College of Science and Engineering alumnus of City University of Hong Kong (CityU) and information technology (IT) entrepreneur, Mr Jonathan Chan Pok-chi, has been selected as one of the 2009 Ten Outstanding Young Persons in recognition of his distinguished professional achievements and involvement in community services.

Adhering to the motto “It is more blessed to give than to receive,” Jonathan is keenly involved in community services. He has organised and participated in various services for the Social Welfare Department. He served as a member of the Social Welfare Policy Committee of Wong Tai Sin and Sai Kung Districts for the Department, which won him the titles of “the Son of the Social Welfare Department” and “The Light of Sai Kung”. In recognition of his enthusiasm and commitment to public service, he was bestowed the title of Outstanding Young Person. In addition to community services, he wishes to help his alma mater accomplish the university mission of providing quality professional education. As this year marks the silver jubilee of CityU, he hopes his award will serve as a birthday present to be shared with the alma mater. Looking ahead, he will continue to make a concerted effort with all alumni to help CityU become one of the top 100 universities in the world.

When Jonathan was studying his final year at CityU, he was offered the internship at Motorola. Working as an intern, he was responsible for coordinating the installation of computer servers. He also introduced cost-saving measures for the company. His outstanding performance was highly commended by his supervisor, who encouraged him to start his own business.

When he graduated from CityU in 2003 with his bachelor degree in computer science he founded Accolade Consultants (International) Company. With its core business in application development and computer system security, the company now has clients all over the Greater China Region. His business success won him the Enterprise Award from the International Managers Association and Outstanding Chinese Entrepreneur Award from the mainland media. He also earned CityU’s first College of Science and Engineering Alumni Achievement Award in 2008.

What Jonathan appreciates most about CityU is its dual emphasis on theory and practice. The internship training, in particular, allows students to apply their knowledge, gain work experience and understand the actual operations of an industry.

Jonathan is grateful to CityU for offering him so many opportunities. He is also impressed by the close relationship between teachers and students, and between students and the University. “CityU fully supports its students and gives them a free hand,” he said, “so CityU students are confident to explore different options and solve problems. They should further utilise this strength to find their own path to success.”