MU Connect issue 9 (page 08 to 09)

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The happiness in realising achievements

On 1 September 2024, Prof. Charles Kwong Che-leung was promoted as the Vice President (Administration and Corporate Development), taking the helm of five key areas: facilities management, finance, human resources, information technology and the University Library. Talking about the challenges of his new position, Prof. Kwong chuckles, “I've been here long enough and know the ropes well; I suppose it's more about adapting to the new responsibilities!” Indeed, Prof. Kwong joined the University as a part-time tutor in 1990, became a full-time faculty member in 1996, and has since dedicated 34 years to the institution, making him one of its most senior staff members.

Prof. Charles Kwong

Vice President
(Administration and Corporate Development)

I am a person who relishes achieving results.
Seeing tangible outcomes at every step brings me the greatest happiness.

Three guiding principles of financial management

Prior to his promotion, Prof. Kwong had served as Dean of the School of Arts and Social Sciences (A&SS) for six years and was well versed in handling administrative work. Now the most pressing task in his new role is to deal with the work after the University's acquisition of a new property, and he understands that some colleagues are skeptical about this purchase. “After all, it involves a significant portion of the University’s reserves, but colleagues can rest assured that the management has made this important decision based on three guiding principles.” He elaborates that the first principle is financial viability after the acquisition, the second is enhancing the learning experience and environment for students, and the third is boosting the University's research capabilities and development.

Returning to his roots as an economist, Prof. Kwong likens the University to a 35-year-old young adult purchasing his first home, emphasising the importance of use value. “Now that the University is turning this investment into more space and a better learning environment, benefiting both faculty and students.” As President Prof. Paul Lam once said, it is better to invest a dollar wisely than to let it languish in a wallet. “I wholeheartedly agree with that.”

Prof. Kwong continues, “I attach great importance to cash flow because having cash allows for investment, and with investment comes returns. I tend to be conservative in my financial management; going forward, we will live within our means and ensure that spending is in line with these three principles.”

Major projects on the horizon

Following the property acquisition, the next steps include renovations, re-planning of office space and arrangement for relocations. With the Sheung Shing Street slope site project and the renovation of MU88 on the horizon, 2025 will be a busy year for Prof. Kwong.

The information technology sector is also facing a major project, namely the reform of the student administration system. “This platform encompasses numerous functions, including admissions, course selection, credit calculations and the storage of student and alumni data. Given that the current system has been in use for many years and is unable to meet new demands, reform is necessary,” Prof. Kwong says. “Whether we decide to purchase a new system or upgrade the existing one, it will be a massive and complex undertaking.”

People-centric approach

Some say that facilities management and human resources are “tricky” areas, often attracting criticism. However, Prof. Kwong believes that a people-centric approach can resolve most issues. The University has opened various channels to gather feedback from students and staff, such as breakfast gatherings and town hall meetings. He points out, “The key is not just to listen but to follow up and implement changes. For example, when students expressed a desire for more dining options on campus, we initiated a review of the University cafeteria's tender, and are exploring the provision of meal boxes vending machines. Additionally, academic staff have requested greater flexibility for research and outside practice. We are considering revising our policy to provide them with the space they need.”

As for the University Library, apart from its usual lending services and research functions, in recent years, it has also adapted to the needs of the new generation of learners by adding multi-purpose spaces to enhance its social function. Examples include the semi-lecture workshops and sharing sessions held in the Library under the Writer/Artist/Scientist-in-residence programme and the Minerva Book Club. “In the future, we hope to convert some areas for exhibition purposes, providing a good place for students to linger between classes without wasting time.”

Passion for results

Despite managing a heavy administrative workload every day, as a social scientist, Prof. Kwong’s pursuit of academic excellence remains unwavering, and is currently immersed in a research on ageing population and productivity. He says, “Doing research is both a responsibility and an interest. As long as I have time and a topic that piques my interest, I'll dive in.”

Prof. Kwong started as a part-time tutor in the Business School when he joined the University. The following year, he transitioned to A&SS to assist in developing the economics programme, and now, over 30 years have flown by. “A&SS is where I've grown and it does tug at my heartstrings. However, I am a person who relishes achieving results. In the past, from developing teaching materials to launching new courses, and from teaching distance learning classes to introducing full-time programmes, every step has yielded tangible outcomes, which brings me the greatest happiness. Next up is the construction of a new academic building, and I look forward to continuing this journey of success.”

On a cabinet in Prof. Kwong’s office sits a small, elaborately crafted portrait of him, a gift from a colleague congratulating him on his promotion. This colleague, who is not a subordinate in A&SS, gave the gift as a token of appreciation for Prof. Kwong’s efforts in helping her solve her problems. “I'm truly grateful to her; it's very heartwarming!” Prof. Kwong shares that he lives by three principles: being helpful, kind and loving to those around him. “That's what I teach my children, because I believe that while the brave may prevail, it is the compassionate who are truly invincible!”