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Dear Friends of HKBN
Transforming Impossible Dreams into Reality
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For most non-university degree holders, the thought of returning to university as a matured student whilst concurrently juggling a full time career and family commitments is an impossible dream. At HKBN we work with our Talents to transform this impossible dream into reality.
There's nothing more satisfying than seeing our colleagues achieve success. Hard to believe it was five years ago Talents from HKBN first boarded our proverbial train of learning, Next Station University (NSU). As sponsors of this amazing program, we're tremendously proud to see 30 Talents overcome the challenges and earn their stripes with a Business Management Degree from the University of Wales.
Undeniably, the journey has been tough, especially because we know how hard our Talents have – against the odds – managed life and work in unison with academic pursuits. But it takes a special combination of guts and dedication to persevere through it all, and that's why HKBN regards our graduates as NSU Champions. |
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A proud picture with Next Station University Graduating Class of 2014
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They inspire and remind all 2,500 of our colleagues that we are capable of anything we dare put our minds to. To salute their accomplishments, November's semi-annual HKBN Talent Meeting featured a complete graduation ceremony where our Class of 2014 were honored before an assembly of the entire company together with NSU faculty partners and family members.
To watch a brief video of this occasion, click here.
In addition, we asked all 30 graduates to reflect on this unforgettable experience of learning and discovery.
Read the reflections of our graduates here.
Let's wish our champions all the best as they forge ahead and create a bright new future. To assist them, we're already planning a series of career consultation programs. And following their pioneering footsteps we're excited to announce that full details about NSU II will emerge first quarter 2015.
Five years is a long time, with plenty of ups and downs throughout this commitment. Knowing this, we sought out some key people involved to share their perspectives about this NSU experience. Scroll below to read more about them. |
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An Inspired Five Year Journey
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"When we started the Next Station University program five years ago, we really had no idea what the outcome would be, and certainly, we had no idea on the Return on Investment (ROI). However, it was obvious this was the right thing to do. Over the past five years, we have seen amazing good come from this program that has spilled over beyond the students involved. We have seen how teams have stepped-up to allow the students to manage their schedules. We have seen how the students themselves have stepped up to overcome personal and career challenges.
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Post NSU, the key is ensuring our graduates have the opportunity to exercise their gained knowledge and grow their careers within HKBN rather than be tempted to look elsewhere."
NiQ Lai
Head of Talent Engagement, CFO and Co-Owner
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Most Appreciated Educator
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With over 30 years of teaching experience, Dr. Gilbert Lo has seen it all. His experience brings valuable insights about the value and merits behind the NSU program. "In my work, I encounter many different companies, and very few are ever willing to invest into a program of such length and scale. What impressed me most was seeing how passionate the company has been at helping its staff grow and develop," he says.
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An amicable personality and jovial approach to teaching has endeared him with students young and old, and explains just why Dr. Gilbert was named NSU Most Appreciated Educator. "The way I teach shares a lot in common with the people at HKBN," he comments, "Because it's about being dedicated to completing a task fully." Bringing the mindset of a marketer, the veteran educator warrants his approval by saying, "It is my own responsibility to make lessons stimulating for each student. I always think about what I must do to keep my students engaged and interested."
Dr. Gilbert Lo
NSU Lecturer
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If there's one lesson we can take all away from NSU it's this: it's never too late for learning. In her youth, Operation Executive Jeffery Lam, recalls being rather lax about schooling. "Growing up, I was never a model student," she admits, "I remember my father saying to me, look at those people, they are all grown up and are now university graduates." A few years into life in the workplace, Jeffery began to realize the importance of an education. Her moment of epiphany arrived when she discovered how bored she became with the same routine tasks. "I was doing the same old thing," she explains, "It was then that I understood the value of education."
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In her second NSU year, an unfortunate tragedy struck as Jeffery's father passed away. Faced with hardship and the program's intrinsic challenges, her resolve was undoubtedly tested. "There were moments when I really wanted to quit," she says candidly, "We sacrificed so much time and energy." Against the odds, she endured with studies and reached her goal. "My father became the inspiration to continue," she says. On being the first in her family lineage to graduate with a university degree, Jeffery says proudly, "I can now tell my father: I've made it!"
Jeffery Lam
Operation Executive
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Having been named the program's best performer, you'd expect Sales Manager Boris Wong to be upbeat and delighted by his achievement. Far from it, Boris admits that his emotions are surprisingly mixed. "The thing is, I feel awkward from winning this award," he says, "Because I'm somewhat embarrassed for not completing my studies a lot earlier in life."
With a second chance at making his dream come true, Boris enrolled with a clear mission not to settle for mediocrity. "From the start, I had the intention of achieving first honors," Boris states. By adopting a strategic mindset, he became proactively committed to getting the best possible results. "Communication is incredibly important," he confides, "I made every effort to talk with our lecturers to understand what was needed to perform well." The guidance they provided proved useful, with Boris dedicating all his free time obsessing over visits to the library, seeking out non-compulsory reading materials, and doing heaps of research – now there's a model student!
Boris Wong
Manager – Sales
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"When the going gets tough, the tough gets going," is likely the best way to describe Assistant Customer Relations Supervisor Bicky Hu's experience as a student of NSU. Three years into his studies, Bicky became a proud father for the very first time.
"The birth of my son made everything much more difficult," he recalls. "My wife and I took turns taking care of our son, but it was especially difficult because I had to work and study as well." Things would worsen when a close family member fell seriously ill. "It was very tough back then, both my wife and I never got much sleep," he admits. To catch up on studies, Bicky remembers taking leave from work to complete outstanding assignments. "What's funny was how friends and family would ask me why I was working at home," he comments, "After I explained it was all for my NSU studies, their response was: WOW, that’s great! I’d love to join HKBN and join the next NSU program." Looking back now at all the adversity, Bicky confidently reveals, "Out of everything that I've gone through, I know there's nothing that can ever stop me and my wife."
Bicky Hu
Assistant Customer Relations Supervisor
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Hong Kong Broadband Network Limited |
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