also broadened my horizons and deepened my understanding about the way to interact with people. With the passionate lecturers and great learning facilities, my two years of study at HKCC was a fulfilling journey. I was also glad to receive the HKCC Academic Progress Award and earn a place in the CPCE Dean’s List. Do everything with heart can help you achieve a lot!"

兩年前，懵懵懂懂的我懷著戰戰兢兢的心情，展開副學士生涯。當時的我抱著一個信念：努力讀書，升上大學。我相信在座不少畢業生當時也有相同的信念，堅信這裡會是一個幫助很多學生實現夢想的地方。

副學士課程到底是讀些什麼的呢？身為副學士學生，身邊總有不少人對我所讀的課程充滿疑惑。

我敢說副學士學生是意志堅毅的「物種」，忙得不可開交的時候，就連便利店的三文治都吃得津津有味；眼睛還沒完全睜開，就要趕早上八點半的課堂；在靜到連呼吸聲都聽到、溫度永遠維持在20度的圖書館溫習也會打瞌睡。

我和在座各位畢業生一樣，都是來自理大紅磡灣校園的學生。大家又是否知道紅磡灣校園最重要的樓層是哪兩層呢？

我會說是四樓和十樓。來到這裡之後，我才知道紅磡灣校園並無一部電梯可以到達全部樓層。如果你在一樓至九樓，要到十一樓或以上的樓層，便要先到十樓轉電梯。如果你在二樓或三樓，要到其他樓層，就要去四樓坐電梯。

我認為這個設計其實是用心良苦。為什麼？因為HKCC學生常要經過四樓和十樓，彷彿暗示學生最重要是以書本和食物填飽肚子，因為四樓是咖啡室所在，而十樓就是圖書館。

回想起兩年前入學，一切盡是迷惘、迷惘再迷惘。做第一份功課時，連如何在Microsoft Word 加註腳也不懂，遑論正確的引文格式。現在再看這份功課，我也不敢說這是一份大專生所做的功課。

經過兩年的磨練，一切變得不同。過去兩年，HKCC老師在學業上給予我們無限支持。受過小組習作、期中測驗及畢業習作的洗禮，至少我學會如何利用「Microsoft三寶」去準備一個吸引觀眾的簡報及完成一篇格式正確的論文。由零開始學起，直到今日穿上這件畢業袍，成為副學士畢業生，絕不容易。

對於在座各位來說，今日你可能不再需要為有沒有大學取錄而提心吊膽。但我相信他日的你一定會記得早上九時半在影印機前鼓譟的人龍，那些四角都有插座的長桌，還有那幾部會延誤你趕往15和16樓交功課、需要轉來轉去的電梯。當然，你也絕不會忘記犧牲私人時間回答學科問題的老師。

有良師，當然也有益友。大家望望坐在左右兩旁的人，然後想想他有沒有幫助過你？

在副學士生涯中，相信大家一定認識了一班知己好友，一起走過失望和喜悅的日子。相信你還記得那位替你買早餐的同學，當你上課遲到的時候，滿頭大汗跑到課室，不但已有同學為你安排了座位，更有一份三文治和剛剛印好、仍帶餘溫的講義在你面前，這種感覺，真的十分窩心。

感激過學院、老師和身邊的伙伴。當然少不了多謝「他」，他就是那位兩年來為將來默默耕耘的自己。另外，我們也要銘記這座校園的一切設施，一桌一椅都曾經為「奮鬥中的你」帶來方便。

離別之際，同時代表新的旅程即將展開。我們之中有人會繼續升學，有人會踏入職場。即使這一刻現實中的你與理想中的你仍有差距，請緊記世界很大，機會很多。剛剛完成副學士課程的你，已經換上一身新的裝備，一定能夠找到屬於自己的舞台，展翅高飛。

當新入學的師弟師妹問我：讀副學士課程辛苦嗎？值得嗎？我都會這樣回答：這條路可能會很辛苦，但當你畢業後回望，會認為絕對值得。年輕，就是值得你去拼搏、去闖蕩、去嘗試。希望這份勇往直前的精神能夠薪火相傳。

在此，我期待學院繼續為香港教育作出貢獻，並祝各位身體健康、前程似錦！

My name is Tsang Tsz Hong, and I am a third-year student studying Building Sciences and Engineering at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Two years ago, I felt lost in this new environment, especially since I didn't choose physics as an elective in secondary school and didn't study hard. Adjusting to five subjects per semester was challenging.

The Associate in Engineering Programme provided me with essential knowledge in mechanical, electrical, civil, and electronic engineering, helping me understand various fields for my future career. The course emphasizes analytical and problem-solving skills, enhancing my logical thinking and enabling me to apply these abilities in both work and daily life.

During my two years at HKCC, I learned the importance of utilizing resources effectively. For instance, I could schedule appointments with lecturers for consultations to clarify concepts I didn't understand. The HKCC faculty are always willing to help solve problems.

I started working after completing Form 3. I experienced setbacks everywhere because of my low academic qualifications. Therefore, I decided to attend night school to finish my HKCEE and HKALE. However, my English grades failed to meet the minimum university admission requirements. My night school teacher advised me to articulate to university via the sub-degree pathway, so I applied for admission to HKCC, hoping that my foundation in English and finance could be strengthened.

Although I entered the job market when I was very young and faced many challenges, my work experience enabled me to integrate knowledge with real-life examples, which greatly facilitated my studies.

The Associate in Bilingual Communication programme was interesting and practical. Linguistics, communication, and translation subjects not only enhanced my bilingual skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking, but also greatly facilitated my further studies and daily communication. Besides, I also joined the English workshop which enabled me to communicate with classmates in English after class. Apart from increasing my interest in English, the workshop also strengthened my confidence in communicating with people in English.

Wai-chun quitted his studies and took up jobs related to clerical work, services, and healthcare for four years due to financial difficulties. Such work experience helped him find his interest in jobs which involve communicating with people, particularly healthcare work. Therefore, he enrolled on Associate in Health Studies.

During his internship, Wai-chun was responsible for organising rehabilitation exercise and games for the elderly, through which he enhanced his healthcare knowledge and understood that ample job opportunities were available for healthcare personnel outside the hospital setting.

Wai-chun was awarded the first "Back-to-School Scholarship" with his perfect GPA of 4.0, which greatly boosted his self-confidence. "In the beginning, I just wanted to articulate into a bachelor's degree in nursing. Now I have become more aggressive, aiming to articulate into a bachelor's degree in physiotherapy," he said.

Even attaining a score of 18 in DSE, Ka-lam could not meet the entry requirements of her favourite degree programme, so she enrolled in HKCC in the hope of articulating to university via the Non-JUPAS route. She believed that the programme adopted a gradual teaching approach, with the first year focusing on the basic concepts of business and the second year in-depth knowledge.

"The College boasted excellent lecturers who were always well-prepared for lectures. Besides, they were willing to answer students' questions after class and share their non-academic experiences. They were not just lecturers but also friends."

Although Ka-lam could only participate in online activities amid the pandemic during her studies, she still benefited a lot. For example, in the "Resume Workshop", seasoned human resources manager taught students the skills and essentials of writing resumes and also helped them create a resume to attract employers' attention. "In the past two years, HKCC not only equipped me with knowledge but also helped me in life planning."

Today is our graduation, a day filled with mixed feelings. For sure, we are delighted to reap the harvest after our two years of study. But at the same time, we are worried about leaving the College, a place where we have found our dearest lecturers and cherished schoolmates, where we have grown to maturity, and where we have equipped ourselves for the future. I truly believe that everyone here would agree that HKCC is far more than a school for acquiring academic qualifications.

For me, HKCC is like my second home filled with care. It is the place where we met each other. First, I am thankful for being taught by many friendly and passionate lecturers who always wanted to help us learn better. Whenever we had questions, our lecturers were willing to discuss the problems with us patiently and encouraged us to think critically, not just giving us standard answers. In addition to the knowledge from books, our lecturers also gave us advice on career development or other personal life issues. They taught us to be persistent when chasing our dreams, to regain our nerve after setbacks, and to believe in ourselves when we are feeling helpless. Thanks to our lecturers, we are capable of handling different situations in life.

Apart from our beloved lecturers, we have also met our precious buddies here. I am glad to share with you that I had a study team called "always five". We did everything together, including studying and playing; we supported each other all the time; we shared all the happiness and sadness. With the team, I felt like I was being backed up every moment. And I'm sure that you can fully understand this kind of feelings because both you and I have found our precious companions here.

Because of HKCC, we have met so many great people.

Besides, HKCC is a college for life development. Over the past two years, we have become more mature. During our studies, we set goals for our future: some of us may be interested in design or science; and some of us may hope to embark on a career in the field of health care or communication; while some of us may want to work in business or science. Apart from leading us to fulfil our dreams, the past two years of study also taught us how to chase our dreams with "perseverance". Before achieving success, it is unavoidable that there are times when we want to give up. However, mostly during those periods, our determination initiatives would be the most powerful weapon that could help us prevail over the drawbacks. Remembering why we get started and how eager we want to succeed, we can gain the courage to overcome all the difficulties for reaching our goals. Through our studies here, we understand the true meaning of "not giving up" and become more responsible for our careers and dreams.

HKCC is also a place for us to equip ourselves for the future. Over the past two years, we have set goals for our future, whether working or continuing with our studies, and acquired different skills and knowledge for achieving our goals. Therefore, I hope all of us here today could make good use of what we have learned and gained from HKCC for realising our dreams.

My dear fellow schoolmates, although we may encounter different challenges and difficulties in the future, the following "ABC" may help you overcome the obstacles. First, let's be adventurous and enjoy life as it is too short. Do follow our hearts when we get lost. As long as we uphold our values and dreams, life can be meaningful and delightful. Second, let's be brave for achieving our goals. There’s no denying that life is full of challenges. However, as long as we remember why we get started, we can have the courage to rise to the challenge. Thirdly, let's be confident in believing that we will succeed. In the future, when we doubt ourselves, please remember how great we have done at HKCC. And do believe that all lecturers and schoolmates still stand by us. Hoping this set of "ABC" would be useful for leading us to live a wonderful life without regrets. Thank You.

*Excerpted from Tsoi, Ka-ying (2015, October). Valedictory Speech. School of Professional Education and Executive Development and Hong Kong Community College Joint Graduation Ceremony 2015. Hong Kong: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

Has it ever occurred to you that graduation is like looking into a kaleidoscope? It’s full of jumbled pictures which make up your colorful and fruitful life. They are pictures of your studies, extra-curricular activities, lecturers and classmates you met, and finally today’s graduation ceremony. You are leaving the shelter of HKCC and heading towards a new adventure full of uncertainties. Poised over the water below, you have no idea what will the future hold, whom you will meet and what will happen to your career.

Two years ago, I experienced a setback in the public examination. I bore the wishes of my grandfather and parents when I first came to HKCC. Although this place was strange to me, I believe that “We learn from failures, and we grow from mistakes”. Today, all graduates are wearing the graduation gowns and are well-prepared for the challenges ahead. All of us will be going in different ways to embark on a new page of our life. Of course, we didn’t do it alone in reaching this important milestone of our life. All along the way we had the wonderful support of our families and the encouragement and guidance offered by our lecturers. Though, as mature and newly qualified adults, we recognise that without their support we could not have succeeded. So, today I would like to represent my fellow graduates to say how much we appreciate all those who have helped us make this day possible. We would like to express our gratitude to our lecturers who led us and furnished us with abundant knowledge. From now on, we will be taking our talents and beliefs with us wherever we go. We have to be ready to pursue new knowledge and different skills so as to cope with changes.

There are always challenges ahead of us and we will meet them in different ways. Some of us prefer to stay at our home country, while others travel to the four corners of the earth. Some would like to work alone while others would like to work in a team. However, whatever we do and wherever we go, we won’t forget today. Hopefully in the years to come we will meet up again at the College’s alumni reunion.

You will be saying farewell to some of your friends today. Over the past two years, they have shared your happiness and sadness, your dreams and ambitions, your coffee and library breaks, not to mention your social circles. It is definitely hard to part from them. In this global village where digital communication is common and convenient, let’s make effort to stay in touch with each other through email, Facebook, as well as regular gatherings. Even if you make new friends in the future, they are the special ones who shared your precious college life with you.

Last but not least, I would like to wish my fellow graduates happiness and the best of luck in their future endeavours. After all, we are all graduates of Hong Kong Community College and that is just another name for the College of excellence. It also represents our young and crazy days when we have the most wonderful time of our life. We, students of HKCC, have learned from our mistakes and grown to be stronger.

My dear fellow graduates, it’s time for us to spread our wings and soar to new heights. Once again, thank you all peers who have accompanied us throughout the years with bitter and sweet memories. My friends, goodbye until we meet again! Thank you!

*Excerpted from Tung Ho-lam, Cayton (2014, October). Valedictory Speech. School of Professional Education and Executive Development and Hong Kong Community College Joint Graduation Ceremony 2014. Hong Kong: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

Since my HKDSE results fell short of expectations, I sought the opportunity of joining PolyU HKCC for gaining higher chances of matriculation into programs offered by local universities. My dream came true after one year studying in English for Professional Communication programme.

The brand-new learning areas in business and linguistic of English in the CEPC programme were eye-opening to me. These aspects of English have led me to discover my interests in English studies, helped me lay a solid foundation for my further studies in English and Applied Linguistics in PolyU.

Within my short yet fruitful year of studies in HKCC, I'm truly grateful to the lecturers for their academic and mental support as they were always willing to answer my questions. The caring and sincere support from the lecturers made me more confident, especially when I doubted my own abilities. My efforts were paid off when I was enlisted on the CPCE Dean's List. Overall, I have gained many valuable experiences throughout the school year.

Dear graduating class 2020, although we could not enjoy our typical graduation this year, we could not walk across the stage to receive our parchments, and we could not take graduation photos with our beloved families, lecturers, and classmates. The most important thing is that we finally graduated! All of our dedication, determination and hard work paid off. Thousands of students just like us are wrapping up a chapter in life yet starting a brand new one. I am certain that many of you are anxious about starting the next stage because, unlike a textbook, we cannot skip through the pages of life to see how long and how exciting the next chapter will be. We all have our book of life that has not yet been written and every day that passes is another page we write in ourselves. Luckily, as HKCC graduates, we have been given all of the paper and ink we need to write our own stories. And with the love and support of our lecturers, our stories will become best sellers.

Two years ago, we might all be frustrated about failing to achieve decent grades in HKDSE. We might have applied for admission to HKCC in a rush yet I believe you guys agree with me that it was the right decision. HKCC offers flexible programme choices to meet our needs and pursue our dreams in different fields. We were grateful to spend fruitful two years here to equip ourselves. For example, I joined the POAD 360 Creative Campaign Competition with my buddies and we developed media campaigns and created indoor and outdoor activities to rejuvenate the brand image for Tiger Beer. It was definitely a valuable experience since we could pitch our innovative ideas and sharpen our presentation skills. I reckon you all gained insights and developed skills during the process. In HKCC, we were strongly encouraged to interact with one another and explore our interests. We would like to show our sincere appreciation and deepest gratitude to our lecturers, who were like mentors to guide our way whenever we felt lost. They stayed behind for after-class discussion, allowed us to reach them freely during consultation hours, replied to emails timely and patiently. They also captivated us with their lively teaching style so that we were able to focus well. Thank you for the efforts you put in us. We will surely continue to shine bright in our future.

Still remember the quiet hours we spent searching for seats and studying in the library during mid-terms and exams, the relentless lack of sleep to finish assignments and projects on time, and the time spent with friends to explore new restaurants nearby. These precious memories will be imprinted on our mind. I'm sure you can fully understand this because both you and I have encountered our irreplaceable buddies here.

Here, we would like to express our warm wishes to HKCC as it continues to make significant contributions to education in Hong Kong. Once again, thank you all who have accompanied us throughout the years with bittersweet memories. May I wish all of our graduates a bright future ahead. You are the only person who can write the story that you are meant to tell. Work hard, be bold, be kind, and amazing things will happen. Stay healthy. Thank you.

*Excerpted from WONG Hi-yeung (2021, April). Valedictory Speech. School of Professional Education and Executive Development and Hong Kong Community College Joint Graduation Ceremony 2020. Hong Kong: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

今天，我十分榮幸代表畢業生在台上致辭。在HKCC的兩年時間轉眼過去，現在我們都要畢業，準備邁向新生活，不知各位同學此時此刻有何感受呢？

回想起在HKCC第一天的上課情景，那時候十分擔心自己結交不到新朋友，適應不到新的校園生活。在新的學習環境下，很多東西對我來說都十分陌生，我抱著既好奇又擔憂的心情，走出自己的舒適圈。所以，我會形容大專生活充滿挑戰，不過在一眾老師和同學的幫助下，這兩年我過得十分愉快。

HKCC每位講師的教學方式各有不同。有些喜歡提出很多問題，讓我們多些思考，了解自己的不足之處；有些喜歡以自己的故事作為教材一部分，讓我們更容易明白課堂知識。即使他們的教學方式不同，但對教學同樣充滿熱誠，對我們的提問都會一一耐心解答。每當我們在學業或其他方面遇到挑戰，他們總是願意聆聽我們的需要和感受，再用他們豐富的人生經驗為我們指點迷津。我在這裡要多謝所有講師一直以來的付出和悉心教導。

除了講師之外，亦不可忘記在座各位身邊的朋友。我時常聽到別人說，在大專院校裡，人人都是自己的競爭對手，所以不會認識到真正的朋友。的確，兩年前我們素未謀面，但正因為我們擁有同樣的目標，我們一起上課，一起寫論文趕報告，一起準備考試，然後再一起分享讀書的成果。我們由陌生的同學變成朋友，甚至成為知己。雖然天下無不散之筵席，但我們的友情不會因為畢業而結束。

還記得剛剛收到文憑試成績時，成績不太理想的朋友都會問：「retake還是Asso啊？」，意思是重考文憑試還是修讀副學士。或許在很多人眼中，修讀副學士並非最佳的選擇，但對我來說，已經是最好的決定。我慶幸兩年前並沒原地踏步，而是學習去認識自己。在HKCC，我和不同的老師交談，知道自己是個沒有自信的人；在朋友的提點下，知道自己是個固執的人。這兩年間，我認識到自己的另一面，接受自己的短處，更加找到自己的長處和夢想。

未來，無論各位畢業生選擇升學、工作，還是有其他打算，我希望大家可以努力不懈地為自己的目標奮鬥，不要害怕改變。

During my secondary school years, the pandemic impacted my academic performance, leaving me with a lack of interest and future goals. At that time, I simply wanted to graduate with a degree. After learning about the CPCE 2+2 Articulation Pathway, I decided to enroll in the PolyU HKCC Associate in Information Technology program. When I first entered HKCC, I felt lost, so I tried to attend various talks and workshops on campus, learning about different learning styles, potential career paths, and further study options. These activities helped me become familiar with campus life, rediscover my passion for learning, and decide to become a student representative, serving both students and the college. The SEHS (Division of Science, Engineering, and Health Studies) also held various activities, allowing me to learn about the latest technologies, acquire knowledge I couldn't learn in the classroom, and meet other students. The courses I took over these two years were incredibly beneficial. My advisors were passionate about teaching and helped me lay a solid foundation in theoretical knowledge, enabling me to keep up with my studies at HKUST.

I am grateful to my advisors at HKCC; they are my strongest support.

Graduating from HKCC as early as 2005, Man-chit said what he experienced and learned at HKCC still benefits him today. Looking back on his decision to enrol on an associate degree programme, Man-chit thought that HKCC programmes not only provided practical knowledge and training but also multiple articulation pathways for students. Years have passed and he now holds a bachelor's degree and an Executive Master of Business Administration degree, not to mention being the Managing Director of a company. Such achievements prove that Man-chit chose the right path.

Man-chit firmly believes that there are no shortcuts to learning. During his studies at HKCC, he worked hard to achieve a series of goals, and his efforts eventually paid off: he received seven offers of admission from local university degree programmes.

Man-chit's company has employed a few sub-degree graduates including those from HKCC as he thinks that sub-degree graduates particularly treasure their learning opportunities, probably because they experienced setbacks along their learning journey.

For those who were frustrated by their performance in DSE, Man-chit encourages them to enrol on a sub-degree programme that interests them and make good use of the two years to find the right direction. "The clear goals that I set at HKCC not only facilitated my degree studies but also helped me move up the career ladder."

The Associate in Business (Finance) programme was very comprehensive and it offered a wide range of subjects for me to choose. Lecturers were always very kind and also willing to answer questions and offer advice to me on personal problems. I also had many chances to visit business firms and enterprises as well as participate in a wide variety of workshops. Such experiences have enhanced my interpersonal and communication skills as well as enriched my knowledge about the business world in real context.

"During my studies at HKCC, I developed my interest in language and culture. With a passion for humanities, I joined a volunteer scheme organised by HKCC and Christian Action to teach Cantonese to ethnic minorities in Hong Kong. Through interactions with the non-locals, I had a better understanding about them and I began to respect and appreciate their cultures and traditions.

I was delighted to receive the Outstanding Performance Scholarship from the Education Bureau and the Outstanding Student Award Scholarship from HKCC in recognition of my study effort. Life in HKCC was unforgettable!"

Since secondary school, Sui-shan has been passionate about the hotel and tourism industry. After completing the DSE, he chose to study an associate degree at PolyU HKCC with the goal of articulating to the Hotel Management programme at PolyU. During his studies, Sui-shan served as a student representative, acting as a bridge between students and faculty.

"I really enjoyed serving my fellow students. It not only helped them access important information from the College, but also improved my communication and coordination skills." He also interned at Rosewood Hong Kong for three months.

"This internship helped me understand the actual operations of the hotel industry and experience its charm. I truly enjoyed interacting with and serving guests, which further confirmed my passion for hospitality."

After the internship, Sui-shan was hired as a part-time staff member at the hotel, continuing to gain work experience and prepare for a future career in the industry.

"My learning experience at PolyU HKCC taught me that 'all roads lead to Rome'—as long as you work hard, you'll find a way to achieve your goals."

Sze-kun has always aspired to be a social worker to help the disadvantaged. Therefore, she enrolled on HKCC's Higher Diploma in Social Work, with the aim of becoming a registered social worker and then articulating to a relevant bachelor's degree programme. Sze-kun's experience was that the programme was practice-oriented, and lecturers used authentic cases related to social work for discussion and simulation exercises to enhance students' communication and problem solving skills.

During her studies, Sze-kun embarked on an exchange tour to Estonia to understand its traditional culture and broaden her horizons. Her interaction with the locals also helped enhance her communication skills and her ability to get along with people from different backgrounds. Such experience will benefit her future career development in the social work profession.

Having a keen interest in health care, Amy enrolled in HKCC’s Associate in Health Studies after graduation from secondary school. In addition to being taught knowledge in health care, Amy said that students also received practical training in clinical skills such as wound cleansing, blood pressure measurement, and gavage feeding, etc. – thanks to the availability of a healthcare laboratory at HKCC. “Besides, the programme also offered other useful subjects such as sociology and psychology which helped me explore my interests.”

Amy was admitted to SPEED’s Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Applied Sciences (Health Studies) via the CPCE “2+2” pathway. She said, “HKCC Year-one students will receive from SPEED a conditional offer which states that if they meet certain conditions by the end of the third semester, they will be admitted directly into one of SPEED’s top-up honours degree programmes leading to a PolyU-SPEED award without the need to go through interview screening. In my case, this arrangement allowed me to focus on my studies and enjoy my college life at HKCC to the fullest, without worrying about my chances for further studies after graduation.”

Amy also pointed out that the comprehensive credit transfer system between HKCC and SPEED meant that HKCC graduates would not have to take at SPEED subjects that were equivalent to those already studied at HKCC– an arrangement which enabled her to devote efforts to deepening her healthcare knowledge instead. “From HKCC to SPEED, I have always had ample opportunities to participate in internship training and visit different medical institutions to enhance my understanding of the healthcare profession. This will definitely facilitate my future career development.”

The Associate of Arts programme of HKCC provided us with great flexibility in finding a field of further studies that suited us best. During my two-year studies, I enrolled in subjects that interested me the most, such as history, culture, communication and language. Among them, I found the cultural subjects most suitable for my further studies. Therefore, I decided to articulate to a degree programme related to culture in university so as to develop my interests and profession.

HKCC lecturers cared a lot about students; they were willing to answer any questions about academic studies or articulation. Such encouragement and assistance were essential to student growth and effective in motivating us to learn.

Because my DSE English score wasn't high enough to enter my desired university design program, I felt a bit lost. After careful consideration, I decided to pursue an associate degree in design.

Thanks to the Associate in Design (Moving Image and Interaction Design) program, I had the opportunity to meet many dedicated teachers. Although I often felt exhausted and overwhelmed by the endless creative work, the teachers went the extra mile to explain concepts and guide me through the process.
Moreover, my classmates were incredibly united—we worked together, pushed ourselves, endured challenges, and had fun. We all strived to reach new heights, creating wonderful memories and learning how to persevere and believe in ourselves.

Some journeys, seemingly taken by chance, can lead to the most unexpected and wonderful experiences.

I got the final GPA of 3.58 to HKU social date science, and in HKU, I have declared computer science as my minor despite of my social data science major.

I think that HKCC equips students with the latest and foundational IT skills such as coding, statistics and mathematics, and guide us to apply them in different domains. For example, my subject – social data science – to apply IT skills in this interdisciplinary studies course and help me to build up my knowledge based on these foundation IT skills in my computer science minor.

Lecturers and academic advisors in HKCC are also great, too. They are supportive, they are always willing to solve our questions regarding whatever our assignments, knowledge, and our academics or careers.

HKCC also provides lots of activities, such as mentorship programme and its related activities, to let me try to know myself, the job market, and what the society need in the future.

I have been fond of transportation, especially airplanes since I was young, and I dreamed of becoming an aircraft engineer. The Higher Diploma in Aircraft Services Engineering has enabled me to gain a better understanding of aircraft knowledge. The lecturers cared about us and provided supplementary tutoring after class to help us understand aircraft design and structure more thoroughly. We had actual practice on welding and machining of aircraft parts in the PolyU Industrial Centre, laying a firm foundation for our future development in the aircraft engineering industry. The programme is also an important milestone for me to enter the university and take a big step towards my dream.

Helium’s most unforgettable experience during her two-year study at HKCC is that she won a first prize (individual category) and a merit award (group category) in a creative advertising competition. She was then recommended to work as an intern to gain work experience in an advertising company where she was responsible for planning marketing strategies. “I could apply my marketing knowledge to my internship. What’s more, I had lots of opportunities to exchange views with business people. Their experience and perceptions have inspired me a great deal. ”

My most valuable experience was visiting two famous logistics companies in Hong Kong, namely Kerry Logistics and Crown Logistics. The programme not only taught me professional knowledge but also offered me opportunities to gain first-hand experience in the services industry. Besides, being a class representative throughout my two-year study also enabled me to acquire interpersonal and coordination skills which are definitely a valuable asset in my future career in service management.

Having a long-standing interest in environment and interior design, Chi-hang wished to be admitted to PolyU's School of Design. During his studies at HKCC, Chi-hang joined a photography group and a design competition to enhance his knowledge and skills. "The most unforgettable thing is that I took part in a design competition organised by a voluntary agency and designed a pavilion for the elderly to take a rest and make handicrafts. During the design process, I had to communicate closely with the elderly to understand their needs, from which I learned that great designs should be people-oriented."

The Associate in Statistics and Data Science programme equipped me with sufficient knowledge of statistics and computer science, which broadened my articulation pathways to degree studies such as computer science, data analytics, and mathematics. The programmes of HKCC are well-recognised by top universities in Hong Kong. For example, I received offers from HKU, CUHK and HKUST. So, if you have outstanding performance in HKCC, you will stand a good chance of being admitted to your favourite university.

Kas chose HKCC’s Associate in Bilingual Communication not only because she wanted to enhance her language proficiency but also because the programme had a good articulation rate over the years. She thought the programme content – such as teaching students how to write meeting notes – was practical. “I was most interested in translation subjects. Our lecturer asked us to translate court documents, which was an eye-opening experience to me. Now I am determined to pursue my career in court interpretation.” Besides, Kas had not had any experience in organising activities in secondary school, but she was given the opportunity to coordinate an English speech competition in HKCC. “I learned how to get along and communicate with different people, and such skills would be beneficial for my future.”

Wilson thinks that HKCC programmes have a broad curriculum and provide flexibility in subject selection. “In year one, I studied basic subjects to strengthen my academic foundation; in year two, I chose discipline specific subjects according to my strengths and interests.”

Wilson said that HKCC lecturers not only provide after-class consultation but also publish study guides to facilitate learning. Besides, HKCC programmes are rigorously validated and widely recognised, which means HKCC graduates admitted by local universities are commonly granted credit exemption.

2014年4月11日，星期五，早上9時正，我正在紅磡灣校園UG03演講廳上「八半堂」(早上八時半的課堂)。當時，我收到一封電子郵件。仔細閱讀過後，我的心中有一種說不出的激動，因為我終於獲大學取錄，入讀學士學位課程。

相信在座不少畢業同學在入讀HKCC之前都帶着不少疑問：大專生活到底是怎樣？畢業後的出路又會是如何？完成課程後能否達成自己當初訂下的目標？與各位一樣，我也帶着一連串的問題入讀HKCC，但大家應該都會發現，在學院度過一天又一天之後，我們和這些問題的答案愈來愈近，而當初的憂慮則愈來愈少。

或者每位同學當初都帶着不同的目標入讀HKCC，但我想各位都會同意，我們在HKCC得到的遠遠比當初所想像的要多。就如2012/13年度的學生發展活動主題「拼圖」一樣，我們在學院中不斷探索自己，尋找屬於自己的missing piece，令自己變得更全面。在學術上，無論是主修科目還是通識科目，學院都為我們提供了多元化和富彈性的選擇，同學都能從中擴闊眼界，增加識見。課堂以外，我和很多同學一樣，積極參與形形色色的課外活動，例如不同類型的學會活動及海外交流團，令學習生活更多姿多彩。更重要的是，無論課室內外，我們都有很多機會認識興趣相近、志同道合的朋友。在校園內，經常會看見三五成群的同學一起做功課、一起溫習、一起吃飯等等。即使今天，大家或者已經不再在同一班房上課，但彼此依然是非常要好的朋友。

我希望藉著今日的機會，代表所有畢業同學向學院表達衷心的謝意。沒有HKCC，就沒有這兩年的一點一滴。非常感謝這兩年間教導過我們的所有老師，你們除了用心備課、認真授課之餘，課堂以外，還和我們分享人生經驗，為我們排解疑難，更加不厭其煩地為我們提供升學意見和協助。彼此的關係可以說是打破了一般師生的距離，絕對稱得上是「亦師亦友」。另外，我亦希望代表所有同學向我們的朋友道謝。感謝這兩年來的相伴，大家互相鼓勵、互相支持、互相幫助，我們才能一直走到今天。最後，我希望感謝所有同學的家人這兩年的支持和信任，令我們能夠全心全意追逐自己的目標。

今日，我們都畢業了。無論同學最後選擇繼續升學或是投身社會，我們都已經踏上了人生的新里程。就像2013/14年度的學生發展活動主題「雲」一樣：Rise above. Go beyond。不論大家選擇了那一條路，我也堅信學院在這兩年為我們奠下更穩固的基礎。在此，我也祝願各位畢業同學能夠找到自己的方向，發揮所長，貢獻社會。

*Excerpted from Yeung Lap-yin (2014, October). Valedictory Speech. School of Professional Education and Executive Development and Hong Kong Community College Joint Graduation Ceremony 2014. Hong Kong: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

"Studying at HKCC was a pleasant experience to me as there were plenty of hands-on translation practices for students. The learning experiences have furnished me with a solid foundation to continue my exploration in the realm of translation. The lecturers often motivated and encouraged us to learn by providing us with guidance and advice.

Being elected a student ambassador was the most valuable experience to me during my two years at HKCC. I could represent HKCC and help new students adapt to college life. It provided an excellent chance for me to expand my interests. Taking up various roles such as a tour ambassador or receptionist not only enabled me to work as an individual but also as part of a wonderful team to acquire excellent interpersonal skills."

During my studies at HKCC, I acquired statistical and programming knowledge. Also, I participated in different co-curricular activities and an internship to enrich my college life. For example, the visit to the Data Studio at Hong Kong Science Park enabled me to understand more about open data in Hong Kong, while the two-month internship at the Census and Statistics Department was a valuable experience.

Many people say you're only successful if you get into university. Yet the "failure" in me found the two most fulfilling, formative years of my life in an Associate in Design (Visual Communication). We refuse to give up on what we love and we want to prove we're not ordinary. The setbacks along the way became stepping stones, leading me toward a dream worth devoting my life to—rather than the version of "success" defined by others.

Anson decided to further his studies by enrolling in SPEED’s BA (Hons) in Marketing and Public Relations via the CPCE “2+2” articulation pathway. With the keen competition for Non-JUPAS senior year places, Anson believed that the “2+2” model offers students an alternative articulation pathway for obtaining a PolyU accredited honours degree.

Thanks to the well-coordinated credit transfer system between HKCC and SPEED, Anson does not have to take similar subjects again at SPEED. He mainly studied language, general education, marketing and other basic business subjects at HKCC to establish a solid foundation of marketing knowledge, and he is now taking different discipline specific subjects to gain a deeper understanding of the discipline. “With SPEED, I am studying in the warm learning environment of the same campuses that I am familiar with, and I even have classes with some of the friends I made at HKCC .” Anson added that all SPEED programmes are at honours degree level which, thus ensuring that he gets the prerequisites for higher degree studies after graduation.

Adele considers HKCC programmes to be practical in that they offer both discipline specific and general education subjects which aim to enhance students’ knowledge and competitiveness. Adele aspires to become a social worker and the HKCC programme that she studied gave her opportunities to get in touch with social welfare organisations. “I visited The Hang Out, a youth centre under Youth Outreach, and interviewed a social worker there to understand his job duties and the centre’s services for youth at risk. I was impressed by his passion for work, which made me more determined to become a social worker.”

A helpful person deeply interested in biology, Pierre was determined to enrol in a programme related to health studies or nursing after completing his secondary education. “The Associate in Health Studies programme boasts comprehensive content which covers nursing science, psychology, and sociology, etc., and it offers many different articulation pathways to graduates,” said Pierre.

Pierre said the programme equipped students with fundamental healthcare knowledge. In the programme, lecturers were always reminding students to try to put themselves in the patient’s shoes. “Patients have different personalities, so it is essential for a nurse to understand patients’ characters and behaviour before he or she could offer the help patients really need.”

HKCC also arranged for Pierre to work as an intern at a nursing home and a hospital where he was responsible for measuring the height, weight and blood glucose levels of patients. “The internship training deepened my understanding about the duties of a nurse and strengthened my determination to become a nurse and help more people in need,” said Pierre.