73
Stephen Ho,
HNC Business Studies and CIM Diploma in
Marketing, 1972
After three year’s work experience in Hong Kong,
Stephen enrolled on a full-time HNC Business
Studies, majoring in marketing. He also attended
evening classes at Edinburgh College of Commerce
for Stage 3 of the Chartered Institute of Marketing
professional exams.
What part did Edinburgh Napier play in helping
shape your career?
“It was very important. I never attained the
qualifications I needed in Hong Kong – I was a school
drop-out, which meant my only option was starting
work at a low level. My first post was in the export
industry but my poor English was letting me down,
so I headed to Scotland to study English. I undertook
four months of intensive private studies and gained
the qualifications I needed for entry to Napier.”
What has been your greatest achievement to date?
“I’m very proud to have gained both undergraduate
and postgraduate qualifications. If I hadn’t taken
the brave step to travel to Scotland, I might never
have gained the qualifications I needed to follow my
chosen career path.
“When I returned to Hong Kong, my qualifications
allowed me to get an Administration Manager role.
I also enrolled with Hong Kong University to do
further studies in management – I have since
gained my Postgraduate Diploma in Management
Studies, two Masters and an MBA, in addition to five
professional qualifications.”
What is your favourite memory of studying in
Scotland?
“I think I might have been the first Chinese student
to study at Edinburgh College of Commerce – all the
teaching staff were very welcoming and friendly.
I also made good friends.
“I’m very proud of my connections with Scotland.
I married my wife, Janniefer, in Edinburgh in 1971;
my two sons were educated at Merchiston Castle
School. I’m a Global Scot and a lifetime member
of the Hong Kong St Andrew’s Society.”
Would you recommend Edinburgh Napier to
international students?
“Definitely – the staff and students were welcoming
and friendly and the vocational nature of the courses
helped me gain the skills I needed for the work place.
My experience had such a significant influence on
me that I have encouraged members of my extended
family to take degrees at the University. I also employ
a number of graduates who studied Edinburgh
Napier courses both in Edinburgh and Hong Kong.”
How has Edinburgh Napier helped you in your career?
“I gained excellent marketing management skills
and, with my previous work experience, was able to
think about how I could adapt the skills and theories
I was learning for the work place. I have continued,
throughout my career, to gain further academic
qualifications and have found that this has helped
build my confidence to practically apply academic
theory to solve day-to-day business issues.”