CUHK Business School Alumni – Anywhere, Everywhere: Two Generations Thriving Under One Roof

Since its establishment in 1963, CUHK Business School has been grooming future leaders; some of them count their formation experiences in their alma mater as part of a family legacy perpetuated across generations. Edward Yim (BBA 1977) is one such alumnus whose ties with CUHK Business School grew even stronger four decades after his graduation as his son, too, celebrated the milestone of his own academic journey in the same regalia. “We are as much father and son as we are fellow alumni,” Edward enthused.

This special connection with CUHK Business School is also baked into the family of Marco Wai (PACC 2018), who is preceded by his uncle and followed by his younger sister Eunice on the same path, weaving the School into their own lives.

 

CUHK – an Influence that Lasts

The campus of CUHK has played host to some of Edward’s most indelible parent-child moments with his son Charles (EMBA 2019). A walk around the library, the Chung Chi College Student Canteen, and Lake Ad Excellentiam offered an excellent chance for father and son to soak up the picturesque views as well as the scholastic vibes of the location.

Charles (left in the front) has been frequenting the CUHK with Edward (right in the back) since he was little, leaving him a vivid impression of the academic atmosphere on the campus

Years later, the duo sat down with us in the same surroundings for a nostalgic reflection. Looking around to take in the vistas that ooze with childhood memories, Charles said, “It’s a pleasant place here; it made studying a lot more fun.” As the effervescent conversation continued to unfold, Edward looked more of a friend than a dad to Charles. “We are as much father and son as we are fellow alumni,” Edward smiled. The childhood memories in the Sha Tin campus have fed Charles’ impression of CUHK as a sanctum of knowledge, where he chose to pursue further study as an EMBA student. Through exchanges and field trips abroad, he looked to broaden his horizon with experiences and insights which he was eager to share with his father.

Edward confessed it was beyond his expectation that Charles had grown into a mature and confident person capable of sharing with him his own views on business. As a liberal father, Edward said all he wished for Charles was that he walked his own path – only later did he realise that his son followed in his own footsteps after 40 years. The father hoped that his son would go on to uphold the spirit of CUHK by contributing to society.

As father and son as well as fellow alumni, Edward hoped that Charles would pass on the legacy of CUHK

 

Sibling Effect: Elder Brother as Guiding Light

Marco and Eunice, too, grew up in a CUHK-tinted family milieu. The siblings have turned down two admission offers respectively to pursue undergraduate studies at CUHK Business School, inspired by the example of their uncle whose campus life at CUHK has instilled in the young dyad’s minds the importance of a balance between studies and social life.

Marco attributed his academic and personal growth to studying at CUHK Business School, where he developed his potential with a sense of humility. Marco is a role model to his little sister Eunice who is eight years younger. The coming-of-age story of the elder brother has confirmed the younger sister in her decision to study Professional Accountancy at CUHK Business School.

Like siblings, like achievements: Eunice (below) won TIHK Tax Debate Competition recently, following in the footsteps of Marco (above), who won in 2016

“My brother is like a beacon who keeps me from going astray,” said Eunice. As a freshman, she enjoys a campus life as much vibrant as her elder brother’s. Like him, she has come through case competitions and debating contests with flying colours. Although the siblings seem to be treading similar paths, they shine in their own lustre. “We have our own personality and preferences, my sister is adventurous, she is eager to explore new possibilities in life. My expectation for her is that she lives up to the humanistic spirit of CUHK as she reaches for the stars.”

This eight-year-apart brother and sister shared great memories at the CUHK togethe