QUEST Talk: Community Service

Community service is not a new topic, but. However, Professor Albert Ko, the first engineer from Hong Kong to join Médecins Sans Frontières, offers a unique perspective and valuable experiences to share.

Prof. Albert Ko

Fellow of the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers

Visiting Professor – Centre for Global Engineering, University of Toronto

Visiting Professor – Future Laboratory, Tsinghua University

2021 Enginpreneurs Award - HKHong Kong Institution of Engineers

2008 HK Outstanding Volunteer Award

2007 Top Outstanding Young Persons Award – Junior Chamber of Commerce

In a recent QUEST Talk, Professor Ko inspired BBSG students, parents, and staff by recounting sharing his remarkable journey.

Insights from parents

Prof. Albert Ko’s Story as a Full-Time Volunteer

Since high school, Professor Ko studied abroad, majoringin the United States. He majored in mechanical engineeringin, paving the United States, which led toway for a promising career. After graduatinggraduation, he entered the robotics and AI industryand, where he could have enjoyed a stable life like many other engineers. However, he chose to leave this jobcareer and join Médecins Sans Frontières.

Over the next five years, he worked in Sudan, Uzbekistan, Indonesia, and Pakistan, participating incontributing tomedical and relief efforts. He served in logisticsand applied, applying his engineering skills to plandesign water and sewage systems. By understanding the needs of affected communities, he employedwas able to implement low-cost, effective technologiesto. These innovations helped improve local living conditionsand healthcareconditions. This experience not only enriched his life but also inspired his research on "rescue robots" during his doctoral studies.

* Innovations by Professor Ko: Energy-efficient lights designed for use in conflict zones

Professor Ko shared with the audience, “Choosing a major and choosing a career are very different. A major can be applied in many areas, but a career can change your life. I once struggled with the decision to become a full-time volunteer, but my mentor advised me that if we strive for excellence in everything we do, there's no reason to fear ‘being left behind', as everyone's path is unique.” 

He truly took this advice to heart. Professor Ko’s volunteering experiences not only enriched his life but also inspired his research on “rescue robots” during his doctoral studies. After returning to Hong Kong, he continued his work in engineering design and research while teaching postgraduate courses at university, instilling the value of community service in the next generation and encouraging more people to give back to society through action.

* Innovations by Professor Ko: Air purifiers developed with students to improve indoor air quality in small living spaces.

His talk was truly inspiring for the BBSG audience, who were amazed by his remarkable journey and commitment to community service.

QUEST: Why Community Service?

“Community service is an integral part of the QUEST programme, directly linked to student development and university applications. Professor Ko’s story highlights the significance of community service. As a passionate traveller and problem -solver, he exemplifies the power of ‘passion meets purpose’ through his volunteer work and commitment to humanitarian technology. Today’s talk serves as a great inspiration for students’ life planning.”

——Ms. Ally Xuan, University Counsellor Lead

  & Student Development Officer, Ms. Ryan Liu

1.The Importance of Community Service

Character development is essential to our Complete Education. At BBSG, we expect every student to embody our core values. Engaging in community service fosters empathy and a sense of social responsibility.

Many overseas universities now include questions in their application essays that assess students' gratitude and social awareness. As Professor Ko explains, “We already enjoy more resources in this society,” and it’s important to give back by helping others through community service. This spirit and action embody the qualities that university admissions officers highly regard.

Participating in community service pushes us out of our comfort zones, exposing us to diverse lives and perspectives. It also inspires us to shape the direction of our future paths.

2.Opportunities for Community Service at BBSG

“At BBSG, we encourage students to start small and offer numerous opportunities for involvement both on and off campus.

• Under the guidance of the QUEST and Student Development departments, our Student Council has established a “Student Volunteer Department.” In addition, students have started a “Volunteer Club” to organise charitable activities, such as:

Animal Care

• BBSG also conducts inquiry-based projects centred on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. During the upcoming Enquiry Week, students will delve into the goal of “Zero Hunger.” They will also seek solutions through hands-on learning experiences.

• Additionally, BBSG serves as an Award Centre for the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award. This offers students further opportunities for community service and personal challenges.

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BBSG aims to provide students with diverse perspectives on the world through the QUEST programme. This inspires them to explore various life paths and unlock their unlimited potential.