Mak Chun Kit, Andrew Higher Diploma in Information Technology (Networking Stream, 2015-17)

Before I graduated from secondary school, I had already decided to pursue my career in the IT industry. However, I did not perform satisfactorily in the HKDSE exam and fail to enter university. Luckily, I have applied for the Higher Diploma in Information Technology programme offered by HKU SPACE CC to continue to achieve my goal. This two-year programme provides me a broad range of knowledge, including computer programming skills, networking and information security. After I developed a solid foundation of this three major subjects in the first semester, I joined my interested stream - networking. The courses of networking stream introduce the routing and switching knowledge. The contents of these courses are all relevant to two industry certifications, CCNA and CCNP. After the accomplishment of my first year study, I successfully got the CCNA certificate with the first trial. In addition, I have a lot of opportunities to work with the physical network gears. Earning hands-on experience is essential and valuable. The professional lecturers not only teach me academic knowledge, they always share their experiences with us, provide guidance to us how to success in the workplace. The lecturers also led our college team to join the Cisco Networking Skills Competition, and we won most of the awards. The college provides a great learning environment and atmosphere to me. This programme helps me to equip myself to work and study in the university. View Details

Lin Matthew Higher Diploma in Information Technology (Computing and Data Science Theme Year 2)

After graduating from secondary school, I studied an associate degree programme at a community college. However, due to my inability to adapt to a new learning environment and my poor habit of not doing school work, I performed poorly and could not complete the programme. In hope of continuing my study, I retook DSE in 2018, hoping to improve my results and get a place in a university through JUPAS. This unrealistic expectation turned out to be another failure. Instead of giving up, I self-reflected and concluded that I should learn from my mistakes and improve myself. Self-discipline and time management are essential for success, and I developed a habit of keeping an organised schedule, urging myself to perform the duties of a competent learner. HKU SPACE CC provided me a second chance. The courses that HDIT offers closely adheres to my interest, and I was able to choose my desired stream (Computing and Data Science stream). The CDS stream gave me insight into Computer Science fundamentals, such as data structures, discrete mathematics, and object-oriented programming. I also had the opportunity to take an internship, which gave me first-hand experience in using emerging IT technology and cooperate with colleagues. CC also enabled me to meet some great people. Lecturers are friendly and caring, and help is always available whenever I needed. I have also made some fantastic friends, who helped me tackle academic problems and group projects. One of my friends, who is a senior, greatly inspired me to aim higher and work harder to achieve my goal of getting into a university. The future may seem uncertain and you may feel lost; keep calm, carry on and you will eventually find the right path. View Details

Tse Sze Sze Higher Diploma in Information Technology (Networking and Information Security Theme, 2016-2018)

In June 2016, I was working in Ottawa and started planning to further my education in universities in Hong Kong. As I did not do well in public examinations, I did not meet the requirements to get into the local universities in Hong Kong. I began to seek for advices from people around me. Some of my friends who studied in HKU SPACE before were also graduated from some of the local universities like HKU. Their experience showed me a path to fulfil my goal. Based on the information provided on the website of HKU SPCAE, I thought HKU SPACE will be an ideal platform to equip myself. Therefore, I decided to study Higher Diploma in Information Technology in HKU SPACE (HDIT). As I was a science student in secondary school and did not study subjects like ICT, I used to think HDIT will be very challenging to me. At the first few lessons of some of the courses in year 1 semester 1, I was very confused about the jargons and terms that the lecturers were talking. I put some efforts to search for explanations and try to follow the lessons. Fortunately, I started to understand more and the lecturers are very helpful to answer our questions. As a result, I got a satisfactory GPA and it gave me more confidence to study. At the end of year 2 semester 1, I received a conditional offer from HKUST in BEng in Computer Science and I realized I have finish almost half of my goal. During the study in HDIT, I learnt many knowledges in networking, information security and programming. I believe everything I learnt here will be very useful for my future study and career. At the same time, I knew some friends here and I really appreciate their help and the time with them. As “All roads lead to Rome”, I think HKU SPACE is a good platform to equip ourselves to study further and work in the society. Everyone would find a way for yourself if you never give up the chances in front of you. Wish you all the best and good luck for your study! View Details

Tang Lung Kit Student of Higher Diploma in Information Technology (2012-2014)

Everyone has a dream of studying in university. Unfortunately, I failed my HKDSE. After receiving my HKDSE result, I didn’t know where I should go at that time. Thankfully, I got into HKU SPACE CC and gained a lot from the Higher Diploma in Information Technology (HD IT) programme. During these two years, I learnt a lot from my lecturers and friends; not only academically, but also life experience. Lecturers would kindly share their experiences to us, especially work experience and their stories. They would offer a helping hand when we are facing problems. Besides, friendship is also an important treasure you will get here. Happiness and sadness should be shared with your friends. For me, I got a low GPA in semester one. Fortunately, my friends and lecturers supported me and encouraged me to put more effort in my study. Now, I am striving for CCENT in the coming year. HD IT is about different domains of information technology, and I have chosen networking as my major subject. In the networking stream, lecturers taught us networking step-by-step. For hands-on experiments, we can use routers, switches and other network devices to practise our skill in controlling them. Frankly, it is interesting for us to control the network by our hands and knowledge. I can still remember the satisfaction of making the network function. Apart from academic life, HKU SPACE CC provided many chances to improve my CV. I was selected to participate into the 10th Cisco Hong Kong-Macau Youth Networking Skills Competition last year and awarded with merit. This competition has widened my horizons and expanded my resume, which is very useful for my future career. Last but not least, I am proud of being a student of Higher Diploma in Information Technology programme. Studying in HKU SPACE CC is not just only to learn knowledge, but also to bring a lot of unforgettable memories and make friends, who can fight for the goal together. Now, I am admitted to the Department of Computer Science at HKUST for my further study successfully. View Details

Ho Kwong Pang Higher Diploma in Information Technology (Networking Stream, 2010-2013)

As a student of Higher Diploma in Information Technology from 2010 to 2013, I truly enjoyed the time in HKU SPACE CC. This programme not only provided me with fundamental knowledge and skills, but also motivated my progression in professional career development and helped me shaping the right direction toward study and work. I was not successful in HKALE but I didn’t start it over again the next year. Instead, I entered the foundation year of this IT programme. Being a post-secondary student without any relevant IT knowledge and experience, I was a bit worried about the road ahead in HKU SPACE CC at first. Fortunately, the curriculum came in from the ground up. I was on the right track of both academic study and practical training. Lectures and classmates were very kind and helpful, and I had the joy of learning something new, interesting and challenging. Having specialized in Networking study for two years, I learned the concrete switching and routing knowledge in addition to other soft skills. The Networking Stream covered the professional knowledge with the supplement of industrial practice, which provided us a good foundation to obtain industrial certification in the future. Moreover, I was honored to participate on the College’s behalf in the 8th and 9th Cisco Hong Kong–Macau Youth Networking Skills Competitions and was awarded the 1st runner-up. These valuable experiences were very useful for me in further study. Within these years, the IT courses enabled me to learn how to become an IT professional and get several valuable achievements: 2010-2011 • Principal’s Honours List 2010 - 2011 2011-2012 • Principal’s Honours List 2011 - 2012 • The 8th Cisco Hong Kong-Macau Youth Networking Skills Competition 2012 - 1st runner-up • HKSAR Self-financing Post-secondary Scholarship Scheme 2012 - Outstanding Performance Scholarship • “Cisco Certified Network Associate” Certificate 2012-2013 • Principal’s Honours List 2012 - 2013 • Academic Excellence Award • The 9th Cisco Hong Kong-Macau Youth Networking Skills Competition 2013 – 1st runner-up • HKSAR Self-financing Post-secondary Scholarship Scheme 2013 – Outstanding Performance Scholarship • Passed Cisco Certified Network Professional-route Exam Now, I am the student of UGC-funded degree programme at the City University of Hong Kong. Studying Computer Science, I find that the knowledge and experiences obtained from the Higher Diploma is really helpful. I appreciate the chance that allowed me to find my real interest in academics and having further study in university. I hope everyone would enjoy his or her school life at HKU SPACE CC. View Details

Au Pok Yin, Lawrence Higher Diploma in Information Technology (Security Stream, 2012-2014)

As the old proverb says, “Failure teaches success”. I have been studying at HKU SPACE Community College for two years since I finished my DSE public examination. It is unbelievable to see that I can get into the university for advanced studies. After the DSE public examination, I was depressed about my results and didn’t manage to get into any university. It upset me for a while and my dream was broken. I was so puzzled that I had no idea about whether I should continue my studies or just drop out and work for a living. Fortunately, I made an important decision to give myself one more chance to study a Higher Diploma for getting into university. Then, I decided to study the higher diploma in Information Technology at HKU SPACE CC as it was highly recommended by my relatives and friends. Not only did I gain a solid grounding in the basic techniques of IT, but this is also another path that could lead to success. I have been interested in IT since I was in secondary school. I always have had a great sense of fulfilment and success after accomplishing a programme. With my keen interest, determination and learning strategies, I believe that I can rise to the upcoming challenge of this Programme and manage to reach the goal. During the past two years of studies, I have realized that I am not as smart as others. Therefore, I have put a lot of effort into my studies, assignments and preparations for the examination. Apart from my endeavour, I appreciate the help from my lecturers who are willing to share their experiences and professional advice with me. During these courses, I have gained invaluable exposure to new skills, developed interpersonal relationships and professional knowledge in HKU SPACE CC. All in all, what I have gained from HKU SPACE CC has equipped me for getting into university. To me, my goal of going to university is still attainable and I am now well prepared for facing the upcoming demands. View Details