Niko MAN

BSc in Risk Management Science
HKEX

For eight weeks last summer, I worked at the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) as an intern. Each of the 23 summer interns was assigned to a supervisor. A few seminars were held to help us understand the daily operations of each department at the HKEX and give us a comprehensive picture of the company.

In the middle of the internship, the interns had a presentation contest. The contest created an opportunity for us to discover more about the global role of the HKEX, and through research and analysis develop our presentation skills. Giving a formal presentation in front of 100 people, including senior executives, provided a unique and valuable experience. In addition, I had a great time with my supervisor, who inspired me in many ways. I learned to make the extra effort and be well prepared before every meeting so that progress could be efficiently made. I learned the importance of collaboration, how each individual contributed to the team through his/her unique strengths and profession and how we could learn from each other regardless of seniority. I really appreciated my supervisor’s commitment to lifelong learning.

I gained far more from this internship than I had anticipated. I did not expect people to be so willing to give us guidance, and I did not expect such an amiable supervisor who would inspire me and teach me life lessons. I was also lucky to meet a lot of enthusiastic and crazy colleagues. Their laughter made me look forward to going to work. The work experience at the HKEX was definitely one of my most enjoyable summer moments.

Hiu Kit POON

BSc in Risk Management Science
Universidad de Monterrey, Mexico

From August to January 2017, I participated in a university exchange programme organised by the Office of Academic Links of The Chinese University of Hong Kong. My destination was Mexico, where I spent four months in the exchange programme and one-month traveling.

After the start of the semester, I took a course in basic Spanish, learning the grammar, vocabulary and phrases I would need to have a short conversation with others. Throughout the entire exchange, I revised the teaching materials and practiced with my classmates and friends. At the end of the semester, I could proudly say that I could communicate with others in Spanish. This was a tough process, through thick and thin, transforming from a Spanish illiterate to an elementary level speaker. Learning the language was priceless and will be useful to me for my lifetime.

I also took other courses at UDEM, such as geopolitics. Studying at another university in a completely different environment far from home, in a language I had never known before and in a distinct culture was a fun experience. Some courses required completing group tasks. Working with both exchange and indigenous students gave me a better understanding of them. Their working style, ways of thinking, attitudes towards different issues and most importantly their culture were observed during the cooperation. It was not easy to work together when we all came from such diverse backgrounds.

In school, apart from studying, the exchange students could participate in many activities. UDEM formed a committee called I-Links, which specialised in organising events for the exchange students and offering aid, if necessary. In September, I-Links organised the I-Fair. The exchange students set up a booth and displayed information on their home countries, allowing not just the current exchange students but the indigenous students to have a glimpse into cultures from all over the world. Food sharing and cultural events also took place. For example, a group of lovely Korean girls performed the world-famous K-Pop dancing and singing, and the Viking warriors from Denmark recreated the scene of a bullfight. I set up a booth to introduce Hong Kong. Happily, the egg rolls I brought from home received very positive reviews. Time flew and January came. My exchange ended. The day I left my friends was unforgettable. I had received so much love and care from them during my trip.