Yau (BMath '92) is the founder, president and chief executive officer of the Hong Kong Institute of Continuing Education, a private education institution that offers degree and short programs to more than 3,000 students in Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Institute of Continuing Education Community College and several sister entities offering educational opportunities within mainland China.
"My experience during my four-year undergraduate program was indispensable and unforgettable," says Yau. "I learned, applied my knowledge and skills during the study and work terms, and developed a network of friends - including my wife, whom I met there."
Prior to entering into the educational sector, Yau was an associate vice-president with Prudential Securities. He has also worked as a project manager for Proctor and Gamble, and a systems analyst at Canada Life.
He has nurtured his University of Waterloo relationship through his generous donations and by serving as president of the University of Waterloo Hong Kong Alumni Association. He also served as co-chair on the Hong Kong steering committee for Campaign Waterloo. Pat Cunningham, a math alumni officer who nominated Yau on behalf of the faculty, says his volunteer efforts have been impressive considering he is "pursuing higher education himself and successfully managing a rapidly expanding continuing education company."
Yau says, "As Canada's most innovative university, the University of Waterloo will continue to be my inspiration."
Return to University of Waterloo 50th anniversary alumni award recipients.