“HSUHK is a place full of kindness and warmth, and it has been so for the past 30 years.”

Mr Cibe Ngan, Information Technology Officer, has been contributing to the campus behind the scenes for 30 years since joining Hang Seng School of Commerce (HSSC) in 1995 — a time when the teachers, students and colleagues got on well with each other on a campus that was far less developed than it is today.  A sense of belonging soon took root: “Colleagues from nearly every department knew each other back then. We were close-knit like a big family.”

In his early days as a computer laboratory assistant, Cibe bonded with a group of Form 7 matriculation students, building enduring friendships, that have lasted to this day. “They treat me just like a big brother. Even though they each went on their own paths after graduation — becoming accountants, school headmasters or even company CEOs — we have stayed in contact. For the past 30 years, we have continued to meet almost every year, and the relationships we have forged are truly priceless.”

Having accompanied HSUHK through two-thirds of its 46-year development, the milestone that Cibe remembers most vividly is the 2018 retitling of Hang Seng Management College (HSMC) as The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong. “From HSSC to HSMC, and then to becoming a university, every step has been no small feat. Everyone on campus was exhilarated, and I am proud to be one of them.”

S H Ho Academic Building and Lee Quo Wei Academic Building, completed successively between 2012 and 2013 amidst a continuous drive for campus development, also left an indelible mark in Cibe’s memory.  As he recalled, the two buildings were urgently needed for use in the new academic year, and a great amount of preparatory work had to be completed within a very short timeframe.  “Since only two to three days remained before the official opening, everyone was working tirelessly together. Even though it was the weekend, we worked day and night to rush to completion — only to make sure that the academic staff and students could use the new facilities without running into any problems.”  Those were hectic days, but they put colleagues’ team spirit on full display.

Looking back on his 30-year journey, Cibe has witnessed the University’s flourishing growth, from modest beginnings to significantly larger numbers of students, academic and adminstrative staff today. Yet, to him, the most invaluable thing is the kinship. “For me, ‘people’ have always mattered most.  Seniors’ trust in us; colleagues’ mutual respect and willingness to learn from each other, and a helping hand when needed — all these have motivated me throughout the years.” A grounded yet warm work atmosphere has guided Cibe’s journey with the University for 30 years. These are the values that generation after generation of HSUHK people inherit and carry forward.