As a first-batch student of the Asian Gemmological Institute and Laboratory (AGIL), I am deeply grateful for the guidance I received from Mr. Dominic Mok (Mok Sir). I joined the jewellery industry in 1979, with little knowledge of gemstones. While working at a jewellery shop in Tsim Sha Tsui, I sought guidance from my senior colleagues, but my gains were limited. By chance, I met Mok Sir, who became both a mentor and a friend, generously sharing his knowledge of gemmology with me.

Mok Sir achieved excellent results in the Gemmological Association of Great Britain's global gemmology diploma open exam, earning the FGA certification. He started teaching and established the Asian Gemmological Institute. I joined the first batch of students and learned in a humble environment. As the institute grew, acquiring more equipment, Mok Sir also purchased many gemstones, which allowed me to participate in the gemmological work, classifying the gemstones, laying the foundation for the laboratory we have today.

I spent several years at the Asian Gemmological Institute, enrolling in all the courses offered, including FGA, diamond grading, jade, pearls, and jewellery design. I dedicated more than three evenings a week and my free time to studying gemstones, constantly practicing and gaining more knowledge.

I worked for a jewellery company in Tsim Sha Tsui for 15 years before moving to the largest jewellery company in Hong Kong, where I have been for almost 30 years. I have held various positions, including salesperson, jewellery designer, diamond grader, diamond wholesaler, and store manager. When my company sent me to work as management in a foreign country, I needed to apply for a Working VISA. Fortunately, I had several certificates from the Asian Gemmological Institute and Laboratory's gemmology courses, meeting the professional qualifications, and was granted the VISA. Now, I am managing the jewellery industry abroad.

Mok Sir's teachings provided me with a solid foundation in gemmology, paving the way for my career development. I am grateful for Mok Sir's mentorship and feel honored to have been a student in the first batch of the Asian Gemmological Institute. I wish Mok Sir continued success in his teaching career.

英啟耀 Andy Ying