Tell us about how you met?

Carey: Jack and I met through a friend from HKUST in an unexpected way. I had asked my friend to help me find someone who could pick up an electronic dictionary, and that person turned out to be Jack!

We would also like to hear more about your HKUST experience?

Jack: One of my favorite moments was graduation day, especially because my parents were so happy and proud to see me complete my undergraduate degree.

Carey: My best moments at HKUST often revolved around the diverse and delicious food options on campus! I’m a big foodie, so exploring the different canteens was a real treat.

How are Hong Kong and California different in lifestyle?

Carey: Hong Kong’s fast-paced culture emphasizes efficiency and a strong focus on earning and career advancement, while California offers a more relaxed environment with room for exploring diverse paths and personal passions.

Jack: California is very diverse, with people from various cultures coming to live and work here. In the Bay Area, you frequently see and interact with people from different countries. By contrast, life in Hong Kong is more fast- paced, with people generally working harder each day. In California, we enjoy a more balanced work-life lifestyle.

The Northern California Alumni Chapter is ten years old now! Congratulations! Tell us about the history and its evolution?

Carey: This all began as part of my personal journey. When I first moved to the US, I didn’t have family or friends here, and the feeling of isolation was overwhelming, finally we formed a community specifically for HKUST graduates.

Jack: Our mission is to empower the overseas HKUST community by connecting HKUST alumni, promoting friendship, and providing continuing education, personal and professional development opportunities. Giving back to the community is also an important part of our mission.

You both have active careers, is it hard to balance?

Carey: I’m focused on building my startup, Yohocare, which aims to help people stay healthy and sharp through a personalized app. Balancing an active career with my roles and responsibilities in the Chapter requires solid time management.

Jack: I am an Aerospace Engineer at NASA, conducting research and participating in software development within the Aviation Systems Division. It was much harder to balance the roles and responsibilities at the beginning, especially during the formation of the Chapter. There were many meetings to attend and tasks to complete. Fortunately, after several years, we gained experience and became more familiar with the process.

Anything else to add?

Carey: I’m incredibly grateful for the support and connections within the HKUST community, both in the Bay Area and globally. I’m always open to connecting with more alumni, whether it’s to exchange ideas, explore potential collaborations, or simply share our journeys.

Jack: I want to sincerely thank everyone in the Executive Committee and Development & Alumni Office for the tremendous support they have given us over the years. If any alumni in the Bay Area are interested in joining us and strengthening this vibrant network, please feel free to reach out!

---