Discovering paths in the financial heart of Asia
Hong Kong’s world-class universities, position as a business and financial hub, and career opportunities in the region offer students a place to discover their interests and develop capabilities that will serve them wherever their paths lead. With initiatives such as the Government’s “Study in Hong Kong” expanding non-local student quotas to 50 per cent, universities are welcoming a new wave of curious, ambitious young people.
Five undergraduate students – from Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Kazakhstan and Hong Kong, China itself – have chosen CUHK Business School to explore their passions, build expertise and forge connections. Four are Belt and Road Scholarship recipients, drawn to the opportunity to obtain top business education in one of Asia’s most dynamic cities.
When curiosity meets rigorous training
Alen Irsembetov (IFAA, Year 1) from Kazakhstan has come to Hong Kong with one clear priority in mind: “In today’s world of uncertainty, I’d like to have a skillset that’s reliable.” He chose CUHK Business School’s Insurance, Financial and Actuarial Analysis programme, intrigued by how actuaries improve people’s lives by helping create financial stability. “The internationally recognised curriculum, with an abundance of opportunities to explore the field’s different dimensions, allows us to develop well-rounded skillsets, putting us in a great position to succeed in both imminent and upcoming professional environments.”
Alen Irsembetov (IFAA, Year 1)
Also seeking to cultivate versatile capabilities is Stephanie Kowinto (IBBA, Year 1) from Indonesia. She went for CUHK Business School’s Integrated Bachelor of Business Administration programme specifically because its flexible curriculum enables her to build a broad foundation before deciding which field speaks to her. What Stephanie enjoys the most is the active, collaborative classroom style where knowledge is applied through group projects and class activities. This hands-on approach has crystallised her interest: she is increasingly fascinated by how business analytics can generate insights and inform decisions, and is now thinking about a career in the field. “I’m confident the skills and knowledge I gain here will help me excel in my future career.”
Stephanie Kowinto (IBBA, Year 1)
From Hong Kong, China, Matthew Wu (QFRM, Year 1), one of this year’s HKDSE top scorers with six 5** results, chose CUHK Business School because the curriculum lets him explore his dual passions. Having always been drawn to maths and economics, he enrolled in Quantitative Finance and Risk Management Science as “it combines the best from both fields”. He also explained: “The diverse course range – from finance and risk management to maths and statistics, all taught by experts in the field – will give me the practical skills, theoretical knowledge and financial insights needed to achieve my goals, whether in quantitative roles or postgraduate studies.”
Matthew Wu (QFRM, Year 1)
Hong Kong as a living classroom
For Leanne Wong (QFIN, Year 1) from Malaysia, versatile training is only part of the equation. Location matters. The first in her family to study overseas, Leanne seeks to one day help Malaysian companies access global capital. “My career aspiration is to become a bridge for financial integration among Malaysia, Hong Kong and Greater China, facilitating cross-border investment and dual listings between Bursa Malaysia and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange,” she shares.
For Leanne, CUHK Business School’s Quantitative Finance (QFIN) curriculum is “the direct foundation for this ambition”. It introduces her to financial modelling and data analysis, while Hong Kong’s position as a global financial hub lets her see how these concepts and regional market dynamics play out in real time. “By being here, I am gaining the knowledge and connections required to strengthen these vital financial corridors, and contribute to fostering sustainable economic growth.”
Leanne Wong (QFIN, Year 1)
Beyond Hong Kong’s geographic advantage, the School provides comprehensive support that links academic learning and professional readiness, ensuring that students are equipped for wherever their interests may lead.
That support starts with curriculum design. Daphne Nguyen (QFIN, Year 1) from Vietnam is following the path of high school seniors already thriving at CUHK. She appreciates how the curriculum balances rigour with exploration, expressing that: “Advanced courses encourage independent thinking, while diverse electives mean I can explore my interests. This balance of challenge and discovery is exactly what I was looking for.”
Daphne Nguyen (QFIN, Year 1)
Alen is excited about the chance to apply what he learns through case competitions, startup activities, exchanges and internships. Matthew, meanwhile, appreciates the established infrastructure: the strong reputation, helpful alumni network and approachable lecturers combine to create a supportive ecosystem for both intellectual challenge and personal development. Daphne values the open-minded community where classmates from different cultural backgrounds share perspectives and learn from one another.
For international students like Leanne, the School’s career support impresses her most. “I’m always getting emails about career fairs, company talks and practical workshops to improve my CV or ace a job interview,” she explains. “This proactive approach makes me feel much more confident about stepping into the professional world.”
Friendships and passions across borders
As Asia’s economies become ever more interconnected and symbiotic, the relationships that students build today lay the foundations for tomorrow’s regional networks. CUHK’s distinctive campus fosters a welcoming environment where international students can develop meaningful connections while discovering themselves.
“By the time I graduate, I want to know that I’ve found good and true friends,” Alen says. “I wish to build a group of passionate companions who are striving to achieve their best and who inspire others to do the same.”
Daphne wants to continue to keep her mind open and be of help as she grows with the CUHK community. Passionate about volunteering and cultural exchange, she takes part in community service projects and learns from different perspectives. “These experiences aid in my growth as a responsible, empathetic individual,” she shares.
Stephanie looks forward to “finding new passions outside the classroom and creating memorable moments with friends.”
Leanne is excited about building community through hostel events and international student gatherings. She sees this as a transformative period of becoming more independent and discovering who she is. “I want to build a life here that’s about more than just a degree,” she explains. “It’s about becoming a capable, well-rounded person through a balance of academics, personal challenges and new connections.”
