SHSS Undergraduate Newsletter 2026

Fresh Graduate Spotlights Sophie WONG (GCS) This summer, Sophie (second right) and her team received the Outstanding Team Award in the Hong Kong 2035: Youth Policy Competition, organized by the HKFYG Youth Research Centre. They proposed a policy framework on Education, Technology, and Talents, tailored to the future development of Hong Kong’s Northern Metropolis. Over two intensive months, Sophie gained a more holistic perspective on local social issues through training workshops, stakeholder discussions, and community site visits. This competition also connected youths, policy researchers, industry leaders, and community members dedicated to building a sustainable future together. As a graduate in Global China Studies, Sophie noted how her academic training at SHSS equipped her with critical lenses to understand community needs at a deeper level. The experience reaffirmed her belief that the humanities never fade—they continue to shine no matter how rapidly society evolves. Learning from former Bureau Secretaries, Administrative Officers, and experts across diverse fields left a deep impression on her, serving as a powerful reminder that empathy must always remain at the heart of effective policy-making. Hazel KONG (GCS) After graduation, Hazel joined the UBS Investment Bank Marketing team as an event specialist, where she helped organize conferences and events across APAC. It was an exciting time: she worked with colleagues from many different divisions and was part of a lively team that truly enjoyed creating unique experiences for clients. Outside of work, she also started playing more sports, such as tennis and padel. Keeping her life active and vibrant is one of her most important goals. Lucy CHEN (GCS) Lucy is pursuing the MA in Philosophy, Politics and Economics at the University of Hong Kong.During her undergraduate studies in the Global China Studies program, she gained far more than textbook knowledge. The multidisciplinary curriculum sharpened her critical thinking and encouraged her to examine issues from diverse perspectives. Insights gained from GCS continue to inspire her academic inquiry into complex global questions. During her Winter Study Abroad programme at Yonsei University, Lucy immersed herself in a multicultural environment. Through classroom discussions and everyday interactions with peers from different countries, she encountered new viewpoints and local ways of life. Living abroad taught her to see issues from broader angles and appreciate cultural differences. Though short, this exchange broadened her horizons and gave her valuable opportunities to explore the world beyond campus. Vennise KU (GCS) Vennise has been working at Christie’s as a Communications Coordinator since August 2025. In this role, she applies her expertise in media relations, event execution, and PR analytics to support high-profile international auctions. Looking back at her time at HKUST, Vennise is grateful for the Global China Studies program for equipping her with an agile mindset and a strong analytical foundation for her career in art and luxury communications. Lydia LIN (QSA) Lydia’s undergraduate years at HKUST have been meaningful, equipping her with sharp analytical acumen through her major in Quantitative Social Analysis and minor in Mathematics. Building upon her handson technical market analysis experience within the technology and transformation department at Deloitte during her previous internship, Lydia is thrilled to embark on her next chapter as a full-time Analyst at Deloitte. She leverages her expertise in strategic problem-solving and operational transformation to help clients from diverse backgrounds navigate complex challenges in the ever-evolving business landscape in Hong Kong. Beyond her professional pursuits in corporate consulting, Lydia is also excited to embrace a new cultural and linguistic adventure. After completing her grading, she will be heading to Peru for a few months to immerse herself in a Spanish language program. She looks forward to broadening her global perspective, embracing diverse cultural landscapes, and continuing her journey of lifelong learning. 16

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