Mei Ng, BMath ’94, Global Innovations Project Manager, Shell
What Waterloo volunteer opportunities have you participated in?
- 50th and 60th anniversary celebration dinner (Hong Kong) - Committee Member
- of Mathematics Dean's Lecture in HK (2019) - Chair
- UWaterloo Alumni Hong Kong Chapter - VP of Engagement
Get to know Mei...
1. Why did you choose Waterloo and the Faculty of Math?
Waterloo has the best co-op program which allows for students to gain valuable work experience during their studies. At the time of applying for university, I had set my mind on becoming an accounting professional. And this unique offer (at that time) was the key reason I had chosen Waterloo, as it provided a huge advantage for me to obtain my accountancy qualification after graduation, as well as an opportunity to earn money to support my study. Comparing to the accounting program by Faculty of Math and Faculty of Arts, which was both excellent; I was more drawn to the opportunity to learn about computer science, a trending field at my time!
2. Did you participate in campus and extracurricular activities? If so, which ones?
As a Chinese ethnic, I joined the UW Chinese Student Association where I met many of my life-long friends. While it's great to take part in the co-op program, the nature of the program (on and off-campus for every 4 months) also made it difficult to be committed to any organization. I made much efforts to contribute to the association and helped out in every event and activity being organized while I was on campus. I also took part of the Saturday Chinese program at the student radio station for a few terms and helped editing stories for the Chinese student newspaper.
3. What’s your favourite Waterloo memory?
My fond memory of Waterloo always started at DC library, where many of us just studied and hung out together. We never planned anything in advance and the days always ended exceeding my expectation. We practiced work hard and play hard to the most, especially on Wednesday, when we would go for beers and 10 cents chicken wings.
4. How did your experience at Waterloo help you find your first position after graduation?
Graduating from co-op program gave me a head start on my career and I landed my first job from a connection I made during my last work term. To explore other career opportunities outside of Canada, I worked in a large consultancy firm for my last work term in Hong Kong. I worked with an expert team on a financial system project which I found every interesting as I could utilize both of my accountancy and computer science knowledge. Best of all, that experience had landed me a job offer upon my graduation.
5. What’s the most interesting thing you’ve done professionally since leaving Waterloo?
I was fortunate to have many great mentors and coaches throughout my career and I'm passionate about developing others. Though there isn't much disadvantage on female career development in Hong Kong, women always encounter more stress to have to balance their roles at home and at work. Feeling the urge to contribute back to the society, I founded (together with a few female colleagues) the Women Network in my company five years ago with an objective to offer both personal and professional development opportunities to our female colleagues. The network has organized numerous interesting events and I had even took on the role as the Chair lady to further devote my time and passion to the topic.
6. What motivates you to volunteer?
My pride to be a Waterloo graduate is the key driver for me to volunteer. I was also touched by the group of passionate UWaterloo alumni who work so hard for the alumni association. Their commitment motivated me to volunteer.
7. Why do you choose to donate your time to Waterloo?
I believe that Waterloo deserves a lot more credit than it currently is given, especially in Hong Kong. Majority of people in Hong Kong are not aware of the outstanding achievements of UWaterloo, which has limited the number of university applicants from Hong Kong. The reputation of UWaterloo is under recognized in Hong Kong, which also poses a potential disadvantage to UWaterloo graduates on job hunting. By volunteering my time to Waterloo's activities, I hope to contribute my marketing expertise, to help build the UWaterloo brand, and take it to the next level. I want to ensure that people recognize how great an establishment UWaterloo is.
8. What would you tell others about the positive benefits of volunteering?
Having the opportunity to meet so many interesting and renowned UWaterloo staff, faculty, and alumni is one great benefits of volunteering. Working with such a passionate group of alumni, volunteering becomes a fun time, spent with friends who share the same value as you!
9. Is there anything else you would like to add?
Would like to encourage all UW alumni in Hong Kong to join the UW alumni chapter and be proud of being an UWaterloo graduate!
From L to R Mei Ng, Alan Fok, Chef and Server, Stephen M. Watt, Raine Pan and Terence Ip
Visit Volunteer Ties to view the Spotlight of the Day for National Volunteer Week. #NVW2020