CeMAP Accelerator Course - A career transition journey

Dear Students,

Unknowingly, we have completed the challenging journey of 5 days and 40 hours together at LSE in London. Reflecting back on our Introduction Webinar, Nicole and I carefully explained how CeMAP could help everyone rebuild their careers in the UK. Later, I invited each of you to join a Zoom call for in-depth discussions about your past experiences, your current life in the UK, and your expectations for future development in the UK Buy-to-Let mortgage business.

To my surprise, each of you was full of passion. While quickly adapting to British life, you demonstrated a strong spirit of exploration, showcasing the indomitable "Hong Konger" mindset. As your instructor, I feel deeply honored and delighted.

Do you remember the scene on the first day of class? You were all so enthusiastic, actively introducing your glorious achievements in the Hong Kong workplace with boundless energy and excitement. Classmates, you were hooked! That was exactly what I wanted—to remind you of how amazing you truly are. Why, just because of a career switch, would anyone suddenly lose their professional value and dignity?

From the moment you decided to take the CeMAP qualification and join the industry, I believe you made the right choice. CeMAP is merely a fast pass, enabling you to develop your personal career in various UK mortgage sectors. Over the past five days, aside from seven hours of intense learning daily, I also organized Career Talks for you to delve deeper into becoming a "Super Broker." As a Self-Employed Super Broker, you can balance caring for your family while building your personal career, achieving the best of both worlds.

You reminded us that your hard work in settling in the UK was for your next generation's better life and education, as well as finding a new workplace to leave behind the high-pressure environment of Hong Kong. Of course, I also understand that some of you are taking this time to recuperate (recovering from work-related depression and anxiety).

I must also express my gratitude to Mr. Billy Wong, the author of Goodbye HK . Hello Billy, who came to London LSE to motivate everyone. He shared his successful experience in professional services and highlighted how social media can be leveraged to find new clients effectively. He emphasized that it is never too late to succeed with determination and perseverance. He also underscored the importance of being "authentic and honest," cautioning against deceptive practices for financial gain, as such approaches will not work or last.

What we are offering is "adult workplace education." As I have shared on numerous occasions, deciding how to navigate your path in the UK is a critical lesson for you. The earlier you decide to restart and focus all your energy, the better your chances of success, rather than dragging it out. So, students, you will surely succeed!

From the moment you stepped into the LSE classroom, you had already set the foundation for achieving new heights in your UK mortgage career. By the time we finished our last class, I noticed everyone was visibly tired. Yet, when I asked about your confidence in passing the CeMAP exam, your fighting spirit was remarkably high. It is clear that you (or perhaps your family) are your greatest motivators in this journey.

When receiving your course certificates, your radiant smiles spoke volumes—perhaps a sense of accomplishment in taking the first step toward creating your career in the UK. As an educator, I felt deeply heartened, as if I had forgotten the strain on my vocal cords after delivering 40 hours of fast-track courses.

Finally, I often liken many new Hong Kong immigrants to "migratory birds." You have traversed great distances to settle in the UK, leaving behind everything you built in Hong Kong—a high-risk decision indeed. As someone who has been through this, I strive to provide you with "nourishment," "professional knowledge," and, most importantly, help you regain your long-lost "self-confidence." Only with self-confidence can you equip yourself fully, restart your journey, and spread your wings again—flying "higher and farther."

Wishing all of you and your families happiness and success.

Sincerely,
Sir Ka Fai