Two BBA graduates carried the torch in the worldwide Beijing Olympic Torch relay.

Mr Howie Lau (BBA 1993), Executive Director, Relationship Business, Lenovo ASEAN/Korea ran the Bangkok leg of the relay on 19 April 2008 while Ms Janet Ang (BBA Hons 1982), Vice-President, Business Operations, Global Desktop Business Unit of Lenovo Private Limited carried the torch through Jing Gang Shan in China on 15 May 2008.

Both Ms Ang and Mr Lau were selected to be part of the relay based on their contributions to Lenovo, sponsor and Official Computing Equipment Provider for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. The company provided more than 20,000 pieces of Lenovo hardware and 580 engineers for the event. The two alumni had progressed steadily in their respective careers after their graduation from NUS Business School, landing them leadership positions in Lenovo where they were recognized for their work.

Adding to the fact that both were part of a select group of people in the world to run the relay, Mr Lau was the only Singaporean to carry the torch in Bangkok while Ms Ang was the first Singaporean to carry the torch on Chinese soil.

Recounting the experience, Mr Lau remembers being treated like a star in Bangkok.

"Leading up to the actual day, there were press conferences and a training session for the torchbearers on how to carry the torch, how to pass the flame, and even advice on how to run slowly, remembering to wave and smile," says the proud father of three.

"There was also a dinner hosted by the Thai Crown Princess, HRH Princess Sirindhorn, for the torchbearers. The dinner was a very grand affair attended by the who's-who of Bangkok."

On the day of the run, Mr Lau was the third last runner along Rama V Road, next to the Thai King's residences. He remembered seeing the Crown Princess looking on from the palace, amidst large cheering crowds, and cameras clicking away. "It felt somewhat unreal," says Mr Lau.

For Ms Ang, her experience in Jiangxi Province, China was equally memorable. Ms Ang's part of the relay took her through where Mao Zedong first conceived his revolutionary ideas, making her experience even more significant.

"I was the 169th torchbearer and my starting point was Mao Zedong Qu Qiu, where the original house in which Mao Zedong convened revolutionary strategy meetings stood. The atmosphere was all very exciting and groups were showing their support for the relay and the Olympics. As I waited for the start, I waved to the crowds, and amongst them stood my husband, Tony, who had flown in to support me," says the happy mother of four whose preparation for the run began in December 2007.

"I am not a good runner but on that day, I felt the extra adrenalin pumping as I sprinted forward to my destination. The 200m seemed so short and all too soon it was over. It was a fantastic experience - this 200m will be remembered as one of the significant moments of my life," cites Ms Ang who believes being an Olympic torchbearer to be something beyond her wildest dreams.

"I feel privileged and honored to have had the opportunity to be part of the passing on of the Olympic torch which symbolizes friendship, peace and harmony and courage," shares Ms Ang, who credits NUS Business School for much of her preparation for life and conducting business in China.

"NUS Business School taught me to be open and flexible and to always consider possibilities and options."

Similarly, Mr Lau attributes his success to his alma mater. "During my BBA days, I was fortunate to have had a good blend of learning - both from the books and lectures as well as from activities outside of studies. The BBA course gave me a great foundation on business management which are basics I still fall back on in running my business today."

NUS Business School congratulates both Ms Janet Ang and Mr Howie Lau for being given the honor to be part of the Beijing Olympics torch relay.

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