Always be curious, ask questions,  find and question assumptions.

Veronique is a seasoned financial market professional with over 20 years of banking and capital markets experience across the globe.  She has worked in all the major financial markets and has extensive experience in all the major debt and credit markets.

A good leader inspires and empowers others to strive towards goals that shape a better future.

Emily is well experienced in undergraduate education and has taken up various leadership roles within HKUST. She strives to make HKUST the University of choice for diverse global talents. A passionate and award-winning educator, she believes the most important aspect in youth education is building character and resilience.

Lead with a bold vision, a confident heart, and the perseverance to see it through.

Hui received her PhD from University of Washington. Before joining HKUST, Hui was a principal scientist at NASA/JPL. She is a fellow of American Meteorological Society (AMS) and Asia Oceania Geosciences Society. She has received numerous honors, including NASA Exceptional Scientific Achievement Medal and AMS Banner Miller Award.

Good leadership is rooted in authenticity and empathy, creating an environment where trust thrives through open communication and strong interpersonal connections. It’s also about having a strategic vision yet being grounded by an appreciation of the practicalities of execution, respecting the expertise of others, and inspiring collective effort toward a shared purpose.

Alison is Associate Provost (Institutional Data and Research) at HKUST, where she leads data-driven decision-making and institutional analytics. As the University’s Risk Officer, she oversees risk management and institutional resilience. With over 20 years of experience in higher education and management consulting, she also serves on the boards of a major listed company and a social enterprise.

Leadership is demonstrated through behaviors and practices that inspire people to join voluntarily. Leadership can be learned, should be developed, and must be practiced daily.

Caroline, valedictorian of National Taiwan University, holds graduate degrees from Wisconsin–Milwaukee and Harvard. She broke barriers at IBM as its highest-ranked Asian female executive globally, leading teams across functions, cultures, and geographies for 30 years. She now shares global leadership and decision-making insights in MBA and EMBA programs at HKUST.

For the next generation, it's vital to build a strong belief in oneself. Enjoy learning without focusing solely on grades. Embrace mistakes, avoid anxiety, and aim for excellence. Don't chase success itself; find a suitable environment and seize opportunities. Success will naturally come to you.

Yiwen has held several leadership roles, including Chair of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society (EMBS) Neural Engineering Technical Committee, Chair of the IEEE BRAIN Publication Subcommittee, and board member of the Brain-Computer Interfaces Society. She was recognized as an IEEE EMBS Distinguished Lecturer in 2022 and received the IEEE EMBS Distinguished Service Award in 2023. She holds two U.S. patents and has authored over 150 peer-reviewed publications.

Stay grounded in your values. Leadership is not about titles, but about the integrity you bring to every decision.

Jiewen is Professor of Marketing at HKUST’s School of Business and Management. Her research explores culture, consumer behavior, and decision-making. She is passionate about mentoring the next generation of scholars and advancing diversity in academia.

Good educator requires a heart of understanding and patience, empowering people to learn from their mistakes and inspiring them to reach their full potential. It is like being a candle; it consumes itself to light the way for others.

Irene is one of the very few women engineering scholars who contributes with excellence across the fields of research, teaching, industry.  She provides numerous professional services to the engineering industry, serves as advisor to many high-level governmental advisory bodies, and promotes gender diversity in the profession.

Always be curious, aspire to expand your horizons, and experiment to improve.

Ophelia is a Professor of Physics and Director of the William Mong Institute of Nano Science and Technology. Her research on the dynamics of polymer films has earned her a fellowship with the American Physical Society and roles as Senior Editor for Progress in Polymer Science and other journals.

Good leaders can adapt their leadership style to each unique situation or task to meet the needs of the team or individual team members.

Xiaojuan is an Associate Professor of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) at the Department of Computer Science and Engineering. She received her PhD degree from Princeton University. She is particularly interested in data-driven Human-Engaged Computing in domains including but not limited to education, health, design, and social computing.

Building strong relationships among stakeholders and fostering collaborative teamwork environments is the key to finding innovative design solutions to complex challenges.

Victoria is a chartered structural engineer and project manager with over 18 years of experience in the construction industry delivering award-winning projects across education, commercial and hospitality sectors. In the Campus Development Office, she focuses on advancing the sustainable development of new buildings and upgrades on the Clear Water Bay campus.

To borrow a line from the Greek poet C.P. Cavafy, I hope your voyage is a long one, full of adventure, full of discovery.

Shengqing's research interests encompass modern Chinese literature and culture, image-text relations, and sensory studies. She is the author of Modern Archaics: Continuity and Innovation in the Chinese Lyric Tradition 1900-1937 (Harvard University Asia Center, 2013) and Photo Poetics: Chinese Lyricism and Modern Media Culture (Columbia University Press, 2020).

It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.

Jianzhen is a distinguished scholar in atmospheric chemistry, specializing in analytical methods that deepen insights into atmospheric composition and its effects on the environment. Analytical techniques developed by her team are widely adopted, significantly advancing the field of atmospheric chemical measurements.

Lead with curiosity. Reach with ambition. Ground your vision in world-class execution.

Qian is a Fellow of the IEEE and the Hong Kong Academy of Engineering (HKAE). Qian received Hong Kong RGC (Research Grant Council) Senior Research Fellow Award in 2024. She has received MIT TR100 (MIT Technology Review) world’s top young innovator award.

My journey from music training to academia taught me that female leadership means composing your own path rather than following someone else's score. I chose not to follow my father's musical career but to follow my heart into research. The discipline and listening skills from music became my foundation for detecting patterns in human–AI communication and designing frameworks that bridge technology and society.

Celine is a globally recognized leader in digital media and AI communication, pioneering the integration of artificial intelligence with traditional communication scholarship. Her research addresses critical issues like misinformation, human-AI communication, cyber psychology and behavior, earning her international awards and establishing her as a leading global voice.

Be perseverant!

Hnin Yin Yin specializes in bioelectronics for non-invasive health monitoring. With a PhD from UC Berkeley and postdoctoral training at Stanford, she develops scalable, high-sensitivity biosensors for real-time biomarker detection. She was named MIT Technology Review Innovator Under 35 (2021), and her work advances personalized healthcare through innovative bioelectronic platforms.

I would say that good leadership is about kindness, patience, and most importantly, trust. A true leader understands that it's not just about making decisions and achieving results, but about nurturing their team and fostering their growth with care. By embracing these qualities, leaders can consistently enhance morale and foster collaboration.

Hanna obtained an MSc in Crime & Forensic Science from UCL, but also holds a passion for sustainability. Despite holding a passion for both fields of studies, she aims to find a bridge between the two. Working now as an officer for the Sustainable Smart Campus initiative, she aims to educate others on green living, fostering collaborations and emphasizing the importance of research.

The best leaders understand that progress is a shared journey, where every contribution creates momentum.

With over 10 years in Hong Kong’s education sector, Esme is currently an Assistant Education Development Manager at the Centre for Education Innovation. She supports faculty-led innovative pedagogical projects and has a strong commitment to amplifying student voices and participation in university teaching and learning practice. 

Good leadership is about listening, inspiring, and empowering others to reach their full potential in a supportive environment.

Shirley is the Manager of the SEN Support Team at the Counseling and Wellness Center. Holding a Master's degree in Applied Psychology and over a decade of working experience at HKUST, Shirley is dedicated to promoting awareness of Special Educational Needs (SEN) and fostering an inclusive campus environment. With a deep passion for student support, Shirley strives to ensure that every student can thrive.

Your leadership legacy is determined by the purity of your intent. The self-serving path leads to distorted results; the purpose-driven path, upright and focused on the collective good, is the only route that forges genuine and enduring success.

Eunice is a seasoned corporate affairs leader with extensive experience driving brand visibility, stakeholder engagement, and government & media relations across sectors like healthcare, finance, energy, and education. She has delivered pan-Asian strategies for global organizations, aligning cross-functional teams to execute communication initiatives, issue management, and brand campaigns across Asia Pacific, supporting C-suite leaders with data-driven execution.

Curiosity drives my quest for knowledge, allowing me to continuously explore new ideas. Persistence fuels my journey through challenges, enabling me to stay composed in unfavorable situations. Commitment to work-life balance ensures sustainable success, refreshing me and infusing new energy into my pursuits.

Yilin is a PhD candidate at HKUST specializing in sociology with research interests in marriage, family, gender, media, and culture. She is dedicated to unraveling societal complexities through academic inquiry and committed to exploring how these dynamics shape contemporary life.

Leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room—it’s knowing when to speak, what to say, and how to make silence powerful.

Freya Zhiqing, a visionary dual-degree student in Computer Science and Economics, adeptly bridges economics, policy, and technology to combat climate change. With experience at PwC, China Galaxy Securities, and MergerSight, she now explores energy transition pathways at Tsinghua ICCSD and HKUST, driving scalable, data-driven solutions for global decarbonization and sustainable systems.

Success isn't a race to the finish line. My journey from engineering and business to law taught me that embracing a winding path can lead to a richer, more fulfilling destination than you ever imagined.

At Leonteq, a Swiss leading financial institution, Camary oversees legal matters across Asia and the Middle East. Graduated in 2014, she holds degrees in Engineering and Business from HKUST, later pursuing Law. She transitioned from investment banking to becoming a solicitor and is also a mother to a three-year-old girl.

My success journey is shaped by mentors, collaborators, and supportive peers who share similar values, goals, and energy. I measure success not in relative terms, such as competing with or comparing myself to others, but in absolute terms, which focus on how to become a better version of myself each day.

Xi is the Schiffman Family Presidential Professor of Sociology and Demography at University of Pennsylvania. She is currently the Scientific and Tech Core Director of the Penn Population Studies Center. Her research focuses on social mobility, occupations and work, Asian Americans, population studies, and quantitative methodology.

My journey has been shaped by persistence, curiosity, and community. I’ve learned that success is less about following a straight path and more about navigating setbacks with resilience, embracing opportunities to grow, and finding meaning in work that uplifts others. Each step builds on both courage and care.

An HKUST alumna, Emma has established herself as a leading scholar on inequality, aging, and family dynamics. Her journey reflects resilience, intellectual curiosity, and a commitment to equity. Beyond research, she is recognized for mentoring and leadership that open doors for others and inspire the next generation.

Good leadership is not about always having the answers, but about creating spaces where diverse perspectives can shape better ones. I believe leadership means having the courage to listen, the humility to learn, and the vision to empower others to grow together.

Yuying is a PhD student at HKUST (IIP, AIS) supported by the HKPFS. She focuses on Human–Computer Interaction and Human–AI co-creation, exploring AI’s role in creative practices such as screenwriting and design, with award-winning projects and publications at CHI, CSCW, and SIGGRAPH Asia.

Treasure the opportunity to talk to different people, grasp everything you can from them, learn, observe, and find your opportunity there.

A HKUST alumna, Hyldeguard was formerly Sustainability Officer (Engagement and Operations), Sustainability/Net-Zero Office at HKUST where she was deeply committed to driving cultural change on campus, striving to create a vibrant, welcoming, and nurturing campus for all UST members. She is also a Founder of YEA Ma Riding Co. and Whisper of Heritage Studio.

Great leaders learn deeply, but they lead by taking the step forward.

Hong Kiu is the first female graduate of HKUST’s Individualized Interdisciplinary Major. She designed her own degree in Built Environment Design. Now a UNDP communications consultant with experience in knowledge generation and community projects, she champions people-centerd solutions that make sustainability tangible, inclusive, and impactful.

Female, is only a noun. It should not affect how we perceive ourselves, our attitude towards lives, our career development and limit our opportunity to be treated equally.

Kanie is the Chief Executive Officer of Plan International, an organization committed to fulfilling children’s rights and ending poverty worldwide. With her contribution to the poverty alleviation work in developing countries and her support to the philanthropic markets, Kanie was awarded as one of the 2nd World Outstanding Young Leaders by Yazhou Zhoukan in April 2017.

Don’t be afraid of saying yes and being up for a challenge, and don’t be worried about failing. Through taking up challenges, you will find yourself breaking ceilings and going beyond comfort zones.

Serena is a finance professional and sustainability leader with a strong commitment to social and environmental impact. As the Director of Sustainability at a major financial institution, she integrates sustainable practices into investment decisions and corporate strategies. Serena is also an active member of various sustainability-focused organizations, where she shares her expertise and insights.

We make a life by what we give.

Fion shifted from a finance career to co-found Time Auction in 2014. This innovative initiative encourages community service by offering mentoring sessions in exchange for volunteer hours. Participants accumulate hours through charitable work to earn valuable insights from established professionals. Over the years, Time Auction has grown globally, with dedicated volunteers in cities like London, Toronto, and Sydney.

Exceptional leadership shines through the art of attentive listening, wholehearted team engagement, and the unwavering ability to execute with influence and impact.

With a strong scientific and analytical mindset, Pauletta began her career as a medical service associate at MSD, dedicating herself to contributing meaningfully to the pharmaceutical industry. She advanced from associate to manager and is now a regional lead, overseeing vendor operations for a medical call center across 12 Asia-Pacific markets.

A good leader should guide the company from vision to reality, with the charisma to inspire, the wisdom to navigate challenges, and the heart to unite people toward a common goal.

As a graduate of the School of Science and MBA at HKUST, Kit brings a strategic and analytical approach to the luxury fashion industry with this professional background. With extensive experience in business development for international fashion brands, Kit is passionate about transforming challenges and ideas into impactful, successful results across APAC markets.

Passion and Perseverance. Passion fuels your drive to go further, to give more, to keep improving. Perseverance becomes critical when all odds turn against you and no one in the world believe that you can succeed, except yourself.

Minnie spent eight years as a professional table tennis player, earning bronze medals at the Tokyo Olympics, World Championships, and Asian Games. In 2022, she joined HKUST to pursue her passion for physics. Beyond her sports and studies, she serves as a youth leader and Olympic ambassador, actively advocating for the sports community.

There’s a will, there’s a way.

As an MBA holder and a certified public accountant, Cindy is currently the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Alibaba Hong Kong Entrepreneurs Fund. AEF was founded in 2015 with the mission of helping Hong Kong-based entrepreneurs and young people realize their dreams and visions for their businesses and communities.