Newsletter No. 30

CUHK Newsletter Dr. Ng Lun Ngai-ha Chairman, History Department ‘I was surprised to find my name on the list this year as I thought I had to serve for three more years to qualify. I joined the University in 1963 as tutor in the History Department, left in 1967 to undertake doctoral studies overseas, and returned two years afterwards in 1969. I thought my tutor years wouldn't count towards my length of service but I was wrong. What a pleasant surprise! I have always felt at home here at the University. I ‘grew up' here and have witnessed the remarkable progress of the History Department through the years: more and more colleagues are taking part in the running of the department, and teaching and research methodologies have advanced with the times. I am pleased to be part of such development. I've also derived much satisfaction from my teaching duties - some students still send me their greetings years after they have graduated. From their letters I know indirectly how well I have fared as a teacher, and I get to know how well my students have been faring. I only regret to see that an increasing number of students today study merely for the sake of higher marks. In the area of research, my most unforgettable experience is certainly the launching in 1973 of my research into Hong Kong history. Few scholars had conducted any serious work in this area, and I really take pride in having initiated studies in this once neglected subject, which has now become a major topic for research in many universities. As a matter of fact, more and more of our graduate students are working in this area. As soon as I have the chance to relieve myself of administration work, I will expedite the progress of several research programmes I have now in hand. I also plan to spend more time and effort on my speciality: Hong Kong history.' Mr. W o ng S i u - w i ng Senior Technician, Physics Department ‘After graduating from New Asia College, I taught in a secondary school for a few years before getting an offer as demonstrator in the Physics Department. A secondary school teacher was better paid in those days, but the opportunity to serve my alma mater and the pleasant campus environment that would accompany the new job were, to me, irresistible temptations. I have always been devoted to my job, which involves the preparation of apparatus for use in class experiments. It is satisfying to be able to help students come off well in their assignments. I am an enthusiastic lover of classical music. Making use of my knowledge in physics, I assemble hi-fi equipment in my spare time. I also enjoy tinkering with machines. My son and I once worked together to fabricate an automated machine for feeding the goldfish we kept at home. However, the experiment was not altogether successful, and I shall further improve the machine when I have time. My interests are by no means confined to music and machines. Buddhism and taijiquan (shadow boxing) also fascinate me. My interest in Buddhism was first aroused by an article in a journal, and it soon developed into a yearning to know more about the religion. As for taijiquan’ the philosophy and theory that is associated with its various postures and movements intrigues me, and after work I usually join a few colleagues for an hour or two of the exercise .， 8