MPPM and MA(PFE) graduates share how studies at EdUHK inspire their career choices

Community Voices is a space where readers can share their thoughts with other members of the FLASS community. We welcome submissions on education-related topics, inspirational life experiences, heartwarming stories that took place at EdUHK, and anything else you believe would be a meaningful contribution.

This issue of FLASS FORWARD features contributions from two graduates of the Master of Public Policy and Management (MPPM) programme and two from the Master of Arts in Personal Finance Education (MA(PFE)) programme, both offered by the Department of Social Sciences and Policy Studies (SSPS).

Ms Vivi Chen, a graduate of the MPPM programme, now works at Shanghai Gas (Group) Co., Ltd in various human resources roles. She credits her success to the programme’s emphasis on practical skills. Another graduate, Mr Jason Yin, pursued a Ph.D. after graduation and currently works in the public health sector. He said the MPPM programme and the internship experience helped develop his skills in policy analysis.

MA(PFE) graduate Mr Huang Hongxi said the programme equipped him with strong financial knowledge. Through extracurricular activities, his teamwork skills and ability to promote financial literacy were also enhanced. Another graduate, Ms Li Nina was inspired by receiving the Green and Sustainable Finance (GSF) Talent Award of the programme to pursue a career in GSF.

Miss Vivi CHEN Weiyun, Mr Jason YIN Dean Chen, Mr HUANG Hongxi, Ms LI Nina

Hey everyone! I’m Vivi, a proud graduate of the Master of Public Policy and Management (MPPM) programme from The Education University of Hong Kong, Class of 2017! Right now, I'm excited to be working at Shanghai Gas (Group) Co., Ltd.!

During my time in the MPPM programme, I didn’t just hit the books - I immersed myself in the vibrant world of public policy and management. The hands-on case studies and real-world opportunities were eye-opening, especially when it came to human resources! I discovered a passion for crafting effective HR processes, which has been a game-changer for my career transition within the Human Resources Department at Shanghai Gas (Group) Co., Ltd.

My journey at Shanghai Gas (Group) Co., Ltd. has been incredible, starting with labour and recruitment management and now thriving in performance management. I owe much of my growth to what I learnt during those intense yet rewarding years at EdUHK. Every group presentation and course paper sharpened my skills in communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and stress management—tools that have been invaluable in the competitive job market.

I’m immensely grateful for the support and mentorship I received from the MPPM programme. Here’s to its continued success and growth! Let’s keep making waves together!

The MPPM programme equipped me with a robust foundation in policy analysis, research design, and evidence-based decision-making. Courses on social policy evaluation and analysis helped me develop the analytical skills needed to tackle complex cross-sectoral challenges.

Since graduating, I have completed a Ph.D. in Public Health at the University of Hong Kong. I’ve worked on projects ranging from universal health coverage to vaccine hesitancy in the Asia-Pacific region. The ability to synthesise technical evidence and communicate it in a way that informs policy has been critical in my public health work for the past decade.

I was grateful for the opportunity to undertake an internship at Save the Children during my studies. Having hands-on experience outside the classroom was very helpful in preparing me for the working world in Hong Kong. Receiving mentorship from someone beyond the university also deepened my collaboration with grassroots organisations.

I am deeply grateful for the grounding the MPPM programme has provided. Much of my career in Hong Kong is thanks to my time at EdUHK.

Studying for the MA(PFE) programme at EdUHK has provided me with a solid foundation in financial knowledge. The curriculum covered essential areas—from the basics of Global Financial Markets and Instruments to advanced topics like Quantitative Methods and FinTech. This structured learning enabled me to understand how financial markets operate and appreciate the transformative role of technology in finance. The theoretical insights have prepared me for practical applications in the future.

I completed my internship at a Hong Kong company. The experience was instrumental in applying what I had learnt academically. It allowed me to confront real-world challenges, such as assessing clients’ financial needs and risk tolerances. I learnt to transform classroom knowledge into practice by finding the right investment plans that match clients’ needs. Handling claims further made me realise the importance of professionalism, responsibility, and empathy. The internship deepened my understanding that personal finance education must go beyond theory—serving clients with integrity and care is paramount.

Participating in the 2025 Macro Business Simulation Competition honed my teamwork and strategic thinking skills under pressure. Analysing markets and developing strategies in a simulated environment sharpened my financial acumen. I also took part in the Personal Finance Ambassador Programme, which aims to promote financial literacy by translating complex concepts into accessible language. These activities reinforced my belief that financial education should be inclusive and societal, empowering more people with essential knowledge.

Hong Kong is a multicultural city. Living here broadened my perspectives, allowing me to learn from peers and professors from diverse backgrounds. The city’s vibrant financial landscape connected academic theories with real-world practice, fostering adaptability and cultural sensitivity. This experience has not only enriched my knowledge but also strengthened my ability to embrace change and diversity.

Looking ahead, I am committed to advancing my expertise, advocating for financial literacy, and becoming a responsible, professional finance practitioner who contributes meaningfully to society.

During my MA(PFE) studies, I was honoured to receive the MA(PFE) Green and Sustainable Finance Talent Award, which recognised my efforts in developing my green finance capabilities. This recognition has motivated me to pursue a career in Green and Sustainable Finance (GSF) within the financial sector.

Learning about green finance shifted my perspective from focusing solely on yields and risks to understanding the broader impact of investments on the environment and society. The ESG framework—covering Environmental, Social, and Governance factors—serves as a guide to evaluate companies and funds beyond financial metrics. Now, ESG ratings are an integral part of my considerations in investment analysis, giving my financial decisions a deeper purpose.

Approaching graduation, ESG has not only expanded my knowledge but also sharpened my analytical skills. Analysing companies’ carbon emissions and sustainability reports has become routine, giving me a competitive edge in the job market. Certifications related to ESG and sustainability have opened new career opportunities—positions I once thought out of reach are now within my grasp.

I appreciate the MA(PFE) programme’s connections with industry players like The Hong Kong Institute of Bankers (HKIB), which provided systematic training and exposure to real-world ESG cases. Guest speakers’ insights into current trends in Hong Kong and globally have kept me informed and inspired. Moving forward, I plan to deepen my expertise in green finance and contribute to building a more sustainable financial industry.