The world’s a stage
Returning for its fifth iteration from 19 to 21 October under the theme of “boundless for infinity”, this year’s Distinguished Alumni-in-residence Programme featured Singaporean-based business administration alumna Stephanie Hung. Over six events in three days, including three talks, a dialogue, a cookery session and a perambulation, the alumna shared with the University community her study and life experiences as well as professional insights.
With rich experience in technology sector, Hung is chief information officer of the Asian Development Bank, an inter-governmental financial institution in Asia-Pacific aiming to foster the region’s economic and social growth, and director general of its information technology department, taking charge of the bank’s digital strategies and transformation as well as its informational technology infrastructure, operations and talents spanning more than 30 countries.
In her opening speech, she talked about how the University’s business administration curriculum, generation education and mentorship programme, coupled with her AIESEC international experience and internship, set her on an international trajectory. In the guest lecture at the University’s business school town centre, the alumna shared her expertise and experience in harnessing artificial intelligence and analytics to drive digital transformation within an organisation. In the closing speech “AI New Era: Interdisciplinary Talents for the Future”, she explored how one should mould herself into a true talent of future, equipped with cross-disciplinary thinking and unbounded knowledge.
Besides talks, in a dialogue with students at Innoport, Hung unveiled her working experience at tech giant IBM during her undergraduate days and spoke about what her motto “be a thinker, creator and learner” meant to her. The Singaporean citizen also became a sojourner, strolling around Shatin with other University members and discussing Singapore and Hong Kong’s urban development over delicious food in a traditional restaurant. In the extraordinary cookery session, Hung and participants went to the kitchen at Gastronomy Club in Cheng Yu Tung Building and made chwee kueh, steamed rice cakes originating in Teochew cuisine, with her also sharing bespoke recipes for Hainanese chicken and bak kut teh. While cooking, she showed that it was possible to cultivate interests and embrace hygge amidst a busy life.
The mentorship programme, a highlight of the event, saw Hung pick six undergraduate students aspiring to work in the tech industry, whom she will mentor for half year. In her reflections on the packed visit, she encourages students to be curious, courageous, and be themselves: “Curiosity fuels our quest for knowledge and innovation. Courage empowers us to take risks, overcome challenges, and reach new heights. And being ourselves ensures that we stay true to our values and unique perspectives.”
