Musavvir KHAN

BSc in Risk Management Science
HSBC

Last year, I had the opportunity to intern with HSBC’s Global Risk Analytics Department on the Traded Risk team. As a placement intern for 6 months, my focus was on various Market Risk and Stress Testing activities.

The Traded Risk team serves as the first line of defence for the APAC region's trading desk activities. Upon identifying risks, the team analyses them and applies relevant mathematical and statistical models built by the modelling teams. On the Market Risk side, I performed a peer review analysis based on the Pillar 3 reports of the GSIBs, conducted a gap risk analysis for the USD–CNY volatility curve, executed VaR and sVaR shock analyses for USD and JPY curves, and summarised the proposed Basel 3.1 regulations. In Stress Testing, I assisted the team in updating model methodologies and acted as the model risk manager for one model, aiming to improve its efficiency and accuracy using Python. I also performed annual model monitoring and built a tool to test model effectiveness.

A notable aspect of the internship was the emphasis on teamwork and collaboration. By working in diverse groups, I experienced an environment where different perspectives and ideas were welcomed. This not only enhanced my problem-solving skills but also taught me the importance of effective communication and interpersonal relationships in the workplace.

The internship required a good understanding of financial products, stochastic calculus, programming and statistical modelling. The RMSC programme curriculum provided me with a solid foundation in statistics and finance and applied knowledge of programming in R, VBA, and Python, which helped me stand out during the placement. Furthermore, the one-credit RMSC courses incorporated soft skills that helped me to secure the internship and thrive in a professional environment.

Overall, the RMSC curriculum, coupled with the internship experience, has given me the confidence to tackle challenges and excel in a professional setting. I am grateful to HSBC and the RMSC Department for this opportunity and the support that I have received during my time at the university.

Ling POON

BSc in Risk Management Science
Danmarks Tekniske Universitet, Denmark

I am glad to have the opportunity to go to Danmarks Tekniske Universitet (DTU) for a semester-long exchange, where I met people from diverse cultural background and learnt knowledge about statistics and computer science from top-tier teachers.

Academic-wise, during my exchange in Danmarks Tekniske Universitet, I focused on computer science and statistics courses, on topics that are practical and interesting to me, like machine learning, discrete mathematics and software engineering. The teaching method of DTU is vastly different from that of RMSC programme in CUHK. They emphasize and encourage co-operation and experience by placing heavy focus on group work and project. I learnt very well under this teaching approach.

Among different courses, the machine learning course interested me the most. In the course, I co-operated with international students in a group project that aims to predict ratings of films. Although we did not find an accurate model, we gained experience in applying machine learning to real life problem. This experience stimulated my interest in data science and encouraged me to learn more and find real life application of data science.

Social-wise, at the first week I am introduced and welcomed by a buddy composed of old and new students from all countries, very alike to the “O Camp” in CUHK. They were very passionate and friendly. We went partying, drinking, visiting to city, etc. We have quite a lot of fun together and I am glad to have met them. Among many buddies, I am very friendly with a Japanese called Keisuke since we have very similar personality and hobbies. He is planning to visit Hong Kong and I will be his guide when he makes his trip.

The hall mates I lived with are also very friendly. We get to see one another every day and therefore were very close. We exchanged culture about our home countries and I learnt a lot about theirs. Before going to the exchange, I have already set myself a mission to promote Hong Kong internationally. I would tell them stories about Hong Kong, hoping to introduce them the cultural and political aspect of Hong Kong. I am very glad that they like to listen and I also get to know their countries too!

This exchange is very rewarding and I thank the Statistics Department for financially supporting students’ personal development with this scholarship.