FIRST CLASS High-performing students from a variety of backgrounds enrolled in 2024, while innovations by our teachers won external awards. OLYMPIC COMPETITOR GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE Eirik Thorsten Fleck-Baustian comes from a multinational background – his parents are a combination of German, Norwegian and Hungarian and he lived in Shanghai for three years as a child. So when it came time to choose a university, the chance to explore a new place (he had never been to Hong Kong before) was a big pull. The chance to pursue his passion here – ecology and biodiversity studies – sealed the deal. He is now enrolled in the Bachelor of Science programme and hopes to become a conservational biologist to address the existential crisis threatening the natural world. I think I understand why HKU is such a highly ranked university and that is due to the progress that goes on in its research. Even as an undergraduate, I am learning of opportunities to contribute to the vastly diverse studies that are ongoing at the University. Seeing the great research opportunities here at HKU, I am also hoping to do some research in my fields of interest. Eirik Thorsten Fleck-Baustian Bachelor of Science I have always aspired to be an agent for change. From a young age, I became aware of the pressing issues in our world, such as poverty and infectious diseases, and I wanted to contribute meaningful solutions. I was drawn to HKU because of its top reputation, and to this programme because of its interdisciplinary approach and the six-month placement in an NGO, which will give me practical exposure. Anzal Tayyibah Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in Global Health and Development I chose HKU because of its prestige and excellent learning facilities. I am fascinated by how much our psychological well-being affects our daily lives and I hope to understand more about how it might benefit my swimming career, too. One of the things I’m most looking forward to at HKU is furthering my knowledge in different fields, especially the wide variety of topics offered by the Common Core, and meeting new people from different cultural backgrounds. Cindy Cheung Sum Yuet Bachelor of Social Sciences Olympian Cindy Cheung Sum Yuet joined HKU in September to pursue a Bachelor of Social Sciences in psychology and sociology. She was the youngest swimmer from Hong Kong to ever achieve the Olympic Qualifying Time and represented the city in the women’s 100m and 200m backstroke at the Paris Olympics 2024. Ms Cheung came to HKU through the Top Athletes Direct Admission Scheme, but she also remains a full-time swimmer, training four hours a day on top of her studies. She hopes to compete in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. TOP PERFORMER President’s Scholar Geoff Wong Shue Hei was a top scorer in the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination and he received offers from top UK universities, such as Imperial College London. But he decided to pursue an MBBS at HKU because of the unique curriculum and opportunities offered. He was particularly attracted by the Enrichment Year, during which medical students pursue an interest – be it research, service or studying a new subject – before the demands of the clinical years kick in. HKUMed’s Distinguished MedScholar programme for gifted students was also a factor in his decision, given the intensive research training and mentoring it offers. AGENT FOR CHANGE Anzal Tayyibah’s aspiration to study at university was considered unusual where she grew up – many in her low-income neighbourhood told her she had unrealistic ambitions. But that only added fuel to her flame. With support from her parents, Ms Tayyibah performed well in her examinations and came to HKU through the School Nominations Direct Admission Scheme. She has enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in Global Health and Development and hopes to become a public health consultant in under-served areas in places such as the Middle East and East Asia. With the Distinguished MedScholar programme, my elite mentor has kindly given me guidance and provided inspiring exposure opportunities. Thanks to him, I can plan early on my future career in an informed manner. I also cannot overstate my excitement towards my university life in HKU’s internationalised setting. I hope to connect and exchange ideas with the brightest minds from all over the globe. Geoff Wong Shue Hei Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery 12 13 HKU ANNUAL REPORT 2024 TEACHING AND LEARNING
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