A group of CityU students said their five-month stint on a leadership training programme broadened their horizons and enhanced their understanding of the qualities that a true leader should possess.

Myron Wong Chi-fai, Rachel Pang Yun-chi and Olive Wong Yuet-yung, from the Faculty of Business; and Christy Chan Ching-ching and Mandy Yu Kin-man, from the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, shared their experiences at a prize presentation ceremony on 22 September for participants on the American International Assurance (AIA) Young Leaders Development Programme 2006. Participants each received certificates to acknowledge their contributions.

Myron said he learned a lot about leadership during the five months. “I realized a leader needs charisma to lead a team,” he said. “But that charisma cannot be acquired overnight. It has to be developed through a long period of extensive training and personal enrichment.”

He also came to realize that setting goals was important and that a leader should consider different factors when making decisions that led to achieving common aims and objectives.

One of the highlights this year was a study tour in July to South Korea during which participants had the chance to visit local universities, insurance companies, telecommunications organizations and charity groups, an experience which helped broaden horizons and offer fresh international perspectives.

Another important component of the programme was the research project. This year participants were asked to devise and present to a panel of judges during the last round of training an investment plan aimed at university graduates.

“This project has helped me consolidate my analytical, presentation and team-work skills,” Myron said.

Mandy, a student of BSocSc (Hons) Social Work, said the most impressive aspect of the programme was the Speakers Platform where community leaders and leading professionals contributed their thoughts and experiences. Mr Bernard Chan, a member of the Executive and Legislative Councils; Dr Sarah Liao Sau-tung, Secretary for the Environment, Transport and Works; and Dr Rita Fan Hsu Lai-tai, President of the Legislative Council, among others, have been involved.

“It was a great opportunity for us to hear community leaders face-to-face,” Mandy said. “I learned that a leader should have a clear vision and grasp every opportunity to achieve goals.”

Mandy said a social services activity for people with learning disabilities at a community centre in Chai Wan was particularly enriching. “By working with people from different universities, I have acquired essential leadership skills for planning and executing an activity involving people from different backgrounds,” she said.

The Young Leaders Development Programme is an annual youth leadership training programme. This year 34 first-year students from local universities took part.

During the selection process, CityU’s Student Development Services and the AIA judges put potential recruits through a stringent assessment. Academic results, extracurricular activities, community service, an interview and written presentations were all considered.