During the session, John described the challenges he faced – the struggle with funding and finding sponsors for expeditions and high-altitude mountaineering risks such as altitude sickness, frostbites and inclement weather. He spoke about the times when he thought of giving up but his determination to be among the first person from Hong Kong to scale the highest peak in the world drove him to remain steadfast and focused.  John scaled Everest for the first time in 2009 from the South side.  Four years later, he reached the peak from the North side and just last year, he made his third Everest summit. His journey to the top may have been arduous but fulfilling. 

In the same session, Ivy took the floor and shared her advice. Starting out in this industry years ago and back in the day, when female engineers were a rarity in the profession, she emphasised the importance of knowing yourself and setting personal goals throughout one’s career. “Set short, medium and longer term goals and strive towards each milestone so you don't get overwhelmed. Push your limits to set further goals as you proceed, “she said, “more importantly, do not be afraid to speak up or ask along the way. At the end of the journey, it is that strong sense of accomplishment when you realise your dreams that counts.”