10-10-2014
Alumni Dr. Fredric Mao Chun-fai, Dr. Alfred Cheung Kin-ting and Miss Becky Lee Make Alumni Sharing Forum a Glamorous Event
Event Information
Three outstanding alumni Dr. Fredric Mao Chun-fai, BBS, Dr. Alfred Cheung Kin-ting and Miss Becky Lee marched in glamorously with rounds of applause from the audience after a stunning opening video was shown at the Alumni Sharing Forum – Make Arts and Culture a Glamorous Career held in the evening of 7 October 2014. Being the first one in the academic year 2014/15, the Alumni Sharing Forum was a great success which attracted over 220 students, alumni, staff and University senior management including Chairman of the Council and the Court of HKBU Mr. Cheng Yan-kee, President and Vice-Chancellor Prof. Albert S.C. Chan and Chairman of the Alumni Committee of HKBU Foundation alumnus William Leung, BBS, JP to name but a few.
All being alumni of the Faculty of Arts, these celebrity alumni captured the attention of the audience with their practical experience on stage, in arts and culture and in life.
Being passionate in theatre production since he was young, alumnus Dr. Mao realised his dream career in theatre through firm belief and hard work throughout the years. Back in the 70’s when Dr. Mao was a college student, theatre production was a discipline that was almost never heard about in Hong Kong. His passion for theatrical production motivated him to cherish his dream study, and later on, pursued his career in the United States. He never regretted his choice and gained practical experience in theatrical production step by step. Today, Dr. Mao is a renowned and highly respected artist not just in theatre, but also in Cantonese Opera and Xiqu. His tips of success, “ be prepared to make sacrifice if you want to make your dreams come true”. Currently, he has taken up the position as the Chair of the School of Chinese Opera at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts and is promoting Xiqu to the young generation through education.
As a reputable film director, alumnus Dr. Cheung shared with the audience that when he first started writing scripts and making films, he was just considering it as a way of making a living. That’s why he directed a series of Her Fatal Ways which was a smashing box-office success. However, his talent was not restricted to films. He also runs restaurants from which he understands the training needs of front-line staff and applies the dramatic theories in acting to corporate trainings, which is another line of business that he is running. But among his diversified profiles, his favorite career is still making films and writing as they are where legacy begins and are something that can be passed onto generations to come.
Last but not the least, alumna Miss Becky Lee shared that her fond of music took root when she was a child. She was thankful that the music and vocal training she received at HKBU has given her a solid foundation in vocal performance and facilitated her career development later on. She also shared her struggles between choosing a modeling and a singing career and the tough moments she experienced when she could not act to the satisfaction of director in TV drama. Yet, she overcame the difficult moments by reflecting on herself and learning from others. She also remarked that perseverance is the only way that leads to success.
The Forum was also honoured to have Executive Associate Dean of Graduate School Prof. Eva Man Kit-wah as Moderator for the panel discussion whereby participants asked questions proactively. All three speakers think that there is no windfall success. It takes time, hard work, trial and error as well as life-long learning to climb up a career ladder. When one has a dream and a firm belief, only the sky is the limit.
