CU iBUS (November 2013), CUHK Business School

CU iBUS

Published by the Undergraduate Office, CUHK Business School

November 2013

Business in the Era of Social Media

With the growing use of smartphones and tablets, people are gradually spending more time on the internet and consequently less on traditional media like TV, radio or newspapers. In response to this change in behavior, businesses are gradually shifting more of their effort online where their target audience is active. More significantly, the emergence of social networking websites makes instant interaction possible, enhancing B2B, B2C and C2C communication. It is where service and product providers can interact directly with the end users as well as consumers with each other. In this issue of CU iBUS, we will explore the impact of social media in the business context.

Faculty Spotlight Prof. Jia Jian-min Spotlight - Kick-off Cocktail for Undergraduate Mentorship Program 2013-14

Also in This Issue 08 Spotlight - Global Leader Series Economic

Forum: The Rise of the Asian Century 10 Lightbox - 74th Congregation

for the Conferment of Degrees 12 Newsroom Click to view the full issue

From the Editor Business School

December

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2013 Golden Jubilee Alumni Homecoming Day: CUHK Business School Open House Dec 8 CUHK 50th Anniversary Banquet Dec 10 50-50 Family Business Conference Abbreviation INDEX UGO Undergraduate Office IBBA Integrated BBA ABS Asian Business Studies

Message from the editor Dear CU iBUS readers, If one asks what turns a good idea into a successful campaign, the answer can be revealed by one of the most phenomenal apps, Bitstrips. How did an idea that has been around since 1998 yet unknown by most become an overnight success? The key is the right promotional platform. The fact that Bitstrips became a hit after releasing in September a mobile app with a new feature that makes it easier to share the comics on mainstream social media reaffirms the commercial impact of social media. In this issue of CU iBUS, we will explore the possibilities and opportunities created by these e-platforms and assess how social media has transformed the ways that business can be done.

Facebook is just one of the many ways that we use to communicate with you.

Of course, another way is through CU iBUS. The name CU iBUS was proposed

by PACC student Tracy Lee Ki Chui back in August 2012. As she explained at the time, “i" stands for internet since CU iBUS is distributed on the web and “BUS” stands for the Business School and the function of this publication – acting as a bus to transport meaningful and important information to our students. Having collected your opinions in a survey conducted in midNovember, we are planning a revamp with some changes effective starting next year. Some old sections may fade out while new sections will appear.

Watch out for the new and improved CU iBUS! May I also introduce you to this year’s Student Editorial Team? We had a lot of fun during the training workshop on November 8. Now they are all ready to bring you the latest news in the Business School and the business world through CU iBUS and the Undergraduate Facebook page.

GBS Global Business Studies IBCE International Business and Chinese Enterprise PACC Professional Accountancy Program HTMG Hotel and Tourism Management Program IFAA Insurance, Financial and Actuarial Analysis Program QFIN Quantitative Finance Program

New blood in the Student Editorial Team!

Both the Business School Undergraduate Facebook page and CU iBUS are for the students and by the students. If you have any suggestions on how we can further improve, please don’t hesitate to let us know.

QFRM Interdisciplinary Major Program in Quantitative Finance and Risk Management Science GLEF Interdisciplinary Major Program in Global Economics and Finance

Prof. Stella So Editor-in-chief, CU iBUS

cu iBUS November 2013 EDITORIAL

STUDENT EDITORIAL TEAM

Editor-in-chief Prof. Stella So

Brian Kim (Year 3) Cynthia Pin (Year 1) Jimmy Tsong (Year 2) Shafee Mohammed (Year 1) Myra Zhang (Year 2) Grace Chee (Year 3) Lolitta Ho (Year 3) Jeanette Lai (Year 2) Kama Wong (Year 2) Kimmy Wong (Year 1) Morven Mo (Year 2)

Members Carol Ho Isadora Ho Elaine Leung

Contact us Eunice Jung (Year 4) Tiffany Lam (Year 2) Victor Tai (Year 2) Mandy Chiang (Year 2) Josie Lau (Year 2) CONTRIBUTORS Joseph Tong Beatrice Wan Jeffrey Li

Address Room 616, Cheng Yu Tung Building, 12 Chak Cheung Street, Shatin, N.T. Telephone 3943 7746 Email bba@cuhk.edu.hk

Cover Story 01

Business in the Era of Social Media

By Jimmy Tsong, Student Reporter

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ith the growing use of smartphones and tablets, people are gradually spending more time on the internet and consequently less on traditional media like TV, radio or newspapers. In response to this change in behavior, businesses are gradually shifting more of their effort online where their target audience is active. More significantly, the emergence of social networking websites makes instant interaction possible, enhancing B2B, B2C and C2C communication. It is where service and product providers can interact directly with the end users as well as consumers with each other. In this issue of CU iBUS, we will explore the impact of social media in the business context.

Origins of social networking websites Social media refers to a wide range of web based and mobile applications designed for social interaction across geographic boundaries. Initially, the social networking websites were designed specifically for social purposes with contents generated mostly by users. However with the rapid development of electronic media and smartphones, more and more time is spent on social media websites and applications. Many companies therefore recognize its potential and are using social media as a medium of advertisement so as to keep pace with this change.

The use of social media as advertising tool Mr. Sebastian Chung, a PhD candidate in Marketing who will be co-teaching Internet Marketing with Prof. Lau Kin Nam, explained that as social media is most widely used among teenagers, the use of social media heavily depends on the composition of company customers. For example, Groupon, a dealof-the-day website that features discount vouchers for products like buffets relies heavily on social media promotion as their customers are mainly young people. On the other hand, it can be observed that some products that are targeting senior customers still greatly depend upon traditional advertisement methods such as TV and newspaper advertising.

But generally speaking, the use of social media as advertising is on the upswing. In fact, brand building on social media has a lot of advantages over advertising on traditional media. “Social media is all about people”, explained Mr. Chung. “When someone shares information about your brand, they are endorsing it and the endorsement serves as a very powerful ‘word of mouth’.” On the other hand, brands can enhance the trust and loyalty of their customers

through interactive communication. Timely customer care can be achieved through this means and customers can also share their user experience with other customers.

Before the emergence of social media, if a customer is dissatisfied with the companies’ service and product, he may turn to traditional media like magazines and periodicals to complain; involving such traditional media generally leads to bad impacts to the company image. On the other hand, with social media, companies can locate and handle complaints before things get worse. Another benefit of using social media is that companies can more easily collect customer opinions. Social media is handy and easy to use. The time cost to customers to express their opinions is greatly reduced compared to traditional ways like filling out a paper questionnaire or talking face-to-face with a salesperson. The more willing customers are in expressing their opinions about a particular product or service, the less in resources is needed by companies for research and development.

Latest Development of Business Promotion on Social Media Mr. Chung explained that with the growing popularity of smartphones and the widespread availability of 3G and even 4G service, mobile social networking will very likely be the next new trend. SoLoMo, which stands for social-local-mobile, makes use of the GPS technology in mobile devices to track user locations.

Recognizing customers’ locations allows advertisers to provide more tailor-made and localized advertising content to the target customers. For instance, when you enter a shopping mall, stores in the malls can get your location through GPS and notify you about the latest promotional discounts. Such technology enhances the effectiveness of advertising greatly, as the contents of advertisements are customized to specific customers.

Another fast-spreading idea is crowdfunding.

Crowdfunding refers to the collective effort of many different individuals who pool their money and sometimes also ideas in support of a particular project on crowdfunding platforms. This method of raising seed funding has been widely adopted in the US. One of the most successful projects that are supported by crowdfunding is Pebble. A customizable watch, Pebble allows customers who have funded its production to be involved in product design during the research and development stage. The producer is thus able to make design changes per customers’ expectations. This concept will soon hit Hong Kong as two locally based entrepreneurs are set to launch a crowdfunding site fund2.me on December 1, 2013.

CUHK Business School - Undergraduates November 29

Business Promotion on Social Media in 2013: 97% of marketers used social media for marketing purposes, as opposed to 88% in 2009.

86% of marketers acknowledged that social media was important to their business.

79% of marketers had integrated social media and traditional marketing activities.

62% of marketers are using social media for 6 hours or more and 36% for 11 or more hours weekly In 2013, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, blogging and YouTube were the top five platforms used by marketers.

Source: Stelzner, M. Social Media Marketing Industry Report (May 2013) http://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/SocialMediaMarketingIndustryReport2013.pdf

Cover Story 03

Social Media and Customer Relationship Social media is not only for industries that require heavy marketing promotion. It is also very effective in facilitating customer care and professional knowledge flow. Dr. Denny Tang, an expert in medical cosmetology and anti-aging, explains how he uses Facebook to boost the quality of medical services he provides.

Medical consultation is traditionally done faceto-face. Considering Facebook is in the internet virtual world, when and why did the idea of opening a Facebook page come to your mind?

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drdennytang

Has Facebook helped your business in any way?

Yes it has in three major ways. (1) First, it greatly improves the continuity of care to clients. In the past it was hard for us to maintain the connection to clients once they stopped visiting the clinic. But now we can connect with The Facebook page was launched two months ago. them through this convenient platform. (2) And because While medical cosmetology is already a well-known of it they are better informed on the latest medical subject, anti-aging is a relatively new idea and a developments in those areas they are most concerned lot of new information is surfacing every day. So I about, which is the second major benefit. This can also wanted to find an efficient platform to disseminate the shorten the time needed for consultation as we do not information to the public. In the past we used email have to go through everything again. (3) Third and most blasts, but through this channel we could only reach importantly I can use the time saved to help more people existing patients. Building a website was another in need. Indirectly, the Facebook page does improve the option but this involves higher cost and maintenance quality of my service. is more complicated. That’s where a Facebook page fits in. It allows instant and interactive communication Next step for your Facebook page? and it is basically free of charge.

In the near future I would like to train our nurses to maintain the page so that readers can drop us a note with medical related questions at their convenience and our nurses can provide a timely response. This First of all, registered medical practitioners have a code would make the page even more interactive. of professional conduct that prohibits self-promotion so I will never do promotion on the page. In fact Social media platforms have their pros and not even the name or phone number of my clinic is cons: A recent survey stated that some internet listed there. However there were a few cases where users choose to rely on medical information clients read my posts on Facebook and then googled to find my clinic. The page mainly works along with shared on social platforms instead of consulting Prof. Andrew Chan’s “Awareness – Comprehension a doctor, which leads to a delay in treatment.

– Liking – Action – Habit” (ACLAH) and "Left–Right As a practicing physician who is active on social Circle" approach. Those who have read my Facebook page may not have immediate need of my service, but platforms, what is your comment on this? when they or the people around them do, they will Internet users should look for reliable sources. Say if you remember what I have written and will approach me find some information in a well-established medical then. e-journals, it would be fine. But if you are trying to miraculously cure yourself with some unconfirmed folk prescriptions found on some internet website, most likely it would not work. So it is very important to be very critical when screening for reliable information on the internet.

Did the Facebook page help you attract more clients?

Faculty Spotlight

Prof. Jia Jian-min, Jamie Chairman, Department of Marketing

| Serving CUHK since 1996 | Teaching Marketing in China, Seminar on Marketing Model | Affiliated to Chung Chi College | Birthday: August 12

About your profession

About yourself

What made you decide to become a Professor?

I’ve been a professor for more than twenty years. I have a motivation for doing research and I also enjoy teaching and interacting with students and colleagues.

Discovering knowledge is a major intrinsic motivator for me and even before I started my PhD I already made up my mind to be a professor. You have the freedom of doing academic research and making it relevant to the world. This is not possible if you work for a company.

You have to do the specific work they assign you.

What is the craziest thing you have ever done?

I used to be crazy about art work. I kept scratching from day to night and even when everyone was in bed to sleep they could still hear me scratching. At that time I felt this was something I could do professionally, to be an artist. Now that I am a professor, I do crazy things like staying up until 4am doing research.

What was the topic of your most recent research project?

Why are you interested in this topic?

My major research interest was consumer decision making so I’ve been doing a lot of research on risk and uncertainty. However in the past few years, I started a new effort regarding big data, mobile social networks and customer relationships – CRM we call it. This area offers tremendous opportunities for research. Much research has been done on Facebook and Twitter, but I take a different stance. We have more connections with Chinese companies and we have access to big data from the telecom industry. This gives us a unique competitive edge. Many issues are very new to me so it’s all quite challenging.

About CUHK Other than teaching at CUHK, you also have academic positions in other universities with different systems and requirements, what do you think our students can learn from their counterparts?

There are some universities that provide a book list for students during their four years at university. You have to finish it or you may choose a given number of books to read. Of course on my side I can introduce books to students but they don't have any obligation to finish it. On the other hand if this is some kind of program requirement, maybe they would read these books seriously. It would build different knowledge which would help them in their later careers. We do have students who are very curious and like to do more.

Could you share with us one of your most sentimental moments?

When the Wenchuan earthquake struck in 2008, I was there. I stayed outside talking to people day and night for three days and then I realized I had to come back to HK to finish some grading. It was pretty difficult. I went to the airport which was totally occupied with medical materials and rescue teams being sent to Wenchuan.

When I finally got on the plane, they couldn't even confirm the destination – it could be Shenzhen or even Hainan – it was just going to fly out of Sichuan. But I was so tired that I fell asleep even before the plane took off. When I woke up the plane was already landing in Guangzhou. After I finished my grading I went back to Sichuan for a month. When you see that kind of suffering I felt that nothing else was important. A lot of the students there were scared and they needed help.

Is there any book you would like to recommend to our students? Why? There is a popular social media book titled Connected whose authors are scholars from their respective medical and political science schools. It’s not a very technical book, anybody can read it. I would also recommend students read The Science magazine.

It’s reasonably easy to read yet they give some very important ideas for the future such as smart city, smart home, thus exposing students to new ideas. Then there are the Harvard Business Review which focuses on company cases and The Economist which looks at issues from the economic perspective.

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Kick-off Cocktail for Undergraduate Mentorship Program 2013-14 Date: October 26, 2013

By Jeanette Lai, Student Reporter

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o-organized by CUHK and the BBA Alumni Association, the Undergraduate Mentorship Program 2013/14 kicked off with a cocktail session on October 26, 2013 at the Cheng Yu Tung Building. Marking the fiftieth anniversaries of CUHK and the Business School, the theme of this year’s program is “Embrace our Culture, Empower our Future”. It is especially symbolic and meaningful as an event where mentors can pass on their knowledge to mentees.

Prof. T. J. Wong started the event with his welcome to the 381 mentors and mentees, followed by a sharing session by Dr. Roy Chung, BBS JP, co-founder and nonExecutive Director of Techtronic Industries Company Limited, Mr. Raymond Lo, Chairman of BBA Alumni Association of CUHK, and Ms Angela Fung, Honorary Secretary of BBA Alumni Association of CUHK. They encouraged students to not only take advice but to give it as well. “Anyone can mentor another,” Dr. Chung remarked.

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Mente

Spotlight 07 Dr. Chung also reminded our students that while taking advice is good, it is also important to get direct, first-hand experience. He shared a quote by Mark Twain, an American novelist and journalist who said, “Good decisions come from experience. Experience comes from making bad decisions.” Citing the example of his favorite soccer team Brazil, Dr. Chung taught us the importance of not fearing failure as even a successful team like Brazil actually loses more often than it wins.

Another mentor, Mr. Raymond Lo, Chairman of BBA Alumni Association of CUHK also encouraged the students to take a step forward and share what they learned from their experience. “We are not only obtaining knowledge from mentors. We should also give out what we have.” With the advent of new technology, youth can be the mentor for others in some aspects. Always strive for excellence before asking for return as opportunities are only for those who are well-prepared – this is the ultimate advice that our mentors would like to give to our students.

The kick-off cocktail served as the perfect environment for mentors and mentees to get to know one another.

Throughout the year, mentors will continue to share with our students key learnings from their work experience and inspire them to lead successfully.

Prof. Fred Hu (third from left, front), Prof. Liu Ming Kang, Prof. T. J. Wong, Mr. John C. Tsang, Prof. Benjamin Wah, Prof. Robert Merton and Prof. Lawrence Lau with donors of the new CUHK Business School Development Fund in a group photo.

Global Leader Series Economic Forum:

The Rise of the Asian Century Date: October 16, 2013

By Myra Zhang and Lolitta Ho, Student Reporters

In celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of CUHK

Business School, the Global Leader Series Economic Forum was held in the afternoon of October 16, 2013. Titled “The Rise of the Asian Century”, this highly anticipated event featured four world renowned economists, Prof. Liu Ming Kang, Prof.

Robert C. Merton, Prof. Lawrence Lau, and Prof. Fred Hu, each providing their insights on the challenges and opportunities raised by Asia’s economic and financial development. Guest of Honor at this gold jubilee event was the Honorable Mr. John C. Tsang, Financial Secretary of the HKSAR Government. The Forum attracted an audience of over 600 including professionals from various business and political sectors, CUHK alumni and students, and the media, all filling the Grand Ballroom of the Kowloon Shangri-La. The forum began with welcoming remarks delivered

by Prof. T. J. Wong, Dean of CUHK Business School, followed by Mr. Tsang’s commentary asserting that “the rise of the Asian century is no longer a hopeful prediction but reality” and that “education is not only an investment in our next generation but also in Hong Kong’s future.”

Student Ambassador introducing our study programs to secondary school students

Spotlight 09

How the East Grew Rich The third speaker, Prof. Lawrence Lau, Chairman of CIC International (Hong Kong) Co. Ltd., discussed the economic development of Asia focusing on East Asia and China, presenting numerous graphic and statistical analyses using historical data from these places. He then explored the reasons behind East Asia’s fast economic development. “The growth of tangible capital supported by the high domestic saving rate is the principle source of early East Asia Asia Pacific Financial Industry Outlook economic growth”, said Prof. Lau. “Intangible capital, The first speaker, Prof. Liu Ming Kang, former Chairman including human capital and R&D, has been gradually supplanting tangible input and has been the source of of the China Banking Regulatory Commission the growth of more developed East Asia economies, presented his views in a speech titled “Asia Pacific such as Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and Singapore.

Financial Industry Outlook”. In his opening thesis Expansion in the non-agricultural sector through Prof Liu claimed “there is increasing evidence the use of surplus of labor and active participation that the Asian economy is maturing, but maturity in global economy are the common features of the brings us numerous challenges. However, I remain development experience of successful East Asia cautiously optimistic, because with every challenge economies.” we can see some opportunities”. He then gave an overview of challenges and opportunities facing the Discussion Panel Asian financial sector, specifically focusing on the Chinese capital market, the insurance sector, and the banking industry. In his analysis, Prof. Liu gave Following the speeches of the three speakers was a special emphasis to the change of growth model in discussion by the panel regarding the topic “How to the financial sector and the importance of regulatory capitalize on Asia’s searching economic and financial reform. growth”. Moderated by Prof. Fred Hu, the Chairman of Primavera Capital Group, the four economists exchanged and shared their views.

The Influence of Financial Science and

Economic Financial Development across Asia and Mainland China The second speaker, Prof. Robert C. Merton, was the 1997 Nobel Laureate in Economic Science. He spoke on “The Influence of Financial Science and Economic Financial Development across Asia and Mainland China.” He first led the audience to look back on the history of global economics, then to look towards the future of the Asian Century. After analyzing that Asia, particularly China, faces huge challenges yet great opportunities, Prof. Merton offered several recommendations regarding China’s economic development, advising leaders to “take action now before risks happen” and to “adopt multiple regulatory systems.” He also advised that it is not sufficient to build the economy “on current best practice, (instead) look into the future, look to technology and look to where financial innovation can be applied.”

Prof. Merton noted passionately that “the role of CUHK Business School is to let us see where [these applications] are and train great people to do them.”

Please visit here for event highlight in video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vzyxcUj5kmQ

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74th Congregation for the Conferment of Degrees

Business graduates throwing their caps high up into the sky A selfie with Prof. Joseph Sung, Vice-Chancellor of CUHK

Twiggy Ho (HTMG, left) cannot hide her excitement. “My mindset has changed since I started working. I’m so happy to be back to this learning environment. Teachers are always a great source for us to learn.”

Cheers to a bright future!

Lightbox 11

Stephen Ng and Ashley Chan (HTMG) already missing their days as students.

“It’s always laughter and fun with my friends. I will miss this relaxing environment a lot.”

Students creating a visual record of a happy day.

Victory! Our HTMG graduates celebrate their official graduation together!

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CUHK Business School Open House

Case Competitions Achievements Integrated BBA students Davy Hui (Year 2), Heidi Lau (Year 2) Francis Cho (Year 3) and Karen Wu (Year 3) won 1st-Runner-Up, the Most Creative Team Award and the Best Team Spirit Award in the “ACCA Hong Kong Business Competition 2013”.

The “CUHK Business School Open House” will be held on Saturday December 7, from 2pm to 4pm in the lobby of Cheng Yu Tung Building to welcome business alumni and students back ‘home’ for a get-together.

The most touching photos submitted from this autumn’s photo collection campaign ‘Those Were the Days at CUHK Business School’, with the most notable receiving prizes during a presentation ceremony as one of that day’s events.

Other highlights include exhibition panels showcasing the significant milestones of the Business School over the past five decades, visits to iconic spots in Cheng Yu Tung Building led by student ambassadors. Most of all you can expect a relaxed afternoon with delicious snacks and drinks.

Boris Ng (GBS, Year 4), Angus Lee (QFN, Year 4), Peggy Tse (GBS, Year 4) and Alan Yip (GBS, Year 4) were awarded the Championship in the 2013-14 CFA Institute Research Challenge Hong Kong Local Final. They will represent CUHK and Hong Kong in the Asia Pacific Regional Final to be held in Bangkok in April 2014.

Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to revisit 50 years of unforgettable moments at the Business School! Register for the Open House here.

Outreach efforts — admission talks Date

School / Event

Speaker

Nov 1

School of Continuing & Professional Studies, Mr. CW Chau CUHK (Tseung Kwan O Learning Centre) Project Executive (Admissions) Student sharing by Jaanam HARJANI

Nov 11 Po Leung Kuk Ngan Po Ling College

Dr. Andy Wong Assistant Dean (Undergraduate Studies)

Nov 14 HKFYG Lee Shau Kee College

Dr. Andy Wong Assistant Dean (Undergraduate Studies)

Nov 15 Diocesan Girls’ School

Dr. Andy Wong Assistant Dean (Undergraduate Studies)

Prof. Chow Yin-foon Program Director of QFIN

Mr. John Lai Director of Global Business Programs

Prof. Albert Wong Program Director of IFAA

Nov 15 HK Communicty College - HK PolyU (West Kowloon Campus)

Ms. Carol Ho Manager (Communications and Public Relations)

Nov 25 CCC Kei To Secondary School

Dr. Andy Wong Assistant Dean (Undergraduate Studies)

Nov 27 HKU SPACE Community College (Kowloon East Campus)

Ms. Carol Ho Manager (Communications and Public Relations)

Newsroom 13

Dress Smart, Look Smart Grooming Workshop 1 Date: October 25, 2013

About seventy undergraduate business students now know how to build up a smart image after attending the “Grooming for Smart Job Hunters” workshop. Run in collaboration with Shiseido, two concurrent sessions, one for ladies and one for men, were held on October 25. Participating students not only gained a better understanding of the appropriate outfits for a job interview, but also learned the golden rule in choosing clothing according to their body shape. As examples, females with an “A-shaped” body – hips wider than shoulders – were advised to wear shoulder pads while medium skinny pants are good picks for stocky males. Skin care, hair styling and make-up were also touched on to equip students with necessary techniques to look their best.

ABS students visit to Lee Kum Kee International Holdings Limited 2 Date: October 31, 2013

By Jeffrey Li (ABS, Year 3)

Leveraging a unique educational approach that goes beyond classroom lectures, some of our Asian Business Studies students were invited to visit the Tai Po production facilities of Lee Kum Kee International Holdings Ltd. (LKK) to study how it grew into the internationally known family enterprise that it is today.

Contrary to the preconceived notions on factories being dirty and noisy places, students were impressed by the hygienically clean LKK factory which was equipped with many computer systems and laboratories to ensure product safety, ranging from raw materials to work in process and the finished Organized by the Undergraduate Office, this grooming workshop has been held for three years in a row since 2011. products. LKK staff shared with the students their approaches on a range of topics including innovation, human resource management, quality control, etc.

One lesson that left a deep impression on students was LKK’s deep belief that one must remember where one’s success comes from, thus the importance of fully recognizing the unflagging loyalty and support of distributors, suppliers, customers and fellow colleagues.

Setting the Foundation for Career Success – Career Workshop Date: November 7, 2013

By Beatrice Wan (IBCE, Year 3)

Job hunting, whether for that first job after graduation or an internship, has always been an important exercise for business students. Mr. Kelvin Lau, Manager of Michael Page International, was invited to give a workshop on “Setting the foundation for career success” on November 7, 2013. Around sixty GBS & IBCE students attended, benefiting from Mr. Lau’s career advice.

Mr. Lau pointed out some important industries that we might previously not have paid enough attention to, for example IT, retail and the logistics sectors. On top of his insights, Mr. Lau also gave tips on how to increase the chances of securing a desirable job through effective networking and, more importantly, personal branding as a professional.

The workshop was very meaningful especially for the final year students. On top of practical tips on CV and interviews, Mr. Lau stressed the importance of identifying one’s personal interest when seeking a job. While some may choose to go for a post with the highest salary, in the long run, enjoying one’s job because it is interesting is the most sustainable source of motivation at work.

Students also gained great insight into how LKK works as a business, the company’s unique cultures, and how different roles and functions work together within the whole corporation. LKK has successfully incorporated the company culture into the work environment as seen from banners expressing the company’s values in many places in the workplace. These are helpful in reminding the staff about LKK’s unique culture.

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