Mary LAU

Orbis is undoubtedly a household name among many in Hong Kong. In this edition of Alumni Stories, the Alumni Relations Team is delighted to feature Ms Mary Lau, Executive Director of Orbis Hong Kong, who has dedicated over two decades to the organization. Mary shares her journey—from her studies at Lingnan College on Stubbs Road to her pursuit of career development and personal growth post-graduation—and reflects on her extensive experience at Orbis. 

Choosing Marketing: Bridging Classroom Theory and Workplace Practice
Mary graduated from the Marketing program at Lingnan College in 1989. She recalls facing a choice between Accounting and Marketing during her time at Lingnan: Accounting offered a clear career trajectory, while Marketing provided broader scope and flexibility. Fascinated by human behavior, she opted for Marketing, drawn to its dynamic and engaging nature.

Throughout her studies, Mary appreciated how Lingnan’s Marketing program struck an effective balance between academic theory and practical application. She remembers frequent assignments requiring group presentations within tight deadlines, where students had to independently source organizations for case studies, conduct interviews, and propose marketing initiatives. This hands-on approach enabled her to integrate theoretical knowledge with real-world experience and honed her ability direction to evaluate situations from diverse stakeholder perspectives. Additionally, instructors introduced creative classroom rules—for instance, forbidding students from addressing a teacher surnamed “Lee” as “Sir Lee” and insisting on “Mr. Lee” instead—to subtly instill workplace norms and prepare students for professional settings. Mary believes this approach broke down barriers between students and faculty, fostering a warmer, more approachable rapport.

Cherishing Fond Memories of Campus Life and the Lingnan Spirit
The Lingnan campus on Stubbs Road was modest in size compared to today’s facilities. Rather than the quiet library, Mary preferred spending time with classmates in the canteen after classes, discussing studies and sharing ideas. As regular “canteen visitors,” they forged a close bond with the staff. “We saw them almost daily, and they knew our routines well,” she recalls. “They’d often say, ‘Hey, girl, back again? Here’s an extra egg for you!’” These warm interactions remain vivid in her memory.

Mary’s sociable nature also led her to join the Student Union at a classmate’s invitation, where she connected with peers from various disciplines and engaged in activities beyond her academic focus. She admits that, in the early years after graduation, her career demands left little time to stay in touch with classmates. Now, she strives to balance work and friendships, treasuring the moments spent at Lingnan and the enduring “Lingnan spirit.” She credits the college’s hostel culture for fostering closer bonds by offering ample opportunities for interaction outside class, creating a tapestry of cherished memories. 

Career Transition: Embracing Challenges and Building Communication Bridges
With over two decades at Orbis, Mary initially grappled with uncertainty about her career path after graduation. Through continuous learning and stepping beyond her comfort zone, she found her calling. She worked in banking and tourism—two vastly different fields—each for several years. Yet, at moments of growing stability, she chose to leave behind secure salaries and positions to pursue new directions. “Rather than a predictable future, I prefer the thrill of unknown challenges,” she explains. Thus, despite limited knowledge of the charity sector, she boldly applied to Orbis, securing a role to support its fundraising and development efforts.

In her early days at Orbis, adapting to unfamiliar tasks and culture posed significant challenges. “Instead of merely focusing on securing donations from organizations, I realized the greater need was to convey Orbis’s mission,” she reflects. “This meant engaging not just with representatives, but also their senior leadership and entire organizations, helping them recognize the unique value of supporting Orbis. Only then could we build bridges for lasting partnerships to advance our charitable initiatives.”

Beyond aiding those in need, Mary finds immense fulfillment in nurturing personal relationships across organizations. She once reconnected with a former colleague from a partner institution, who later introduced Orbis to a new supporter, expanding its network. These experiences deepened her appreciation for the interplay between individuals and institutions, reinforcing her belief that sustained efforts by staff across generations build Orbis’s reputation—a cornerstone of earning public trust and enduring support.

Now, as Executive Director of Orbis Hong Kong, Mary oversees operations and team objectives while prioritizing collaboration. She likens the organization to a train with 40 unique wheels, with her primary challenge being to ensure they work in harmony to move forward. She stresses that effective communication goes beyond surface messages, requiring an understanding of underlying intentions to foster genuine mutual support. This approach has cultivated a cohesive team at Orbis, driving innovation and progress.

A Changed Role, An Unchanged Mindset
In 2016, when Mary was Director of Development for China and Hong Kong at Orbis, Lingnan interviewed her. She shared, “Open your eyes and listen with your heart, and you’ll discover life’s beauty,” adding, “Despite years of service, I still see myself as a newcomer.” Asked again years later, now as the organization’s top leader, her perspective remains steadfast: “I believe humility is even more essential now to truly grasp people’s expressions and needs and to view issues from multiple angles—a task that’s actually more demanding.”

Reflecting on her career, Mary notes that the charity sector demands long-term, multifaceted thinking. For instance, do short-term fundraising tactics risk undermining future relationships? How can donors’ perceptions of Orbis be strengthened? “Building and sustaining a brand is incredibly difficult, yet destroying one is easy,” she observes. Public perception shifts with a brand’s evolution, requiring careful judgment and balance—an aspect she vigilantly oversees in her current role.

Words of Wisdom: Stay Curious and Define Your Goals
Beyond her full-time role, Mary’s passion for learning led her to pursue degrees in hotel and tourism management and psychology after graduation. She admits feeling initial regret due to the challenge of balancing studies with work, but perseverance brought fresh insights: “Learning isn’t just about credentials or milestones; it exposes me to knowledge beyond my job and connects me with people from diverse backgrounds. Interest alone is reason enough to learn, and one day, you’ll notice your growth.”

To recent graduates or those pondering their paths, Mary offers this advice: “Every job has its dull moments; what matters is your perspective. Excitement often comes from within—know what you’re doing and aiming for. Effort always yields rewards; there’s no need to compare with others—just strive to be your best.”