A sharing corner for you
Community Voices is a corner where readers can share their thoughts with other members of the FLASS community. We welcome submissions on education-related topics, inspirational life experiences, heart-warming stories that took place at EdUHK, and whatever else you believe would be a meaningful contribution.
In this issue of FLASS FORWARD, a number of graduates from various bachelor’s and master’s programmes in the Department of Social Sciences, which was merged with the Department of Asian and Policy Studies in July to form the new Department of Social Sciences and Policy Studies, share with us their experiences of studying at FLASS.
Miss Chen Weiwei says the personal finance programme deepened her understanding of a wide range of topics in finance including cryptocurrency, green finance, financial research, and portfolio analysis, and enhanced her future career prospects. Miss Kristy Chow, a Geography major, fondly recalls how she and her classmates organised a coastal trip for secondary school students, in which they divided tasks and learnt from each other. Miss Chloe Tang and Miss Maggie Wong, both students of Bachelor of Education (Honours) (Business, Accounting and Financial Studies) programme, are grateful they could learn from the programme how to apply BAFS subject knowledge in a real-life teaching environment. The four graduates also tell us how such knowledge helps them to develop their careers in the finance and education fields, and in the NGO sector.
Miss Chen Weiwei, Miss Kristy Chow Oi-chuen, Miss Chloe Tang Pui-ying, Miss Maggie Wong Yuen-ying
Weiwei, far right, and her teammates conduct offline campaigns (booths and workshops) to boost knowledge on Digital Personal Finance among EdUHK students.
Weiwei takes home the Bronze Award of the Personal Finance Ambassador Programme with her teammates.
After working as a wealth manager for three years, I decided to pursue a Master’s degree to further my professional financial knowledge. I chose to apply for taught postgraduate programmes in Hong Kong due to its English teaching atmosphere and one-year duration. The efficiency of the one-year system appealed to me, saving both time and money. Although I faced new challenges during my Master’s studies, I believe the journey on campus was worth it.
The curriculum aligned with my interests and goals, and the all-English teaching mode helped improve my language skills. The courses covered topics such as asset allocation, quantitative analysis, and personal financial planning, which prepared me for certifications like Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and Financial Risk Manager (FRM).
Before the course instructions began, Dr Tan Weiqiang, Programme Leader of MA(PFE), organised an “offline teacher-student gathering”. This event allowed us to meet the professors who would be with us throughout the year. They shared insights on relevant courses, preparations, and offered personal suggestions, providing a sense of support.
I am grateful for the professional course instructors of MA(PFE). They were democratic and adapted teaching materials to suit the majority of students. Our classrooms were equipped with EdTech tools like multimedia systems. I recall a memorable moment in our Quantitative Analysis lecture, where the teacher utilised three large screens simultaneously displaying mathematical formulas. The teacher’s interactive approach and in-lecture discussions enhanced our learning experience.
Despite the short duration, I gained valuable knowledge in the one-year MA(PFE) Programme. The topics covered, such as digital currencies (cryptocurrency), green finance, financial research, and portfolio analysis, will enhance my future career prospects. Additionally, I improved my mathematical skills and gained experience in group assignments and presentations. Participating in the Personal Finance Ambassador Competition allowed me to conduct financial education activities on campus, resulting in reaching the finals and winning the Bronze Award.
The Mong Man Wai (MMW) Library provided an immersive studying environment, with dedicated discussion and self-study areas. Regularly visiting the library deepened my understanding of the subject.
In the end, I have to express my LOVE to EdUHK! Our dear tutors and classmates are like “family members” in our study and daily lives for students studying abroad alone. I am grateful that EdUHK has provided me with such a high-quality, professional education platform!
During an overseas learning experience field trip in Australia, Kristy, far right, and her groupmates are briefed on how to protect the forest.
Kristy works as an intern at Greenpeace.
Studying geography in The Education University of Hong Kong provided a lot of different lenses for me to understand the world, places, and my home town, Hong Kong.
One particularly memorable experience was the field trip to Australia, where I witnessed their commendable conservation-oriented and sustainable tourism practices. Geography is not only an academic subject, but also a daily practice of thinking, learning, exploring, and applying knowledge. This perspective has influenced my thoughts on conservation and tourism policies in Hong Kong.
One of the most important things I gained during my studies was when I conducted my internship with Greenpeace. I learnt about the importance of protecting the environment and promoting sustainability. This experience inspired me to pursue a career focused on creating a greener future.
Another precious learning experience was when my classmates and I organised a coastal trip for secondary school students. We divided tasks, learnt from each other, taught on-site, gained hands-on experience, consolidated knowledge, and embraced feedback, following effective teaching principles. These experiences have had a significant impact on my work life, shaping the way I approach work with teamwork, practical knowledge application, and a constant desire for improvement.
After completing my five years of study, I received an invitation from an NGO that aims to address social issues related to land resources, the environment, and housing problems through research. I am now working at the public affairs team of this green NGO. I believe research-based information allows for public discourse and provides ideas to tackle these challenges.
During the orientation activities prior to the start of the academic year, Chloe helps out at the registration booth to recruit BAFS freshmen for the Association of Business Studies.
Chloe joins an orientation camp for BAFS freshmen. She is fourth from the right on the front row.
The university life at EdUHK was not merely about absorbing knowledge, but was also about exploring and building my own character. My Bachelor’s programme in business, accounting and financial studies (BAFS) incorporated business courses and education studies courses. When I was a first-year university student, I had limited ideas about business and teacher professionalism. At EdUHK, I gained a deeper understanding of things in the business field, ranging from marketing strategies to the accounting profession. At the same time, I learnt about educational psychology and varied pedagogical approaches. The lectures and discussions also helped me to reflect on which teaching style and teaching approach I would like to adopt in the future. Thus, I became competent in catering for students with special educational needs, and gained inspiration about my concrete identity as a teacher.
After finishing basic courses, students were required to conduct themselves in two field experiences at secondary schools. During my teaching practice, I benefitted a lot from experienced educators. I received feedback in improving my teaching skills and also learnt about daily job duties and the other administrative work that comes from being a secondary school teacher. I got precious chances to apply various teaching strategies I learnt according to different learners’ styles and capabilities. I was grateful that I could see my growth in being a professional teacher through practical learning in different schools.
The learning experiences outside classrooms were also fruitful. At EdUHK, numerous activities were held for students every year. Undergraduate students were given opportunities to take up the role of project executive. As the promotion officer of EdUHK business association, I gained experience in organising mass events, which broadened my horizons and unleashed my potential and creativity. I was pleased to join the organising team of the school-positive education festival and student fair. I found my great interest in planning and coordinating events for different target groups. Better still, I could sharpen my leadership skills and communication skills through cooperation with school staff, students, companies, and non-governmental organisations. These experiences have provided me with a strong foundation for my present job as a secondary school BAFS teacher for holding related activities in school settings.
Maggie, third from the left on the back row, is delighted to share her learning experience with her juniors of the BEd(BAFS) programme. She poses with other members of Utopia, the name of the Association of Business Studies at EdUHK during her time there.
To expand her horizons, Maggie, third from the left on the back row, joins other EdUHK students in taking part in a summer exchange programme in the Czech Republic.
I am so grateful for my five years of university life at EDUHK, studying for BEd(BAFS). Since secondary school, I have been interested in both accounting and education. Therefore, I chose this programme. It provided me with a wide range of studies and furthered my understanding of both education and business disciplines.
The BEd(BAFS) programme offered me chances to put the theories into two block practices in secondary school. We were encouraged to apply the BAFS subject knowledge and teaching pedagogy we learnt into a real-life teaching environment. The block practices also enabled me to become more experienced and skilful in handling students’ learning diversity. It was my pleasure to be one of the student helpers that provided guidance and consultation for some of the BEd(BAFS) third-year student-teachers for their ePortfolio preparation in 2022/23 second semester. I was able to share my experience and guide students to reflect upon their experience in block practice.
Participating in a summer exchange programme was one of the highlights of my university life. EdUHK provided various overseas learning activities to students. The summer exchange experience in the Czech Republic widened my vision and improved my problem-solving skills, critical thinking skills, social skills, and global perspectives across interactions with different people from different cultural backgrounds.
