Alumnus Bill Lo Chung-biu, Director of Social Services of the Hong Kong Council of the Church of Christ in China, enrolled in the Social Work programme at Shue Yan in the 1980s. Over a career spanning four decades, he has stepped into the lives of countless service users, witnessing the many facets of society and accompanying people through different stages of growth, while also enriching his own life.

It was also at Shue Yan that Bill met his wife. The pair became lifelong partners, and years later, their daughter followed in their footsteps by enrolling in the same programme, continuing a meaningful cross-generational connection with the University.

From a young age, Bill was eager to experience the diversity of human life. After entering Shue Yan in 1985, however, he found that the curriculum differed from what he had expected. During the first two years, students were required to take subjects such as sociology and counselling, while specialised social work courses only began in the third year.

As a practice-oriented discipline, social work places emphasis on real-world learning. Bill recalls completing three internships within two years, during which he developed essential skills in interpersonal communication, programme planning, and activity organisation. Beyond academic knowledge and hands-on experience, he also gained lasting friendships during his time at Shue Yan.

After students advanced to the social work major, the cohort size was reduced from around 200 students to just over 20. With small-class teaching, classmates bonded more easily, engaging in mutual learning and interaction and forming deep connections.

Bill emphasised the importance of holding fast to his beliefs. “I often remind myself why I chose to study social work in the first place,” he says. “It was to help people and to walk alongside those in need as they face challenges and overcome difficulties together.”