Gaining appreciation for work at a university does not necessarily rely on scholastic achievements, but rather attitude. In early February, eight staff members from the executive and minor ranks were presented the Exemplary Service Award 2010–11. Their devotion and skilfulness in deriving joy from their jobs were evidenced by their smiles—they were happy, sincere, mindful to others, flexible, and persistent. Prof. Michael K.M. Hui, Pro-Vice-Chancellor and chairman of the Staff Training and Development Committee, CUHK, was extremely delighted when he delivered his congratulatory speech, and thanked the recipients and their co-workers for their precious contribution to CUHK.

‘It’s the tenth time that this ceremony was held. So far, 78 colleagues have been presented the award. This year, when I chaired the selection panel and met with the candidates, the most frequent word I heard was “heart”—a careful heart, a caring heart, an attentive heart, a dutiful heart. I was impressed that colleagues felt happy within the CUHK community, and morale was so high. This is really a true blessing to all of us,’ said Prof. Lau Chung-ming, chairman of the Selection Panel of Exemplary Service Award 2010–11.

The grand ceremony was held in Lee Shau Kee Building on 3 February. Prof. Joseph J.Y. Sung, Vice-Chancellor of CUHK, officiated at the ceremony and presented the awards. Guests included CUHK Pro-Vice-Chancellors, unit heads, senior staff, as well as colleagues, family and friends of the awardees. In the video interviews prepared by the Personnel Office, each awardee gave his/her not-so-ordinary take on ordinary tasks.

The eight awardees are CUHK's outstanding staff. None of them are renowned scholars, and no one holds senior management positions. Yet all are significant pillars to the University, the invaluable treasure of the Chinese University. Focus on one thing at a time—that was their key to success. They are: