Cathay is dedicated to supporting youth development

The younger generation represents the future pillar of our society. In recognition of the significance of youth development, Cathay has long been committed to promoting this worthy cause through various programs and opportunities for young people.

In support of the ‘Strive and Rise Programme’ initiated by the Social Welfare Department, which aims to guide students from underprivileged families in planning their futures, bolstering their self-confidence, and fostering upward mobility, Cathay organized an Aviation Exploration Open Day with many experiential activities, marking the second consecutive year of such initiatives.

Over 600 students and mentors participated in the Cathay Aviation Exploration Open Day on 3 February. Mr. Chan Kwok-ki, Chief Secretary for Administration of the HKSAR, also participated as the guest of honor at the Open Day’s Kick-Off Ceremony. Following the ceremony, students and mentors took a tour to visit Cathay’s various facilities such as Cathay City, Cathay Cargo Terminal, and the Cathay Pacific Catering Services flight kitchen to learn more about the aviation industry.

Patricia Hwang, Cathay Director People, also one of the Star Mentors of the ‘Strive and Rise Programme’ this year, shared her career planning with the students and offered useful advice to students interested in joining the aviation industry.

“I have been working at Cathay for over 28 years. Working in the aviation industry has been an absolute pleasure, as it fulfills a childhood dream,” she remarked. “The team spirit at Cathay is truly remarkable. I am also grateful for the support and guidance I received from my mentors when I first joined the company as a fresh employee.”

Patricia also encouraged students to cultivate a global outlook by continually expanding their knowledge of the world. She emphasized the importance of maintaining curiosity about their surroundings and current events, as well as upholding a diligent attitude, as these qualities will open doors to more opportunities.

When asked by one of the students about the best part of being in the aviation industry, Patricia responded, “What I appreciate about the aviation industry is its remarkable diversity. Being a part of Cathay, which operates in numerous countries, allows us to encounter and experience different cultures. This exposure to new experiences is truly fascinating.”

Through this interaction with students, Patricia hoped to offer them a better understanding of the aviation industry. While many people are familiar with positions like cabin crew and pilots, the operations of the industry are more complex than commonly perceived. Countless roles and departments work hand-in-hand to ensure the industry’s daily operations run smoothly. Additionally, by sharing her experiences, Patricia wished to evoke the interest of these young minds to explore more about the aviation industry.

Ronald Lam, Cathay Group Chief Executive Officer, said Cathay was proud of its deep roots in Hong Kong and pledged Cathay’s commitment to making positive contributions to Hong Kong society. The company’s primary focus includes nurturing local young talent and supporting their pursuit of goals.

Patricia further highlighted, “These young individuals are the hope of our society. We deeply care about them. Cathay offers a range of opportunities to support these passionate young people and assist them in exploring a career in aviation.”