During my time at CUHK, I developed a strong interest in developmental neuroscience and child mental health. This passion was sparked by my senior thesis, which examined family well-being using data from more than a thousand households, and was further strengthened by my research experience in a neuroscience lab studying emotional functioning and autism.
In September, I will begin an MRes in Developmental Neuroscience and Psychopathology, a joint programme between University College London and Yale University. My research will focus on brain development in children, with a particular interest in how atypical developmental patterns relate to the identification and treatment of mental health and neurodevelopmental disorders.
Despite growing global interest in these topics, there remains a significant gap in psychological research focused on Chinese communities. I am committed to applying research to real-world settings and aims to help bridge this gap through culturally relevant, evidence-based work. My long-term goal is to establish my own research lab dedicated to improving child and family well-being.
I will be doing a MSc in Atmospheric and Climate Science at ETH Zurich, Switzerland, diving into the topics of weather systems, atmospheric dynamics, and climate change.
During my undergraduate studies, I worked on storm surge prediction at the Hong Kong Observatory for one year, and later extended the research into my final year project, investigating into the behaviours of storm surge under climate change in different global warming scenarios through coupled numerical modelling. With these experiences, I not only learned the difficulties and challenges in meteorological forecasting, but also realized the importance of sustainable development and building up climate resilience.
After completing my master’s study, I would like to enter the meteorological service sector, to provide more accurate meteorological forecasting for the society under the changing climate with methods at the frontiers of knowledge, demonstrating the founding aspiration ‘Learning, innovation, and benefitting humankind’ of Shaw College.
I am honored to receive the Student Exemplary Award for the year 2024/25 and would like to express my sincere gratitude to Shaw College for their recognition and support. As a nursing student, I have been exposed to various theoretical inputs during my five years of study, including life sciences, nursing specialties, law and ethics, health promotion, etc. Undoubtedly, the course content that has intrigued me the most is the clinical practicum, as it allows me to apply my professional knowledge to contribute to patients. University not only trains me to become a competent healthcare professional, but more importantly, cultivates my empathy and sense of mission. I have learned how to care for patients and build trusting relationships with them.
People often say that university is a vibrant and diverse place. Apart from academia, whole-person development is indeed indispensable. I am grateful for the valuable opportunity the university has provided me to visit the School of Nursing at Fudan University for an exchange programme during my final year. I am delighted to share Hong Kong's current trends in nursing with the local students while also exploring the culture and mode of education there. This experience has made me reflect on the strengths of the healthcare system in mainland China and has broadened my global horizons.
Thomas Fuller once said, “He that travels far knows much.” Exploring the world may bring you a more fulfilling university life.
My name is Oliver, and I come from Indonesia. I major in IBBA with a minor in Psychology, and I am currently completing my final term here at CUHK. I’m proud to be a recipient of the Student Exemplary Award for 2024/25. As a student who is graduating very soon, I’d like to share a bit about my 4-year journey up to this point.
As cliché as it sounds, my motto and key to success has been staying consistent and never giving up. Even for this award, I only succeeded on my third and final attempt in my fourth year. I could have easily given up after failing my first attempt in second year, but I didn’t allow myself to.
Originally, I applied to and was admitted into CUHK’s Psychology programme. I switched to my current IBBA major just before the start of my second year. What I’m getting at is that—like myself—it’s completely normal to feel lost or left behind, especially in your first year of university. University is meant to be a place of self-discovery and growth, both personally and professionally.
Although the IBBA programme may seem quite generic at first glance, I was truly able to develop both the soft and hard skills needed in the business world. I practiced and cultivated important skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and presentation through the programme’s well-designed courses, which I am now applying in my internship.
Lastly, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Shaw College, which showed me nothing but great hospitality throughout my time here as a student at CUHK.
It is my honour and privilege to share my journey as a recipient of the 2024/25 Student Exemplary Award scholarship from Shaw College. This recognition is not only a personal milestone but also a testament to the power of perseverance and passion.
My interest in data and programming began as a simple curiosity — a desire to challenge myself and step beyond my comfort zone. Over time, this curiosity blossomed into a deep passion, especially as I began exploring the dynamic and ever-evolving world of financial markets. This exploration led me to the fascinating field of financial technology, where innovation meets real-world impact.
Throughout my academic journey, I have strived to apply the knowledge of mathematics and computer science to practical problems in finance. I am especially motivated about creating inclusive and user-friendly financial solutions that can serve people from all walks of life — not just the wealthy or the tech-savvy younger generation. It is my hope that FinTech can become a force that bridges gaps, promotes accessibility, and empowers individuals across our entire society.
To the incoming freshmen, I encourage you to embrace the unknown. Don’t be afraid of challenges — they are stepping stones to growth. Every difficulty you overcome, every new concept you explore, will open doors to unexpected opportunities and enrich your personal and academic journey. Let your curiosity guide you, and trust that your efforts will shape a meaningful path ahead. Moreover, being kind and friendly is important.
It is a great honor to receive the Student Exemplary Award from SHAW College. This recognition motivates me to continue pursuing excellence in my academic, professional, and personal journey as a sociology student committed to creating positive change in the world.My academic interests focus on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) development, gender equality, and supporting marginalized communities. Through my studies at CUHK, I have developed a deep understanding of the systemic roots of social and environmental challenges. During my internships, I worked on ESG rating systems and corporate sustainability projects, where I analyzed large-scale datasets to evaluate the environmental and social impact of investments.
Additionally, my ethnographic research on sex workers in Hong Kong enabled me to propose actionable recommendations for reducing stigma and improving legal protections. These experiences have taught me the importance of bridging theory with practical application to create meaningful change.
My key to success is passion and perseverance. Sociology has taught me to ask critical questions, view problems from diverse perspectives, and always seek solutions that prioritize equity and inclusion. My motto, inspired by a quote from Mahatma Gandhi, is: “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” This reminds me to act with integrity and purpose in everything I do.
To my fellow Shaw students and freshmen: Take every opportunity to explore your interests, challenge yourself, and engage with the world. University is a time for growth, both academically and personally. Follow your passions, embrace your unique journey, and never be afraid to dream big.