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Personal Statement:
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) is a renowned institution that attracts a diverse range of students and staff members. However, beneath its academic excellence and achievements, there exists a tremendous pressure that affects both students and staff. This pressure arises from various factors and has reached a point where it cannot be sustained any longer.
For students, the pressure begins even before they enter HKUST. The intense competition to secure a place in the university creates immense stress during the application process. Once admitted, students face rigorous academic demands, heavy workloads, and high expectations. The pressure to excel academically and maintain a competitive edge is ever-present. This leads to a culture of overwork, sleep deprivation, and an unhealthy focus on grades rather than holistic development.
Similarly, staff members at HKUST experience immense pressure. Faculty members must balance their teaching responsibilities, research commitments, and administrative duties. The expectation to publish high-quality research and secure grants adds to their workload. The pressure to maintain the university's reputation and rankings further intensifies the stress.
Moreover, staff members face the challenges of fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment while dealing with limited resources and increasing administrative burdens. The demands on their time and energy can be overwhelming, leading to burnout and a decline in overall well-being.
This trend of mounting pressure cannot continue without consequences. The mental health of students and staff is at stake, with rising rates of anxiety, depression, and burnout. Academic performance may suffer as individuals struggle to cope with the overwhelming demands. Creativity and critical thinking, essential for innovation and growth, may be stifled under the weight of expectations.
It's high time for HKUST to address this issue. The communication channel between students and the university is essential to a build work-life balance that can reduce pressure. By actively listening to the concerns and feedback of the university community, HKUST can identify systemic issues and implement necessary changes.
Also, creating a culture that values personal growth, resilience, and collaboration over competition will foster a healthier and more productive environment.
The pressure inside HKUST, affecting students and staff alike, has reached a critical point. This trend of intense academic demands, competition, and unrealistic expectations cannot continue without severe consequences. HKUST must take immediate action to prioritize the well-being of its students and staff, creating a supportive and nurturing environment that promotes holistic development and growth.
Personal Statement:
I am excited to announce my candidacy for the position of Student Member of the University Council at HKUST. As a fifth-year economics and marketing student, I have actively engaged in community service activities, both within and beyond the university. My commitment to making a positive impact and my leadership experiences make me a strong candidate for this role.
Throughout my academic journey, I have sought opportunities to contribute to the community and develop my leadership skills. One notable involvement was serving as a Charter Member and External Vice-President in the Rotaract Club of Peninsula Sunrise. In this role, I organized and participated in various community service projects, learning the value of collaboration, empathy, and collective action in creating positive change.
I also served as the National International Affairs Officer in Junior Chamber International (JCI) Hong Kong. This position allowed me to engage with diverse individuals and organizations, providing me with a global perspective on social issues. As the Debate Team Captain, representing Hong Kong in the JCI Asia-Pacific Conference 2023, I honed my public speaking and critical thinking skills while promoting constructive dialogue and diplomacy.
Within HKUST, I held multiple leadership positions that deepened my understanding of student needs and concerns. As the former President of the Model United Nations Club, I facilitated discussions and simulations that promoted dialogue, diplomacy, and understanding among students. As a Student Representative Committee member, I actively advocated for student welfare and ensured their voices were heard.
Additionally, I have been a Peer Mentor, guiding and supporting fellow students in their academic and personal development. This role has allowed me to witness the challenges and aspirations of my peers, motivating me to work towards creating a more inclusive and supportive university environment.
As a FinTech Student Ambassador, I actively participated in creating videos to raise awareness about the importance of fintech and its impact on various industries. These videos served as educational resources for students, inspiring them to explore fintech-related career opportunities.
In recognition of my community service, I was honored with the Tin Ka Ping Scholarship (Community Leadership), highlighting my commitment to making a positive difference in society.
If elected as the Student Member of the University Council, I will bring my diverse experiences, strong leadership skills, and unwavering dedication to representing the
interests and concerns of the student body. I will actively engage with students, faculty, and administrators to ensure our voices are heard and our needs are addressed. My passion lies in fostering an inclusive and supportive environment that empowers every student to thrive academically, personally, and socially.
Thank you for considering my candidacy. I look forward to the opportunity to serve as your Student Member of the University Council and work collaboratively to shape a brighter future for our university.
Personal Statement:
I am honored to be a candidate for the position of student member of the University Council. With an MPhil degree from our esteemed university, 11 years of work experience, and a deep understanding of Hong Kong's local culture, I am uniquely qualified to represent the interests of our student body.
As a former "Hong Kong drift" who has now settled permanently in this great city, I am committed to ensuring that the University provides the best possible support and services to its students. My work experience has given me a broader perspective on the social and economic issues facing both Hong Kong and the Mainland, which I believe will be valuable in addressing the challenges facing our university.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, I had the opportunity to observe the establishment of the Guangzhou campus while working in Guangzhou. As a current member of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Guangzhou Alumni Association, I have a deep understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing the University as it expands across different campuses. Additionally, as a member of the China Jiusan Society*, I am deeply concerned about the economic and technological development of the Greater Bay Area. I believe that my experience and knowledge of cross-campus collaboration will be valuable in ensuring that the University continues to grow and thrive.
I believe that Hong Kong should play a more important role in the development of the Greater Bay Area. As HKUSTers, we are destined to become elites in various fields after graduating and entering society. Therefore, during our time here, we should have a broader vision and understand more about the ways in which different social forms operate. Through deepening our understanding and critical thinking, we can strengthen integration and find better personal development opportunities, leading to better personal career path, a more prosperous Hong Kong, and a stronger country.
If elected, I will pay more attention to the connection between our fellow students and the Greater Bay Area, and promote the school to create more opportunities for students, especially for those who are about to graduate.
As a first-year PhD student, I am also committed to advocating for students' rights and welfare and working to improve the learning and living environment on campus. As the school develops, issues such as overcrowding in spaces such as the library, cafeteria, and laboratories, as well as insufficient accommodation, also need to be given sufficient attention.
Additionally, I will focus on the University's development strategies and financial management, ensuring its long-term sustainability and growth.
In conclusion, my experience, knowledge, and commitment to the University's mission and values make me an ideal candidate to represent the interests of our student body. Thank you for your vote, and I look forward to serving you on the University Council.
* The China Jiusan Society is one of the eight minority democratic parties in China, advocating patriotism, democracy, and science.
Personal Statement:
I, TAN Hayes, a third year UG student, hereby declare my candidacy for the position of Undergraduate Representative of the University Council.
My intent is rooted in one fundamental principle – to foster positive change. We are all aware of the challenges our university has faced in the recent years, from a decline in our QS ranking, to concerns about grade deflation and student stress. It's clear that change is not only necessary, but also overdue.
My vision is to initiate reform. To address these issues, we first need to tackle the culture of grade deflation. I will advocate for grade transparency in all courses and introduce systematic procedures for grade appeals and investigations into grading fairness. Our university's standing and reputation are vital, hence, I aim to contribute to discussions and actions intended to elevate our university's ranking. Equally important is your voice. I intend to set up a platform for direct communication with you, so that I can represent your concerns effectively.
I aspire to lead with an open mind, a focus on our shared goals, and a willingness to confront the conflicts that hinder our progress. I stand independent of any affiliations and am here to represent all students of HKUST, regardless of their backgrounds or academic level.
There will undoubtedly be more challenges ahead, and additional objectives to strive for. I offer a vision for our university's future, and I believe that together, we can make this vision a reality. I respectfully ask for your vote.
“PEOPLE WHO ARE CRAZY ENOUGH TO THINK THEY CAN CHANGE THE WORLD ARE THE ONES WHO DO.” – Steve Jobs
Personal Statement:
A profound line of wisdom recently struck me, one that is worth reflecting upon;
“Be a voice, not an echo.”
With a year passing, it is of great pleasure and honor to serve as your voice on the University Council. Looking back upon my year of service, upholding my election promise of bringing more voices into the Council had always been my primary goal. In the ever-changing surroundings, it is onerous to not be altered, let alone remain steadfast. Yet, having the privilege to be elected as your representative, it is my duty to remain true on my objective, that is, defending the rights of my fellow students.
Change is inevitable, but the values that define us should remain unwavering. As we stand at the precipice of change, I am committed to leading the charge, fearlessly pushing boundaries, and ensuring that our university remains at the forefront of progress. In a swinging time such as last year, our university saw its transformation. One question often pertains to me; How would these changes affect everyone here? Between academic policies to student engagement, as valued members of the HKUST, don’t we all deserve the right to appreciate the improvements made while voicing out in times in which changes affect us? To this, I, in all my determination, hold a definite answer which is to assure the takes and thoughts being properly aired.
I have always considered myself a proud member of the HKUST family. It is my genuine wish to see our university flourish. For a university should go beyond being solely a temple of academics but also a vibrant community that contains its members’ aspirations and dreams. Imagine a university where every student's dreams are nurtured, their potential realized, and their voices heard. Taking this vision as fuel, it has been a paramount empowerment to me to run for the seat on the Council.
Still, regardless of my sturdy inclination to be your channel of opinion, I would want to ask for an united front of students to allow the realization of my vision. As I believe in the power of unity, the strength of diversity, and the transformative impact of an engaged student body. Together, we can forge a path towards excellence and create a legacy that inspires generations to come.
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