2022 Distinguished Alumni Visit: Alumna Ding Lingyan
Years Attended: 2008-2014
Current Position: Deputy CEO of a Biotechnology CompanyChance Encounters Inspire Life
Alumna Ding Lingyan is a graceful and elegant lady, known for her soft-spoken demeanor and gentle eyes that convey a sense of warmth. While many believe that achieving career success requires at least a decade of work experience, Ding has defied this notion by rising to the position of Deputy CEO at the young age of 27, overcoming numerous challenges along the way.
Ding graduated with a degree in business and, through a chance meeting with her senior Shi Mingyao, found herself embarking on a new path in the biotechnology field. Encouraged by Shi, she joined a biotechnology company as a salesperson. Transitioning from a business background to understanding complex scientific technologies, such as genetic testing, was not easy. However, with guidance from her mentor, she made steady progress. A significant opportunity arose when she was sent to Thailand to help expand the company's branch, marking a pivotal moment in her career.
Transform Thoughts and Forge Ahead
In 2019, Ding was tasked with expanding the business in Thailand. After a year away from home, she found it difficult to cope with homesickness. To feel closer to home, she often bought Chinese delicacies and made video calls with her family, keeping them close despite the distance. Adapting to loneliness was one challenge, but the cultural differences between Hong Kong and Thailand presented another. Misunderstandings often arose between the two teams, serving as a test of her resilience.
To bridge this gap, Ding enrolled in a language school to learn Thai, demonstrating her commitment to integrating with her new team. This effort helped her overcome cultural hurdles and forge a stronger path for the company’s development.
Work Tirelessly and Strive for Self-Improvement
Ding's early success can be attributed to her relentless hard work. While working at her senior's scientific research company, she pursued further studies in business management at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology to expand her knowledge base. Initially unfamiliar with biological concepts, she took the initiative to self-educate about genetic testing through online resources, quickly familiarizing herself with the industry’s terminology.
Guided by her senior's motto, "Keep thinking, keep moving, keep solving," Ding tackled challenges head-on. For example, when an important sample broke during transportation from Thailand to Hong Kong, she remained calm and immediately communicated with the client. She facilitated the collection of new samples from the patient, demonstrating her problem-solving skills and commitment to customer service.
Extraordinary Efforts to Achieve Outstanding Results
Ding believes that while giving up is always an option, it should be the last resort. Her unwavering spirit and determination to help others have allowed her to overcome obstacles and achieve remarkable success. This aligns perfectly with our school motto: "Extraordinary efforts lead to outstanding results."
In conclusion, Ding encourages students to start planning their careers early, choose their paths wisely, and move forward with courage. Her journey illustrates that with perseverance and a willingness to learn, one can turn challenges into opportunities and achieve their dreams.
