It was really an impressive night as we could all indulge in the talk by Eric Yuen, delicious food, spectacular firework, pleasant chitchat and wonderful piano performances. The event was held at Eric’s lovely music garden on 1 October with 28 participants.

To begin with, Eric shared with us how his life was changed twice and how he became the first “non-western” manager employed in the Lloyds TSB’s history in UK. We also learnt how his diversified businesses based on “one-stop shopping” concept. From Eric’s story, we understood that life is full of unexpected challenges and opportunities. The key is whether you can embrace the change and work for your own passion. Do you dare to live fully?

All of us were delighted when yummy food and drinks were served at the balcony which was also an excellent viewing venue for the National Day Firework Display. With a sudden huge cheer and thunderous sound, the firework show began and we were all astonished by the dazzling scene.

The most unexpected piano performances started after the firework. Under the chemical effect of the white wine and overwhelming atmosphere, our Warwick Alumni Secretary, Nancy, were brave enough to start her first public piano performance which was absolutely brilliant. It was then followed by the marvelous piano performance by Eric who had just been the guest-artist representing Hong Kong to perform at the National Day Concert. The last piano performance was by Jonathan Tang who had just finished his Grade 4 Piano Exam on that day. So, we were pleased to be the audience of a piano player, a pianist, and an artist, which as Eric described, were the different phases of a musician.

If you feel sorry to have missed such a wonderful gathering, don’t worry. Just make sure you join the coming November Happy Hour Gathering and 40th Anniversary Dinner on 3 December. We look forward to greeting you!

About Eric Yuen
Mr. Eric Yuen was winner in many public music competitions. At the age of 13, Eric won the first prize in the Piano Sonata Open and at the age of 16, he received the Licentiate Diploma from the London College of Music. When studying at Warwick, he was the recipient of the University music scholarship every year. He obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Financial Analysis from the University of Warwick in 1985. In 2003, he started his own “diversified businesses” including a venture capital investment company, a nightclub, a mahjong parlour, two bookshops and a music studio.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Feedback for the event
These are just some of the quotes given by committees and the participants of the event:

• “My thanks are due to Warwick Alumni Committees for the great efforts on the gathering. The fireworks were so dazzling. The talk was very interesting as we could share the music genius of Eric.” – Ally Lung
  　

• “Fantastic view of fireworks, enjoyable talk and food, excellent piano performance! Many thanks to Eric and the Alumni committee !” - Ivan Lung
  　

• “WGAHK, thanks for organizing such a wonderful event. It was great to hear Eric's story and learn more about entrepreneurship. The food was delicious and the atmosphere was friendly and relaxing. The evening was stimulating and the surprises came as we were about to enjoy the piano performance by Eric, Nancy and a 13-year-old participant. We had a great view of the firework from Eric’s balcony. This fulfilling night is certainly one of the best National Day I've ever had.” - Suzanne Fung
  　

• “A very nice place and good arrangement for an enjoyable evening.”
  - Christine Chu
  　

• “The next day, we asked Gigliola how Eric played the piano with his "heart". She then went to her mini-keyboard bought from Toys 'R' us, closed her eyes and starting to mimic Eric's movement....Gigliola is only 2 and a half years old, and she is so impressed by Eric.” - Isaac Wong