Ashluc Chui

Tag: La Salle College alumni

  • Hoops and Bonds: Celebrating Lifelong Friendships from La Salle College

    Hoops and Bonds: Celebrating Lifelong Friendships from La Salle College

    Basketball has always been more than just a game—it’s a way to bring my closest allies together. By pulling friends from different circles to hit the court, I’ve watched them connect over a shared love for the sport, forging new ties across diverse networks. It’s a rare joy to see these worlds collide so naturally.

    Today, I want to spotlight two remarkable friends, Matthew and Anson, whom I met through the Our Lady of Fatima (OLF) society at La Salle College. Over a decade ago, we bonded during our school years, and that connection has only deepened. We’ve kept up regular meetups, especially on the court in recent times. Those OLF days left a lasting imprint—organizing inter-school camps, studying together at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, moving to nearby neighborhoods, and sharing countless meals and games with new faces. I’ve written before in this blog about how senior OLF members guided me toward university success, but Matthew and Anson, as my juniors, shared the journey in a different way. Together, we’ve built memories that anchor us, from late-night study sessions to catching up with old OLF crew.

    ***

    Matthew and I share a unique path: neither of us studied programming in university, yet we both carved out careers as developers. Our connection, rooted in La Salle College’s Our Lady of Fatima society and the “I’m Yours” organizer crew from our 2012 inter-school camp, has grown far beyond those early days. We catch up not just at OLF or “I’m Yours” gatherings but also on the basketball court, where we trade shots and sweat, and in deep dives over coding challenges, swapping insights on tech.

    The wildest twist came after I moved out on my own. Barely a few months later, Matthew relocated too—and, by sheer chance, to an estate just a three-minute walk from mine. Now neighbors, we can spontaneously grab a coffee or chill nearby, a rare privilege with someone this close. Matthew’s grounded nature shines through; his steady, earnest approach to work and life earns my respect every time.

    These shared moments—whether debugging code or shooting hoops—remind me how valuable it is to have a friend who’s both a teammate and a neighbor, keeping the connection tight through life’s shifts.

    ***

    Anson holds a unique place in my life, tied to me through an unexpected thread: he was my younger brother’s primary school classmate. My brother didn’t continue to La Salle College for secondary school—a choice that, honestly, carries a tinge of personal regret I might unpack another time. Yet, by a twist of fate, I met Anson through the Our Lady of Fatima (OLF) society at La Salle when he was just starting Form 1. From that moment, he became like a second younger brother to me, someone I’ve watched grow up over the years.

    I’ll admit, I’ve always had a soft spot for him. Early on, my care for Anson might have stemmed from missing my own brother, but it quickly grew into something more. We shared countless experiences—organizing OLF events, studying together at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, and hitting the basketball court whenever we could. Those moments forged a deep camaraderie, built on shared memories and mutual trust. While I may not have grand gestures to offer, I’m always ready to share opportunities or support with him without hesitation.

    Anson’s more than a friend—he’s family, a buddy whose presence has enriched my journey through school, sports, and beyond.

    ***

    The game delivered an unforgettable highlight. I tossed a sharp pass to Anson as he cut in from the right baseline, and he soared for a perfect alley-oop, laying over a towering defender for a clean score. The court buzzed with energy—a true showcase of seamless teamwork.

    Moments like these remind me why I cherish these games. It’s not just about the points but the synergy and trust built through every pass and play, especially with longtime friends like Anson who bring their A-game.

    Anson’s preparing to relocate abroad soon, a move I quietly find tough to accept, though I’d never say it out loud. Still, his decision is made, and I wish him nothing but the best—a vibrant new chapter filled with fresh connections. When he returns to Hong Kong, the court will be waiting for another round.

    For me, staying grounded means never forgetting those who’ve walked alongside you. It’s not just about tangible help—it’s about the steady presence of people who quietly cheer you on through every struggle. Matthew, Anson, and the broader OLF network have been that backbone, and I’m endlessly grateful for their support as I navigate my entrepreneurial path with SilverGuard AI and beyond.

  • A Night of Immersive Fun: Reuniting with the “I’m Yours” Crew for Scripted Murder Mystery

    A Night of Immersive Fun: Reuniting with the “I’m Yours” Crew for Scripted Murder Mystery

    Tonight, I joined my longtime friends from the “I’m Yours” group for an unforgettable six-hour scripted murder mystery game infused with theatrical flair. The name “I’m Yours” traces back to 2012, when we formed a tight-knit team to organize an inter-school camp under the Our Lady of Fatima (OLF) society, a branch of La Salle College’s Legion of Mary. This circle blends my closest OLF pals with friends from other schools, and over the years, it’s grown into a true family—some now married, with their partners warmly welcomed into the fold.

    For over a decade, we’ve kept the connection alive with regular meetups and gatherings. I’ll admit, I’m often the slacker who occasionally skips out, but my affection for this group runs deep. Their genuine, open-hearted nature makes every moment together effortless and uplifting. The women in the crew, in particular, are organizational powerhouses. I’m known for planning events well, but they outshine me with their precision—churning out schedules and documents with a level of efficiency that’s frankly humbling. Tonight’s murder mystery was no exception, masterfully arranged by them, with my SilverGuard AI partner, Sonia, joining the fun.

    This wasn’t your average game night. The organizers wove in stage-play elements, and three dedicated hosts delivered a deeply immersive experience. Starting late after work, we dove in and didn’t wrap up until past 2 a.m. Exhaustion hit hard, but the shared laughter and suspense made it a night to remember.

    Here’s to “I’m Yours”—a bond that stands the test of time.

  • Rekindling Ties with La Salle College OLF Peers: Board Games in Mong Kok, Mentorship Insights, and Enduring Friendships

    Rekindling Ties with La Salle College OLF Peers: Board Games in Mong Kok, Mentorship Insights, and Enduring Friendships

    Today I reconnected with a group of longtime friends from La Salle College for an evening out in Mong Kok, where we dove into board games like Exploding Kittens and Three-Dragon Ante. The venue doubled as a casual dining spot, so we ordered takeout to enjoy alongside the gameplay. Moments like these instantly transport me back to our school years, rekindling those unbreakable ties formed in our shared OLF chapter. With careers demanding our focus these days, gatherings are less frequent, but they always pick up right where we left off, as if the years hadn’t intervened. I stay in touch more regularly with the younger alumni—Anson, Matthew, and Samson—through pickup basketball sessions, and it’s rewarding to nurture those relationships over time. A big thanks to them for keeping the connection alive.

    Let me highlight two exceptional seniors: Hugo and Kenneth, just one year ahead but instrumental in broadening my perspective through their talents and achievements. Kenneth couldn’t join us this time due to feeling under the weather, yet his influence remains vivid. Known for his quick humor and relaxed demeanor, conversations with him during school breaks were always uplifting. He commanded respect on campus, too—think reserving prime basketball court time during recess, a feat that required real pull or an invitation. He’d include me in those sessions with the upperclassmen, helping me build confidence and experience that sense of belonging.

    Hugo, on the other hand, shone in academics, earning nine A’s in his public exams and establishing himself as a top performer. My initial years in secondary school were challenging; I often ranked near the lower end. Rather than pulling away because of my difficulties, he shared practical study strategies during free periods. Without his input, securing a place at the Chinese University of Hong Kong might have been out of reach. He didn’t just provide answers—he emphasized techniques for independent learning that have served me well ever since. His skills extended beyond the classroom; he took second in the school’s singing competition, delivering performances with genuine vocal talent.

    Beyond academics, these two organized group activities after hours—think karaoke outings, billiards matches, tea breaks, or relaxed venue hangs. What seemed like pure leisure was balanced with their subtle push toward better study habits, showcasing their versatility in education, athletics, and social life. I’m profoundly appreciative of how they shaped my growth.

    Drawing from their example of generosity, I make it a point to visit the college now and then, engaging with current students and passing on insights to guide their paths and avoid common setbacks.

    La Salle College stands out for its excellence in academics, sports, and the arts, as many observers note. But the true strength comes from its ingrained culture of mentorship, where upperclassmen freely impart wisdom to those following behind. This tradition of knowledge-sharing drives ongoing success for all involved.

    During the games, I noticed distinct preferences and habits among the group, adding layers to our interactions. Truth be told, the highlight was simply being together again. I arrived feeling drained from the day and low on energy, but deep down, the familiarity brought a profound sense of stability—these are friends I’ve known for ages. Anson surprised me with a thoughtful birthday gift: a framed group photo, complete with heartfelt wishes inscribed on the reverse. As for Matthew, we bumped into each other at the MTR station post-event; he had just finished his commute home, so we walked together and chatted extensively. We align on numerous ideas, making our discussions engaging and effortless. Samson might be heading off soon for a working holiday abroad—likely our final meetup for the foreseeable future—so I wish him all the best and hope he makes the most of it.

    Gratitude to La Salle College and the OLF community for laying such solid groundwork.