* The interview was conducted in Mar 2002

University

M.Phil./Ph.D student in Social Administration, University of London, 1986
M.Sc in Analysis, Design & Management of Information Systems, University of London, 1985
Bachelor of Arts, HKU, 1981

Current Employment

Executive Director, Oxfam Hong Kong 2001 - present

Career Progression at Oxfam Hong Kong

First posting : Director of Fund-raising & Outreach, 1993-1998
Second posting : Director of Fund-raising, 1998-2000

Previous Positions

Administrative Officer, Home Affairs Branch, Government Secretariat, 1992-1993
Administrative Officer, Education & Manpower Branch, Government Secretariat, 1991-1992
Lecturer, Dept of Social Work, Hong Kong Baptist College, 1988-1991
Managing Director, Internet Technology (H.K.) Ltd., 1998-1990
Executive Officer II, Office of Student Affairs, HKU, 1981-1984, 1986-1987

Career History

Chong Chan-yau's success story is undoubtedly a unique and inspiring one which shows how a person who has lost eyesight can overcome numerous hurdles and strive his way to success.

Let's plot Chan-yau's career path and see how he did it.

Graduated in 1981 with a double major in Psychology and English Studies, Chan-yau obtained an offer from Office of Student Affairs of HKU and worked as an Executive Officer II. After three years working, he obtained a Commonwealth Scholarship and proceeded to pursue his study at the University of London. He eventually graduated with a Master in Analysis, Design & Management of Information Systems.

On return to Hong Kong, Chan-yau rejoined the Office of Student Affairs. One year later, he embarked on a new career in the private sector as the Managing Director of Internet Technology (H.K.) Ltd., during which period he also worked as a part-time lecturer in the Department of Social Work of Hong Kong Baptist College. Subsequently, he devoted himself to nurturing the upcoming generations as a full-time lecturer in the College.

In 1991, Chan-yau joined the Civil Service to work for the well-being of the Hong Kong people. He worked in Education and Manpower Branch and Home Affairs Branch, responsible for drafting policy papers on areas such as gambling, higher education and labour legislations review. It was in 1993 that Chan-yau started his career in an independent development and relief agency, Oxfam Hong Kong.

Now Chan-yau is the Executive Director of Oxfam Hong Kong. In fact, after joining the organisation, he has devoted his life to community service. Presently, he is a member of a number of social committees and organisations such as Rehabilitation Advisory Committee, Legal Aid Services Council, Telecommunication Users & Consumer Advisory Committee, The Hong Kong Council of Social Service, Joint Council for the Physically & Mentally Disabled and Committee on Disability Discrimination Ordinance. In 1995-2001, he was the President of Hong Kong Blind Union.

In recognition of his contributions in the areas of community service, Chan-yau was given Ten Outstanding Young Persons Award in 1991, and was made an MBE in 1995, signifying his brilliant accomplishments over the past years.