From academic pursuits to serving society, a decades-long bond with Lingnan.
Lingnan University, founded in 1888, has a rich and illustrious history, nurturing countless outstanding alumni who have spread across the globe. Imbued with the University’s "red-grey spirit," these alumni embody the ethos "Once a Lingnanian, always a Lingnanian," reflecting their steadfast loyalty and affection for their alma mater. Among the various Lingnan activities, we often see alumnus Mr Sammy Leung, a current Council member of Lingnan University and a Director of Lingnan Education Organization; he has also been a member of the University’s Court. Despite his frequent travels between Hong Kong and Macau for work, his dedication to Lingnan remains strong, actively supporting various initiatives linked to the University. Sammy's relationship with Lingnan began in his secondary school years, deeply rooting his connection to the University. In an interview, he shared, "My association with Lingnan has blessed me with invaluable mentors and friends who exemplify the red-grey spirit, serving as my role models. I aspire to leverage my experience and skills contributing for the betterment of our alma mater as well as serving the society, embodying Jesus Christ’s servanthood role model which instilled in us during my schooling — 'Not to be served, but to serve.'
Continuously exploring and growing on the path of pursuing academics and career. Sammy pursued his passion for accounting by continuing his studies at Lingnan College. Throughout Sammy’s educational journey, he encountered several educators who profoundly influenced him. Notably, three impressive principals left lasting impressions on him: Principal Raymond Huang introduced a unique violin teaching method that made English pronunciation learning engaging and enjoyable. President Chi-to Huang emphasized the spirit of service with the motto “Not to be served, but to serve” during the weekly assembly, leaving a lifelong impact on students. Although his time with President John T S Chen was short, Sammy admired his courteous and efficient approach, making any challenge seem surmountable. He also met remarkable teachers, Prof. Leslie R Howard, Prof. Hong-kin Kwok, and Prof. Wing-chiu Wu who not only emphasized the integration of theory and practice but also encouraged critical thinking, fostering his love for knowledge and practical skills. Sammy fondly recalls his time at the campus located in Stubbs Road, where the first-floor cafeteria served as the meeting point; a multipurpose area, for gathering spot, recreational/chat room for inter-classes breaks, and also converted for self-study room in late afternoon. Engaging in various student groups—such as archery, running, and squash—allowed Sammy to connect with fellow students and build close relationships with both peers and teachers back at that time. When the college moved from Stubbs Road to Tuen Mun, many alumni returned to the old place to take photos for memory. Choosing accounting as his field of study proved to be a pivotal decision for Sammy. He reveals that he actually received offers from both the Hong Kong Polytechnic and Lingnan College. However, Lingnan’s accounting program stood out because diploma graduates from Lingnan College with accounting major would have exemption for 6 papers of the professional accountants qualification examination, which was highly tempting. After the professional accountancy training, early in his career, Sammy worked for the accounting department of a securities and real estate group in Hong Kong. His diligence and keen observation allowed him to acquire essential investment skills and certain technical insights. Later, while working for a British-owned conglomerate group, he noticed that despite infrequent visits from top management in Hong Kong, the organization maintained orderly operations and ensured that every employee adhered to regulations. This experience underscored the importance of effective team management and also corporate governance. Subsequently, in the fast-paced internet industry, Sammy realized the need for continuous innovation and adaptability due to rapid technological changes and short product lifecycles. Sammy seized the career development opportunity and upheld continuous learning & development. Although attained CPA qualification, he also furthered his studies with an MBA and PhD. Lately, he explored for a DBA, the business administration doctoral degree in application emphasis.
Continuously inheriting the Red and Grey Spirit of Lingnan on the path of serving society. Sammy is an enthusiastic member of three major Lingnan organizations: the Lingnan University Hong Kong Alumni Association, the Lingnan Club, and the Lingnan Education Organization. Influenced by numerous senior Lingnanians, such as Dr. Kee-kau Wai, Dr. Angela Luk, Dr. Patrick P K Wu, and Dr. David P Chan, who always prioritize Lingnan’s interests, their passion and sense of mission have become contagious. They embody the 'red-grey spirit' of Lingnan: vibrant red symbolizing a love for life and the pursuit of ideals, while deep grey represents unwavering determination and resilience. Sammy actively participates in a wide variety of alumni gatherings and university events, regardless of their scale, and he willingly assumes the role of chauffeur for senior alumni. With a smile, he says, “I consider it an honor to be tasked with driving our esteemed seniors, especially after waiting in line for quite some time.” Through his practical actions, Sammy embodies the spirit of “Lingnan as one family.” He views this sense of Lingnan camaraderie as a precious asset in his life.
Sharing experiences with our alumni, encouraging exploration of the meaning of different stages of life. As a seasoned Lingnan alumnus, Sammy offers sage advice to fellow alumni at different stages of their life-journey. He encourages current students to cherish their learning experiences and graduating students to apply their knowledge wisely, dare to explore their passions and career paths. Quoting the phrase, “We do not know what we want until we see what we don’t want,” he highlights the value of experimentation and exploration; having the audacity to attempt for the job aspiration and to identify the career goal before reaching 30s. Nowadays, the concept of “work-life balance” often arises, but he emphasizes that hard work in one’s career precedes the sweetness of life. The ages of 30 to 40 are typically a golden period for career’s high-growth and development, where seizing opportunities and continuous self-improvement are crucial. Beyond this stage, as life enters its second half, Sammy advises alumni to shift their mindset. In addition to personal success, he encourages them to pursue meaningful endeavours to seek for significance and contribute to society. Sammy's story is a beacon for the next generation of Lingnanians, inspiring them to uphold the University’s values and spirit. Through his journey, we are reminded of the profound impact of the Lingnan experience, encouraging us to contribute to society and carry forward the legacy of Lingnan University.
