I hold a double degree in Economics and Ecology from Peking University. Years ago, I narrowly missed the chance to join HKU for my undergraduate studies, leaving a chapter unfinished. That’s why, for my master’s, I made a focused decision: I applied exclusively to the Master of Economics programme here at HKU. I wanted to be in a place that offered a truly international vision and direct access to a global financial centre.

My time here has been the perfect bridge between theory and practice. One of the highlights was a workshop organised by HKU Career Development & Training Team, led by a seasoned investment banker. Learning directly from a veteran with years of top-tier investment banking experience gave me practical wisdom you simply can’t find in textbooks. I also loved Dr.Yifei Zhang’s valuation course, which helped me build the financial modelling skills I use every day in my internship.

I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spark and previously operated my own web development company. But I realised that if I want to build a real startup down the line, I need a serious skill set. That’s why I chose the MFFinTech programme. It’s the perfect blend of finance and hard-core coding skills. Courses like "Investment and Portfolio Management" are incredibly practical. We aren't just learning theory; we are writing Python code to analyse market sentiment.

For me, Hong Kong is the perfect "soft landing". It has the international ease of Europe and the dynamic energy of the Asian financial markets. I’m here to work, learn, and build the foundation to one day launch my own venture.

After graduating with a Master of Chemistry from the University of Oxford, ​​​I realised I am a people person, and I wanted to apply my analytical skills not just to molecules, but to markets and people.​ That desire for a more interactive, fast-paced environment is exactly what brought me to the Master of Finance in Financial Technology here at HKU. I chose HKU because I wanted to be right at the centre of the action. Hong Kong is a global financial hub, and this programme offers the perfect bridge between my STEM background and the financial world.

My time here has been transformative. The highlight was definitely Professor Meng's course with its model trading simulation. It converted theoretical concepts about stocks, bonds, and leverage into practical skills. At my internship at Sun Hung Kai Properties, I got to apply it all in the real world, using those trading models and data analysis skills on actual market data and client portfolios.

Since joining the programme, my mindset has shifted from a solo academic focus to embracing collaboration. The curriculum is intense, and maintaining a high GPA requires the ability to work within diverse teams. Beyond the classroom, serving as a Student Ambassador allowed me to put these soft skills into practice, where I organised sports activities to help my peers balance the pressure.

Professionally, I am adopting a structured approach in Marketing and Brand Management, building on my previous experience as a marketing intern at Swire. This position offered me valuable insights into the industry and helped me refine my analytical skills to better understand market culture and translate these insights into effective business strategies. Furthermore, the guidance from HKU Career Development Team has been invaluable in sharpening my approach and enhancing my strategic thinking.

Before beginning my master's programme, I was already determined to become a secondary market researcher. This motivation stemmed from my internship and personal investment experiences. From my first exposure to consulting in Year 1 to conducting industry research at securities firms and fund management companies, I steadily found joy in building investment logic.

My master’s studies definitely supported my career goals. The Business Analytics programme methodically enhanced my abilities to understand and analyse data. The curriculum closely mirrored real-world business scenarios - from basic knowledge of programming to data model training, everything was linked back to actual business projects.

The vibrant energy of HKU, unparalleled access to industry leaders and alumni networks, and rigorous, professionally designed curriculum of the Master of Wealth Management programme deeply resonated with me - making HKU the ideal place to continue my academic and personal growth.

The modular format demands rapid learning and quick adaptation to new teams and environments. Yet, this intensity fosters strong bonds among classmates and mirrors the pace and diversity of real-world professional settings. It is a dynamic and enriching experience that pushes us to grow both intellectually and socially.

To me, the scholarship was far more than a prestigious accolade; it fostered a deep sense of belonging. I felt a strong connection to HKU and the school’s career support, facilitated by dedicated mentors and exclusive events. I truly appreciated how the school provides a comprehensive, consistent support system for scholarship students, offering ongoing guidance rather than isolated learning opportunities.

Through regular sessions with my career mentor, I was able to refine my career trajectory. By polishing my resume and scheduling internship timelines, my previously vague ideas evolved into clear, actionable plans. The school’s real-time job updates and regular career fairs also provided me with direct access to the industry. HKU’s alumni network played a subtle yet powerful role, with my identity as an ‘HKU student’ being a natural conversation starter, allowing easy exchanges to flow and paving the way for future opportunities.