Campus Digest

Two alumni named among Ten Outstanding Young Persons

Tuesday, 31 October 2023

20231031_outstandingyoungpersons 20231031_outstandingyoungpersons
Mr Wilson Cheung (left) is the world’s first Chinese polar expedition expert while Ms Ho Yuen-kei (right) is a member of the Boccia Team of Hong Kong, China.

 

Mr Wilson Cheung and Ms Ho Yuen-kei, an alumnus of the Bachelor of Physical Education and Recreation Management programme and alumna of the Bachelor of Social Sciences in China Studies programme respectively, have been named among the Ten Outstanding Young Persons this year in recognition of their extraordinary endeavours, remarkable achievements and strong fighting spirit.

Mr Wilson Cheung is the world’s first Chinese polar expedition expert. He currently works at the Ice Climate and Environment Lab at Queen’s University in Canada. In partnership with Parks Canada, his research aims to assess multi-decadal glacier area and volume change using remote sensing techniques, and develop a sustainable, field-based glacier monitoring approach for the future.

Eager to raise environmental awareness, Mr Cheung established Ecobus, a non-profit organisation that brings students to marine and country parks to learn conservation. He also co-founded the Asia Youth Alpine Mentors Program to train young people as alpinists and polar explorers.

Ms Ho Yuen-kei was born with spinal muscular atrophy. In 2008, she was inducted into the Hong Kong, China team. The next year, she represented Hong Kong, China for the first time in the Asian Youth Paralympic Games. In 2016, she achieved her dream of taking part in the Paralympics, and she was the first Hong Kong athlete to compete in the BC3 boccia classification, for athletes with significant limitations in their arms and legs. She also competed in the boccia competitions at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games.

Ms Ho is currently ranked first in the individual world rankings. With her perseverance, optimism and positivity, she was selected by the Regeneration Society as one of its Regeneration Warriors 2015-2016, and she is always happy to share her own story to inspire others.

The Ten Outstanding Young Persons Selection has been organised by the Junior Chamber International Hong Kong since 1970. The award recognises young people who excel in their professional endeavours and commitment to the community. It also promotes role models who shape a better future through their personal achievements as well as public services.