helps him gain a better understanding about
the world.
Peter once participated in a research
experiment conducted by Professor
Lim Wooyoung on how humans make
decisions. Finding the project meaningful,
Peter asked to become Professor Lim’s
research assistant, an opportunity that
allowed him to accumulate real-life research
experience at the Center for Experimental
Business Research. Peter doesn’t consider
himself particularly proactive: “It’s just that
when something interests me, I would look
for any opportunity to get involved,” he said.
During the summer of his second year, Peter
took part in the Global Citizen Program, a
joint-university initiative between the HKUST
and other universities. As part of a team
exploring sustainable and urban planning
issues in Tin Shui Wai, Peter realized that
sitting behind a computer doing research
does not get him close enough to the
problem. He decided to lead his team out
of the classroom and right into the field,
designing a questionnaire and speaking
with the Tin Shui Wai residents to get first-
hand information. This gave him much
better insight into his research topic. With
his willingness to try new challenge and
his dauntless spirit, Peter gained access to
abundant possibilities offered by HKUST,
and in the process, shaped his goal for the
future.
Be Proactive. Be Inspired.
Peter likes to read up on current events
about lecture topics before attending the
actual lecture, then approaching professors
with his thoughts after class. In Peter’s mind,
HKUST professors are much more than
lecturers; they are professional researchers
in their respective fields, and – from the
perspective of a student like Peter – an
excellent source of highly useful information.
As a Year 1 student, Peter became deeply
intrigued by a core curriculum computer
engineering course. Not only did he engage
the course professor Raymond C W Wong
in active discussions about the course,
he also collaborated with Professor Wong
on a research studying the diffusion of
influence and learning behaviour among
individuals over social networks under the
Undergraduate Research Opportunities
Program (UROP).
Perhaps Peter felt slightly conflicted being a
Business student taking up an Engineering
research project, but to a much greater
degree, he appreciated the opportunity to
conduct interdisciplinary research. “Scientific
research is about integrating knowledge
from different disciplines to create new
knowledge,” he said. He is grateful to
Professor Wong for guiding him through
his research journey and for recommending
informative reference literature and texts.
Though research results may not always
bring immediate impact, Peter is inspired
by the process of research –which he feels
Be bold and seize opportunities
Peter has determined to pursue a doctoral
degree after graduation, hoping to change
the world for the better through his
research. University has opened up the way
for Peter to fulfill his dream, lending him
unique opportunities to learn and explore.
In particular, HKUST’s youthful vigor helped
broaden Peter’s horizons by empowering
him to take on new challenges. Through the
HKUST undergraduate exchange program,
Peter had a chance to study at the Wharton
School of the University of Pennsylvania,
completing a research internship at the
university’s policy think tank. Next year,
Peter will take on a one-year internship at
Goldman Sachs research division in Hong
Kong, deferring his graduation by a year.
Despite a packed schedule, Peter is still
exploring how other programs at HKUST,
such as HKUST Connect, can prepare him
even better for fulfilling his dreams.
Many university students continue searching
for their futures after graduation. HKUST
students like Peter, however, make the best
use of their time at the university. By taking
every chance to discover, learn and engage,
they are able to hone in on a bright, clear
future goal – while enjoying a rich and fruitful
university experience.
Seize opportunities. Reach for your dream.
015
2015
