The Department is pleased to announce that the following Teaching Assistants/ Demonstrators have been chosen as recipients of the Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistant Award in 2025/26 Term 1: (Name in alphabetical order)
FU Yiyi (CHEM1380A), LIU Yuzhuo (CHEM2860) , WANG Xiaotong (CHEM3810), WONG Sze Yung (CHEM3220) & YEUNG Pui Wo Felix (CHEM2300)
This award is given each semester to Teaching Assistants/Demonstrators that demonstrates exceptional performance and devotion to duty while acting on behalf of the department. It is a prestigious honour that serves to recognise the best of the best within our ranks. The awardees’ teaching performance, contribution to Department and character are considered during the selection process. Each awardee will receive a $1,000 prize.
We are grateful to have our Department Chairman, Prof. Kwong Fuk-yee, to present the certificates and awards to the awardees.
What’s more, we are happy to have Yiyi, Yuzhuo, Xiaotong, Sze Yung and Felix to share with us their wholehearted feelings of receiving this achievement 🙂
Sharing from FU Yiyi (Responsible course: CHEM1380A)
I am deeply honored to receive the Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award. As a TA for students who may not have strong chemistry backgrounds or are not majoring in chemistry, I focus on sharing practical learning strategies and clear problem‑solving methods to help them build confidence and understanding. There is no greater sense of achievement than seeing students solve the problems I have prepared correctly, using the skills and strategies I have shared with them. Interacting with students, answering their questions, and creating educational content have helped me grow into a more thoughtful communicator. I see my role as popularizing basic chemistry, guiding students step by step, making complex ideas accessible, and inspiring them to discover the fascination of science. This award encourages me to keep supporting students with patience and enthusiasm.
Sharing from LIU Yuzhuo (Responsible course: CHEM2860)
I am truly honored to receive this Outstanding Graduate TA Award. As a lab demonstrator, my goal extends beyond simply guiding students through experiments—I strive to help them uncover the underlying mechanisms behind each procedure. I encourage them to look beyond the steps in the manual and ask: Why does this reaction occur? What drives this chemical change? By bridging theory with hands-on practice, I hope students come to appreciate both the logic and the elegance of chemistry. This award inspires me to continue supporting and encouraging every student who walks into laboratory, and to share with them the same passion for discovery that fuels my own journey in science.
Sharing from WANG Xiaotong (Responsible course: CHEM3810)
I am truly honored to receive the Outstanding TA Award. My approach to teaching is simple: I would rather teach someone how to fish than just give them a fish. To me, being a TA is about more than delivering information; it’s about helping students build the confidence to think and learn independently. The real challenge—and the most rewarding part—is finding ways to make complex concepts relatable and practical. This journey has been a two-way street; while guiding students through experiments and problem-solving, I have also learned so much about effective communication. This award is a meaningful reminder of my responsibility. It will inspire me to bring even more energy to my future TA work, as I strive to be a supportive and positive influence on the academic journey of every student I assist.
Sharing from WONG Sze Yung (Responsible course: CHEM3220)
Receiving the Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistant Award is both an honor and a meaningful encouragement. CHEM3220 is a challenging course but witnessing students’ understanding gradually develops from the first tutorial session to the final examination has been deeply rewarding. During tutorials, I focused on explaining key concepts that are often overlooked, guiding students step by step and encouraging them to ask questions and think critically. Although this is my first experience being a TA, seeing students gain a clearer understanding of the material and become more confident in solving complicated organic chemistry problems has been the most valuable aspect of this experience. While this is only the beginning, I look forward to continuing to grow as a more supportive and effective TA throughout my PhD journey.
Sharing from YEUNG Pui Wo Felix (Responsible course: CHEM2300)
I am truly honoured to receive the Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award. As I reflect on my second year as a TA for CHEM2300, I believe that I have grown alongside my students and have gained more insights in teaching. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to students’ learning experiences and to witness their growing curiosity and confidence in physical chemistry. Guiding students through challenging concepts has been immensely satisfying and rewarding, and I have also cherished the chance to refine my own abilities in communication and time management, skills that are essential for both my PhD journey and beyond. This experience has reinforced my passion for teaching, and I look forward to continuing to support and inspire students in the future.
Hearty congratulations to Yiyi, Yuzhuo, Xiaotang, Sze Yung and Felix, and many thanks to all nominators and our selection panels!