ASEAN graduates chart new horizons in Hong Kong

A global journey finds its destination

Diane Uy (MSc in Finance 2025)

For Diane Uy (MSc in Finance 2025), Hong Kong represents the natural next step of an already international journey. Born in the Philippines, raised in Beijing and educated at the University of Warwick, she has always sought diverse experiences and transformative opportunities. Her decision to pursue an MSc in Finance at CUHK Business School reflects this adventurous spirit, coupled with strategic thinking about her future in private banking and wealth management.

“As a student aspiring to enter the sector, Hong Kong’s status as a global financial centre means that both studying and working here offer significant advantages for my professional development,” Diane explains.

The MSc in Finance’s structure was ideal for Diane’s transition from economics to applied financial expertise. “The compulsory component covers technical knowledge that’s essential for a solid foundation in the field, while the elective courses allow students to tailor their studies to their career interests,” she says. Her selection of China Finance as an elective gave her a practical understanding of the regional landscape and connected her academic background to real-world applications.

The extensive support system of the School was instrumental in supporting Diane throughout her journey. “In addition to the BOC-CUHK International Scholarship that alleviated my financial burden, the programme offered dedicated guidance during the job search process. Every week, we also received alumni-shared job openings via email, further enhancing students’ job prospects.”

Diane’s successful placement at RedotPay, a crypto payment solutions startup, confirms her strategic choice to build her career in Hong Kong. “The city provides a supportive environment for women professionals, with competitive salary levels, an international setting and a great work-life balance. What’s more, I can connect with high-achieving individuals from diverse backgrounds, which is invaluable for my growth. My experience here has been a life-giving turning point, allowing me to translate academic abilities into professional skills that will serve me well into the future.”

A bridge from engineering innovation to actuarial excellence

Samuel Yakobus (MSc in Actuarial Science and Insurance Analytics 2025)

Samuel Yakobus (MSc in Actuarial Science and Insurance Analytics 2025) from Indonesia has an electronic and information engineering background. However, his desire to pivot his career towards the insurance industry motivated him to stay in the city and pursue CUHK Business School’s MSc in Actuarial Science and Insurance Analytics.

“The degree focuses on the life insurance industry, and the syllabus follows the Society of Actuaries’ educational progression, which provides internationally recognised credentials and opens doors to actuarial positions globally,” Samuel notes. The multicultural cohort also helped create an inspiring learning environment for him.

Samuel found the programme’s practical approach particularly engaging. A memorable group project on diamond price prediction allowed him to consolidate his classroom data analysis skills with hands-on application. Company visits during the course were equally valuable, as they gave the students first-hand insights into working in Hong Kong.

These experiences prepared him for a smooth transition to an actuarial internship at Bupa Hong Kong. “Pivoting to the actuarial field from engineering can be challenging, but the comprehensive approach of CUHK Business School combines rigorous academics with career support, creating an environment where students thrive,” Samuel says. “Hong Kong is an exciting place to work in as people are smart and efficient. I will stay in the city as the insurance industry here is sizeable, and there are tremendous prospects for professional growth in this dynamic market.”

Malaysian precision meets global finance

Chiang Fong Kai’s (MSc in Finance 2025)

Chiang Fong Kai’s (MSc in Finance 2025) journey from equity research in Kuala Lumpur to Hong Kong’s financial hub reflects a strategic, purposeful approach to career advancement. With an economics degree from the University of Manchester as well as practical experience in Malaysia’s financial sector, Fong Kai recognised that reaching his goals in finance required more than solid fundamentals. He needed a conducive environment where exceptional academic programmes, abundant opportunities for professionals and supportive talent policies converge.

“I chose CUHK Business School because its MSc in Finance programme has a reputable ranking worldwide and is taught by professors with extensive teaching and research experience,” Fong Kai explains. “This allowed me to gain insights into the most up-to-date regional and global issues and perspectives in international finance. I found the programme rigorous, insightful and rewarding.”

The university’s international learning environment enhanced Fong Kai’s cross-cultural competency and market acumen. Professors exposed him to diverse trends, cases and business practices, while his friendships with classmates from across the globe opened up new perspectives on business culture and values. This nuanced understanding will prove beneficial as he embarks on his career at PwC and engages in increasingly multicultural business settings.

Fong Kai appreciated CUHK’s comprehensive career support. The dedicated guidance enabled him to navigate the city’s competitive job market successfully, and assistance with the Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates visa granted him up to 24 months to establish his career in Hong Kong after graduation.

“Hong Kong is a great stepping stone for globally minded young professionals,” Fong Kai adds. “The extensive portfolio of multinational enterprises here allows us to gain substantial exposure across a broad spectrum of industries. In addition, the competitive salaries, well-established career progressions and welcoming income tax structure are compelling advantages.”