In March, the Faculty of Social Sciences had the pleasure of welcoming back four accomplished young alumni for an inspiring industry sharing event, during which they shed light on their journeys and the real-life impact of their work in healthcare and philanthropy. Our guests included:
• May Lau, Director of Social Impact, Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group
• Kelena Poon, Counsellor
• Carmen Pun, Senior Manager, Charities, The Hong Kong Jockey Club
• Joann Teo, Clinical Psychologist, Tung Wah Group of Hospitals
Healthcare: Realities and Rewards
During the healthcare session, Kelena and Joann spoke about the realities of working in counselling and clinical psychology. They described their daily responsibilities and the unique blend of hard and soft skills essential for their roles. Their stories emphasised the importance of empathy, the ability to maintain dual attention by staying present with clients while also thinking analytically, and resilience in facing emotionally demanding situations.
Kelena and Joann encouraged students to seek out hands-on experience through internships, placements, or volunteering, as these opportunities are invaluable for testing out interests and building real-world confidence.
Philanthropy: Embracing Change and Collaboration
In the philanthropy session, May and Carmen shared how careers in this field often evolve alongside the changing needs of society. They urged students to remain open-minded and willing to adapt their focus as new opportunities and challenges emerge.
One key takeaway was that philanthropy is inherently multidisciplinary, meaning your degree does not dictate your future. Students from all backgrounds can find meaningful ways to contribute. While technical and analytical skills matter, May and Carmen highlighted that curiosity, relationship-building, and strong communication skills are what truly set candidates apart.
They encouraged everyone to be genuinely interested in people, communities, and systems. In today’s world, where AI tools and language proficiency are widespread, it’s the ability to build trust, collaborate, and uphold shared values that makes the real difference. The speakers also stressed the value of networking, gaining practical project experience, and viewing philanthropy as a dynamic, collaborative space open to all who are passionate about making a positive impact.
Both sessions provided students with practical insights and motivation, reminding us that with the right mindset, purpose-driven careers are within reach, no matter where you begin.
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our alumni for their generosity in sharing their experiences and guidance with our students. Their meaningful conversations and genuine support continue to strengthen the bonds within HKU Social Sciences community, making it an even more vibrant and inspiring place to learn and grow.