Faculty & Staff
GIA instructors are passionate educators who bring years of industry experience to the classroom. All are leaders in their fields, and all are dedicated to helping you gain knowledge, acquire skills and launch your career.
GEMOLOGY
STIFF CHAN
Stiff received his Graduate Gemologist® diploma from GIA in Hong Kong in 2005, and joined GIA as an instructor in 2012. He has worked in the jewelry industry for more than twenty years in both retail and wholesale sectors. He has attended all major jewelry shows around the world, such as JIS Miami, VicenzaOro Winter, NY JA show, BaselWorld, VicenzaOro Spring, JCK Las Vegas, VicenzaOro Fall, and HK Jewellery & Gem Fair. With this diverse background in the trade, Stiff can share his knowledge and trade experience with students.
VENUS CHAN
Venus earned her master’s degree in Supply Chain Management in The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and Graduate Gemologist® diploma before joining as an instructor in GIA in 2018. Before that, she has gained 6 years experience working for both local listed jewelry company and international high-end jewelry brands, in aspects of Stone Grading, Marketing, Manufacturing, Project Management and Retailing. Venus enjoys sharing her passion towards gems and jewelry with her students and helping them during their explore in the world of gemology.
KAREN CHEUNG
Karen has been working as a gemologist and gemology instructor for more than 10 years after earning a Master of Business Administration degree with Merit from the University of Sunderland in Hong Kong. She has extensive knowledge and diverse work experience with colored stones, including jadeite (Fei Cui) grading and identification, advanced gem testing and jewelry evaluation. Karen is honored to join GIA as an instructor and to share her experiences and passion for gems and jewelry with her students.
CARMEN LEUNG
Carmen earned her master’s degree in Business Management in 2002 in Australia. She then graduated from GIA in 2005, earning a Graduate Gemologist® diploma. Before joining GIA as an on-campus instructor, Carmen worked for six years in marketing and retail operation for Boucheron and Chopard. Since 2007, Carmen has been a gemology instructor, sharing her experience in the jewelry industry and her passion for gems and jewelry.
TING PAN
Ting has held a passion for jewelry and art since joining a prestigious Hong Kong jewelry designer brand, where she worked as a marketing and strategic communication specialist in Hong Kong and mainland China. She earned a MA in China Studies from The Chinese University of Hong Kong and a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Fudan University in Shanghai. Ting received her GIA Graduate Gemologist Diploma in 2016.
