1. Can you tell me a bit about your experience as a master’s student at Bristol University?

What
are some of your favourite memories of being at Bristol?

My experience as a master’s student at the University of Bristol was profoundly enriching,

both academically and personally. The insightful lectures delivered by distinguished
professors deeply broadened my understanding of law, encouraging me to think critically and
analytically.

One of my favourite aspects of my time at Bristol was the serene and inspiring environment
of the law library. I have always loved reading, and studying in the traditional ambiance of
the library was truly a highlight. Its quiet, scholarly atmosphere made it a perfect space to
immerse myself in legal texts and refine my research skills. I also cherish the friendships I
built with fellow students from diverse backgrounds, which expanded my perspective on
global legal practices.

In addition, exploring the charming city of Bristol, with its blend of historic and modern
attractions, added to the vibrancy of my university life. Weekend strolls along the
harbourside and visits to Clifton Suspension Bridge were delightful breaks from my academic
routine.

2. What was it like being an international student studying in Bristol?

Being an international student in Bristol was both challenging and exciting. Adapting to a
new academic environment and cultural setting required some adjustment, but the journey
was immensely rewarding.

Bristol is a wonderfully inclusive city, and the university’s diverse community made me feel
welcome from the start. My classmates came from all over the world, including Asia—such
as Hong Kong, mainland China, and Taiwan—as well as the US and even the Middle East, like
Saudi Arabia. Studying alongside them provided me with a unique opportunity to exchange
ideas and understand different cultural perspectives.

This diversity enriched classroom discussions and group projects, making the learning
experience dynamic and engaging. Beyond academics, it also allowed me to forge
meaningful friendships and broaden my worldview, which became an integral and enjoyable
part of my life at Bristol.

3. You’re Vice-Chairperson for External Affairs of the Hong Kong Branch of the Alumni
Association. What inspired you to take on this role and what does it involve?

Studying at Bristol was such a formative part of my life, and I didn’t want to lose the strong
connection I had with the university and the friends I made there. After returning to Hong
Kong, while I was still a student at the University of Hong Kong preparing for my
Postgraduate Certificate in Laws exam, I began actively participating in the Alumni
Association’s activities. I was fortunate to join under the leadership of Professor Veronica
Pearson, who was an inspiring mentor.

One of my first experiences with the alumni association was helping to organise a traditional
Hong Kong-style dinner. To my surprise, we had more expatriates attending than local Hong
Kong residents. The event turned out to be a fantastic opportunity to meet and reconnect
with fellow Bristol alumni living in Hong Kong, and it was a lot of fun. This experience was
truly memorable, and it sparked my lasting involvement with the association.
 Since then, I’ve made the alumni association an integral part of my social and professional
life, and I haven’t looked back. As Vice-Chairperson for External Affairs, my role involves
fostering relationships with both local and international alumni, organising events, and
ensuring that the association continues to thrive. It’s a rewarding role that allows me to stay
connected to Bristol and contribute to the network of alumni in Hong Kong.

4. Can you tell us about the broader mission of the Hong Kong Branch – what are some of the
initiatives? The scholarship programme, for example – can you tell me a but about how this
works and what its purpose is? play a role in supporting the next generation? How do you
see this work shaping future leaders and creating opportunities for young talent in Hong
Kong?

The Hong Kong Branch of the Alumni Association is driven by two major objectives. First, we
aim to encourage more individuals to pursue their studies at the University of Bristol, and
second, we focus on building stronger connections between Bristol alumni in Hong Kong and
alumni from other universities. The scholarship programme plays a crucial role in the first
objective, helping us to achieve this mission.

Through our scholarship programme, we sponsor a student to pursue a one-year or two-year

master’s programme at the University of Bristol. Upon completion, we encourage them to
return to Hong Kong and contribute to the community here. This initiative has been
immensely successful, and we take great pride in the diverse and accomplished individuals
who have benefitted from this opportunity. Our scholars have gone on to excel in various
fields such as politics, law, banking, art, journalism, academia, engineering, and more.

By providing these opportunities, we believe that we are empowering young people in Hong
Kong to become future leaders, equipped with the world-class education that Bristol offers.
The skills and knowledge they gain not only shape their personal development but also
enable them to make meaningful contributions to society and the economy in Hong Kong.
Ultimately, we see this as a way of nurturing talent that will drive innovation and leadership
in Hong Kong for years to come.

5. How does it make you feel to be part of the alumni network?

It makes me feel both busy and proud. Over the past year, we have organised at least one
event every month, which keeps us engaged and actively involved in the alumni community.
These events range from those hosted solely by the Alumni Association, such as receptions
to welcome the Vice Chancellor’s visits to Hong Kong, to joint UK alumni events, like the
London Ball, the UK alumni drinks reception, and the UK Christmas Party.

It’s truly fulfilling to see our alumni enjoying these activities and coming together as part of
the Bristol family in Hong Kong. Being part of this network not only allows me to contribute
to the continued success of the alumni community but also reinforces the strong
connections we have with the university and each other. It’s an honour to help facilitate
these relationships and contribute to the ongoing vibrancy of the Bristol alumni network.

6. Can you tell me about some of the events you’ve organised with the Hong Kong Branch of
the Alumni Association, such as the recent Global Gathering event?

One of the highlights this year was our Global Gathering event, which we organised on 10
November. We took a fascinating tour of the old Sham Shui Po Reservoir, guided by Bryan
Seung, a Bristol-educated scholar with a focus on the history of Hong Kong. The tour offered
 a unique opportunity to explore Hong Kong’s past and learn about the daily life of common
people during that time, alongside an insightful discussion on public policy in Hong Kong. It
was an enriching experience that allowed us to reflect on the city’s history in a very tangible
way.

In addition to this, we hold monthly get-together events to keep our alumni engaged. These
include activities like movie days, joint UK drinks receptions, parties, and even the
prestigious London Ball. These events provide great opportunities for alumni to reconnect,
network, and simply enjoy each other’s company.

So, if you’re looking for something that suits your interests, I encourage you to get connected
with us. We have a wide range of events that cater to different preferences, and I’m sure
you’ll find something enjoyable and fulfilling within our alumni community.

7. What do you like best, or find the most inspiring, about volunteering for the university?

What I like best about volunteering for the university is the connection it fosters. For young
professionals developing their careers, it’s easy to become overly focused on your field and
find yourself surrounded by people with similar backgrounds and experiences. Being
involved in the alumni association breaks this pattern. It allows me to meet and interact with
people from a variety of professions and walks of life.

These interactions are genuinely interesting and often deeply inspiring. They provide new
perspectives, broaden my horizons, and remind me of the value of diversity in ideas and
experiences. Volunteering creates a sense of community that transcends professional
boundaries, and it’s incredibly fulfilling to contribute to this network of shared experiences
and mutual support.

8. What would you say to someone who’s thinking about volunteering to support the alumni
network or the university more broadly?

Don’t think. Get in touch with us. Follow our Instagram: universityofbristolhkalumni. Or Add
this link to join our Bristol community:
https://chat.whatsapp.com/JZm7Shhlhk0Hs1kjKRWLdN. We look forward to seeing you in
our future events!