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As part of its long-standing commitment to youth development, Link successfully hosted its annual Link University Scholarship Interview Day on 2 November. The 2024 edition attracted more than 1,700 applicants – first-generation university students in three generations of their families, with strong academic records and a passion for social service. Around 330 candidates advanced to the final interview stage.
During the event, about 70 judges from a wide range of sectors – including government, Legco, public bodies, business, media, social welfare, social enterprises, The Hong Kong Council of Social Service, Link alongside with four all time scholars who received the Scholarship for four consecutive years engaged with the shortlisted scholarship candidates. Through icebreaker games and group discussions, they assessed the students’ responses, teamwork, logical thinking and presentation skills.
Professor Lai Ching-lung, Emeritus Professor at The University of Hong Kong (HKU), delivered a keynote speech before the interviews. Channel 823 spoke with Professor Lai about his insights on youth development and the pursuit of dreams.
Professor Lai commanded immediate attention with his striking red suit, paired with a pink shirt, gold bow tie and polished leather shoes. As he took the stage, he captivated the audience with his signature teaching style, engaging students through the “six personal criteria for a perfect student”.
In his remarks on academics, Professor Lai emphasised that no knowledge is ever wasted. He encouraged students to explore a wide range of subjects and invest time in gaining a deep understanding of their chosen fields. He also stressed the importance of developing critical thinking, creativity and a sense of humour, while upholding high personal standards.
Although Professor Lai joined HKU’s medical school at 16, graduated at the top of his class at 21 and later joined his alma mater in medical education and research, surprisingly this “child prodigy” never received a scholarship.
“Instead of scholarships, I was awarded a gold medal for ‘Distinction’ in academics,” Professor Lai shared. “This medal not only validated my hard work and achievements, but it also remains a cherished memento. Even now, it holds great sentimental value for me.”
Across five decades of teaching over ten of thousands of students, Professor Lai has witnessed profound changes in university education. While much has evolved, one constant has been students’ enthusiasm for learning. However, the rise of technology has introduced new challenges, especially in the realm of online learning: “With virtual lectures and pre-recorded videos replacing face-to-face interactions, I worry about students maintaining focus and staying engaged with their studies,” he observed.
When asked about solutions to these challenges, Professor Lai emphasised the importance of persistence, drawing from his own experiences: “During my secondary school years, my goal was to enter HKU’s Faculty of Medicine. At 16, I worried about meeting the requirements, but I knew I had to persist. If I failed, I would simply try again the next year. This mindset has been invaluable in my research as well, where patience and perseverance are essential for success.”
If Professor Lai were to return to the age of 16 in 2024 and was presented with the opportunity to enter a university, would he make the same choice and follow the same path of study, research, and teaching? “Of course I would!” Professor Lai answered without hesitation. Professor Lai’s unwavering dedication to both research and teaching continues to inspire his students, motivating them to strive for excellence in their medical careers and personal pursuits.
Endorsing society’s emphasis on well-rounded youth development, Professor Lai encouraged students to stay informed about global events, much like he does by reading research papers daily. “They shouldn’t limit themselves to familiar topics or established knowledge,” he advised. He also advocated for cultivating diverse personal interests and leading a balanced life, adding, “I myself enjoy music and reading as well.”
Interestingly, Professor Lai is also an avid player of Pokémon GO. When asked if the game helps him relax, he laughed and said, “Not at all! I actually get quite tense while playing!” He is also a fan of word games, believing that “play is essential for a balanced life”.
Chan Ning-long, a first-year medical student at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, deeply resonated with Professor Lai’s message: “As medical students facing heavy workload, we must find joy and fulfilment in our pursuit of knowledge to maintain our well-being,” Chan shared. “Every piece of knowledge serves a purpose. Learning isn’t just enjoyable – it’s practical and empowers us to contribute to society.”
