Fung Scholars Network Newsletter January 2019
Message from the Editor Hello, and welcome to the 14th issue of the Fung Scholars Network Newsletter! Over the past few months, my crack team of editors, writers and designers has been working hard to bring this to you, and we hope you enjoy it! For this issue, our articles are focused on the theme of unity. As you may have noticed, the world is becoming more and more unstable in a number of ways. Our climate is beginning to go off the rails, not helped by countries who ignore the increasing pile of evidence placed before them. Meanwhile, politics is undergoing a seismic shift, with Brexit in my own country seeing parties tear themselves apart, while nationalistic world leaders elsewhere make short-sighted decisions that will harm us all in the time to come. The Victor and William Fung Foundation, with its diverse network of scholars globally, is part of the fight to bring us back together. With our experiences allowing us to gain a global perspective, we need to bring messages of tolerance and hope to our compatriots, something that there seems to be less of in the world today. As such, our articles in this issue will be covering a broad range of areas, from 18th century European perspectives on Asia in Madam Butterfly, to the cause of financial inclusion. On a lighter note, I take a look at the biology behind the national animals of the editorial members, along with our regular mix of Victor and William Fung Foundation updates and personal perspectives! Once again, I would like to thank the editorial team for all their hard work writing, checking and laying out this newsletter, so that we can bring it to you! Thanks also to the Victor and William Fung Foundation, without whom this endeavour would not exist! James ASHWORTH (FS2018-19, University of Oxford)
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Content 6
Message from the Editor Foundation Updates
Leadership Conference 2018 － Innovation AI? Not AI?
Fung Scholars Gala Dinner
Leadership for Good Fellow Programme
Fung Scholars Community Updates
Hong Kong Chapter
Singapore Chapter
Tokyo Chapter
Germany Chapter
Features
From Madama Butterfly to M. Butterfly
Birds of a feather flock together
－ The intersectionality of Orientalism and Sexism
2 5 6 14 18 23 24 28 33 34 35 36
－ The National Animals of the Fung Newsletter
40
Global Affairs
45
“Money makes the world go round…”
46
Remarkable Moments
49
Discover a Different Hong Kong from Sham Shui Po
Interview of Wenrui LI
Ten Things about Exchange Student Xizun WANG
50 53 57
Editorial Board Profiles
60 3
Hong Kong Streetathon / MaD Festival / Christmas Party / Pre-Departure Gathering / Unicef Charity Run / Rock Climbing Day / Workshop / 30-hour Famine 2018 / Mainland Fung Scholars Experience Sharing / Hong Kong Fung Scholars Welcome Gathering / Halloween Night / Midsummer Night’s Drink / Welcome Drinks / Career Luncheon / Hong Kong Streetathon / MaD Festival / Christmas Party Pre-Departure Gathering / Unicef Charity Run / Rock Climbing Day / Workshop / 30-hour Famine 2018 / Mainland Fung Scholars Experience Sharing / Hong Kong Fung Scholars Welcome Gathering / Halloween Night / Midsummer Night’s Drink / Welcome Drinks / Career Luncheon / Hong Kong Streetathon / MaD Festival / Christmas Party / Pre-Departure Gathering / Unicef Charity Run / Rock Climbing Day / Workshop / 30-hour Famine 2018 / Mainland Fung Scholars Experience Sharing / Hong Kong Fung Scholars Welcome Gathering / Halloween Night / Midsummer Night’s Drink / Welcome Drinks / Career Luncheon / Hong Kong Streetathon / MaD Festival / Christmas PartyPre-Departure Gathering / Unicef Charity Run / Rock Climbing Day / Workshop / 30-hour Famine 2018 / Mainland Fung Scholars Experience Sharing / Hong Kong Fung Scholars Welcome Gathering / Halloween Night / Midsummer Night’s Drink / Welcome Drinks / Career Luncheon / Hong Kong Streetathon / MaD Festival / Christmas Party Pre-Departure Gathering / Unicef Charity Run / Workshop / Hong Kong Streetathon / MaD Festival / Christmas Party / Pre-Departure Gathering / Unicef Charity Run / Rock Climbing Day / Workshop / 30-hour
FUNG SCHOLARS GALA DINNER
Famine 2018 / Mainland Fung Scholars Experience Sharing / Hong Kong Fung Scholars Welcome Gathering / Halloween Night / Midsummer Night’s Drink / Welcome Drinks / Career Luncheon / Hong Kong Streetathon / MaD Festival / Christmas Party / Pre-Departure Gathering / Unicef Charity Run / Rock Climbing Day / Workshop / 30-hour Famine 2018 /
Foundation Updates
Mainland Fung Scholars Experience Sharing / Hong Kong Fung Scholars Welcome Gathering / Halloween Night / Midsummer Night’s Drink / Welcome Drinks / Career Luncheon / Hong Kong Streetathon / MaD Festival / Christmas Party
/ Pre-Departure Gather-
ing / Unicef Charity Run /
Rock Climbing Day
/ Workshop / 30-hour Famine 2018 / Mainland Fung Scholars Experience Sharing / Hong Kong Fung Scholars Welcome Gathering / Halloween / Welcome Drinks / Career Lunch
MaD Festival / Christmas Party /
Night / Midsummer Night’s Drink / Hong Kong Streetathon /
Pre-Departure Gathering / Unicef
Charity Run / Rock Climbing Day / Workshop / 30-hour Famine 2018 / Mainland Fung Scholars Experience Sharing / Hong Kong Fung Scholars Welcome Gathering / Halloween Night / Midsummer Night’s Drink / Welcome Drinks / Career Luncheon / Hong Kong Streetathon / MaD Festival / Christmas Party / Pre-Departure Gathering / Unicef Charity Run / Rock Climbing Day / Workshop / 30-hour Famine 2018 / Mainland
LEADERSHIP FOR GOOD FELLOWSHIP PROGRAMME Fung Scholars Experience Sharing / Hong Kong Fung Scholars Welcome Gathering / Halloween Night / Midsummer Night’s Drink / Welcome Drinks / Career Luncheon / Hong Kong Streetathon / MaD Festival / Christmas Party / Pre-Departure Gathering /
LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
Unicef Charity Run / Rock Climbing Day /
Workshop / 30-hour Famine 2018 / Mainland Fung Scholars Experience Sharing / Hong Kong Fung Scholars Welcome Gathering / Halloween Night / Midsummer Night’s Drink / Welcome Drinks / Career Luncheon / Hong Kong Streetathon / MaD Festival / Christmas Party / Pre-Departure Gathering / Unicef Charity Run / Rock Climbing Day / Workshop / 30-hour Famine 2018 / Mainland Fung Scholars Experience Sharing / Hong Kong Fung Scholars Welcome Gathering / Halloween Night / Midsummer Night’s Drink / Welcome Drinks / Career Luncheon / Hong Kong Streetathon / MaD Festival / Christmas Party / Pre-Departure Gathering / Unicef Charity Run / Rock Climbing Day / Workshop / 30-hour Famine 2018 / Mainland Fung Scholars Experience Sharing / Hong Kong Fung Scholars Welcome Gathering / Halloween Night / Midsummer Night’s Drink / Welcome Drinks / Career Luncheon / Hong Kong Streetathon / MaD Festival / Christmas Party / Pre-Departure Gathering / Unicef Charity Run / Rock Climbing Day / Workshop / 30-hour Famine 2018 / Mainland Fung Scholars Experience Sharing / Hong Kong Fung Scholars Welcome Gathering / Halloween Night / Midsummer Night’s Drink / Welcome Drinks / Career Luncheon / Hong Kong Streetathon / MaD Festival / Christmas Party / Pre-Departure Gathering / Unicef Charity Run / Rock Climbing Day / Workshop / 30hour Famine 2018 / Mainland Fung Scholars Experience Sharing / Hong Kong Fung Scholars Welcome
Foundation Updates
Leadership Leadership Conference Conference I n n o v a t i o n
A I ?
N o t
A I
?
The Victor and William Fung Foundation
The 2018 Fung Scholars Leadership Conference was successfully held on 6th and 7th October in Hong Kong, with this year’s theme being “Innovation AI? Not AI?”. It was attended by over 100 Fung Scholars and Fellows from the UK, USA, Singapore, Japan, mainland China and Hong Kong.
Prof. Hau LEE, Thoma Professor of Operations, Information and Technology at the Stanford Graduate School of Business; and Chairman of the Board of Fung Academy, Fung Group
Prof. Pascale FUNG, Professor at the Department of Electronic Engineering & Computer Engineering of The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST)
Dr. Simon LEUNG, Vice Chairman of NetDragon Websoft Holdings Limited and Chairman of Edmodo Inc.
Prof. Barbara MEYNERT, Board Member of the Victor and William Fung Foundation
The conference kicked off with welcoming remarks from Prof. Lap-Chee TSUI of the Victor and William Fung Foundation, followed by a speech by Prof. Hau LEE, Chairman of the Board of the Fung Academy, on “The What, Who and How of Innovations”. Later, Prof. Pascale FUNG of HKUST gave a well-received talk discussing the role of robots in our future society, such as their increasingly prominent role in caring for the elderly. Dr. Simon LEUNG, Chairman of the language app Edmodo, spoke on whether it is best “To Teach or NOT to Teach”, while Prof. Barbara MEYNERT, one of the board members of the Foundation, discussed how AI will affect jobs in the coming years. Finally, there was a panel discussion facilitated by Mr. Kai-man WONG, the Foundation’s Director.
6 Foundation Updates
Dr. Victor K. FUNG, Chairman of the Victor and William Fung Foundation, Group Chairman of the Fung Group
Panel Discussion and Q & A
Before the afternoon session, Dr. Victor K. FUNG, Chairman of the Victor and William Fung Foundation, Group Chairman of the Fung Group, shared his insights on the future of AI with the participants.
Entrepreneurship Seminar
After lunch, there was a popular entrepreneurship seminar chaired by Prof. MEYNERT, with speakers including Mr. Bird TANG, the Executive Director of volunteering organisation, Voltra; Mr. Ce GUO, co-founder of Kompline Electronics; Mr. Lawrence LUI, co-founder of the Longevity Design House; and Mr. Nicholas SHEKERDEMIAN, the Founder of Teaching by the Top. The panelists shared their experiences and tips on starting up their own business, which were greatly appreciated by all in attendance. In collaboration with The Kitchen, Fung Academy’s online crowdsourcing platform, Fung Scholars and Fung Fellows were challenged to come up with ideas that could bring about positive social change. The top five, representing the UK, US, Finland and Singapore, then flew to Hong Kong to pitch their ideas at the conference.
Foundation Updates 7
Fung Scholars Social Innovation Challenge pitching judges, The Kitchen team and the finalists
Ms. Ada WONG, Chairperson of the Make A Difference Institute; Mr. Howard LING, Chief Consultant of the Social Enterprise Business Centre; Mr. Richard KELLY, Chief Catalyst of the Fung Academy; and Prof. Lap-chee TSUI, President of the Victor and William Fung Foundation, were invited to join the judging panel for the shortlisted candidates. The Grand Prize was awarded to Aileen KEARNEY (FS 2018-19, University of Oxford), while the Audience Favourite Prize was awarded to Crystal WANG (FS 2016-17, MIT). The former’s aims to increase gender equality in athletics by creating mixed relay events globally, while the latter’s is a prototype 3D scanner that seeks to empower communities to preserve their heritage, all over the world. It was tremendous to see how a collaboration between Fung Scholars and the Fung Academy was able to broaden the impact of the Foundation, empowering social entrepreneurs to find solutions to pressing social challenges globally.
Explorium Visit
8 Foundation Updates
Soon after the Conference ended, Fung Scholars visited the Explorium, which works with a community of incubators and accelerators to develop startups with a shared interest in disrupting global supply chains. On the second day, Fung Scholars split into groups, who went on separate fascinating and eye-opening excursions, “In Search of Social Innovation Pioneers in Hong Kong” co-organised by the Make a Difference Institute, which seeks to foster positive change in Asia. The excursions:
• “Upcycling Inside Out” was facilitated by upcycling product designer, Mr. Kevin CHEUNG, where participants learnt how to transform unwanted materials into something original and useful.
Excursion - “Upcycling Inside Out”
• “In Search of Community Lab” was facilitated by Mr. Tin-yan WONG, the founder of Form Society; and Ms. Kay CHAN, a designer. In this excursion, participants learnt about the goals of the community lab, took a short tour of Sham Shui Po, and tried snacks made from surplus food.
Excursion - “In Search of Community Lab”
• “Leadership in Innovation” was hosted by Mr. Sunny KOK and Mr. Duncan LIU, CEO and Project Specialist respectively of Green Tomato Ltd, the regional leading mobile solution specialist in Asia, where participants gained an insider’s view of leadership today.
Excursion - “Leadership in Innovation”
Foundation Updates 9
(left to right) Jonathan MACHIN (FS2017-18, The University of Oxford), Kathleen SCHWIND (FS2017-18, MIT) and Jerrica LI (FS2018-19, Harvard University)
This year was my first time at the Victor and William Fung Scholars Leadership Conference. I had a wonderful time, and had the opportunity to reach out and network with scholars from around the world. In the past, I have had the opportunity to reach out and speak with experts on both the policy and technology side of the debate, which has given me a grasp of how exciting, yet challenging, artificial intelligence can be! This conference was the next step in my career path, helping me to become one of the professionals who can bridge the gap between the technology and policy of AI. The prestigious speakers all offered thoughts on AI from different perspectives, adding to my understanding of the breadth and depth of the subject. Having the opportunity to hear interesting new ideas during the Entrepreneurship Seminar has also opened my imagination; now I can envision what a brighter tomorrow actually looks like, all thanks to a unique group of scholars who will be creating this future. I believe the most valuable and exciting part of the conference was networking with other scholars and members of the Victor and William Fung Foundation. Learning and talking about ideas with those from around the world provides a perspective unlike anything I can learn at university. The members of the Victor and William Fung Foundation are the people who are shaping tomorrow, and it’s exciting to be a part of that change! Additionally, Hong Kong’s position as a major world center gave me a great insight into social innovation pioneers both local and international, and their focus on everything from sustainability to technology. In all, the Fung Scholars Leadership Conference is an important part of my professional and personal development. I was incredibly excited to meet others associated with the Victor and William Fung Foundation, and learn more about AI for innovation. I am looking forward to seeing how my perspective continues to change after the conference. A huge thank you to the Victor and William Fung Foundation and to the conference organizers for making this conference possible, and for enabling me to attend. It has been one of the highlights of my semester this far. Reflection by Kathleen SCHWIND (FS2017-18, MIT)
10 Foundation Updates
Though it was a long one, the conference proved to be full of insights and excitements. It was a pleasure to meet so many like-minded people in these pleasant surroundings, where we could discuss our plans and ambitions with each other. The conference offered plenty of opportunity for my own learning and development. The guest speakers were all engaging, presenting their subjects with humour and wit. Each of the four speakers stood out, giving very different that provided me new perspectives. After they had ended, I had a greater appreciation for why discussions regarding AI are important, and why they should be more widespread. The conference also provided me with some much needed ideas about my own future and career. Discussions with other Fung Scholars revealed both the positive and negative aspects of their jobs, giving me a better idea of what kind of career I should look for in the future. An especially memorable moment was the Social Innovation Challenge, in which five Fung Scholars presented their own ideas on the subject. It was amazing to see people around my age developing such impressive applications to help people! The day after the conference, we were invited to participate in one of three excursions. I visited the Form Society, a local social innovation initiative, where we experienced the topic from a designer’s point of view. We found out how the Form Society used unwanted food items as part of their projects, and how this may help the homeless people of the area in turn. It was something I had never considered before, and will be sure to make use of it in the future. Reflection by Paribesh KHAPUNG (FS2018-19, The University of Oxford)
Foundation Updates 11
The Innovation AI conference was very insightful, with a great line-up of speakers, covering the topics from a variety of different angles. Despite the talks being just one day of the conference, I still felt that I gained a deeper understanding with information from the experts themselves! The only drawback was that the speakers tended to emphasise their individual businesses over others, making it feel less relevant to the conference. The panel discussions were very engaging. All the panellists had great, concise and relevant takeaways for us. One of the messages, “leveraging pain to drive passion,� was particularly interesting. Our surroundings are always neutral; it is the meaning we assign to the experience that makes the difference. As such, I wondered why we don’t reframe the experience in a way that is positive and productive? Another highlight was the social entrepreneurship pitch competition. It was heart-warming to see all the enthusiastic individuals who had invested so much in realising the social causes that they believe in. The questions asked by the judges were generally thought-provoking, and mirrored those of real venture capitalists. As such, it was a learning experience for participants and audience alike. While I enjoyed the previous activities, the excursion to Green Tomato, the successful mobile app developer, was my highlight of this Leadership Conference. It was eye-opening to hear directly from the founder of such a successful business, hearing about the struggles, decisions and strategies he had along the way. In all, this conference has taught me the importance of building an effective team, and fostering a collaborative culture, to support innovation at work. For example, it is wiser to bring in a teammate who can complement your skills and shortcomings rather a friend. We must also have the courage to pursue our dreams, and the determination to see it through. These are some of the many takeaways I had from the event, and I am immensely grateful to the Victor and William Fung Foundation for being so generous in supporting my trip to the conference. Reflection by Jun Yang LEE (FS2016-17, National University of Singapore)
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Check out the
Highlights
of
Fung Scholars Leadership Conference 2018
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_wry9Nkxh2A
Foundation Updates 13
Foundation Updates
Fung Fung Scholars Scholars Gala Gala Dinner Dinner Gigi AUYEUNG (FS2008-09, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University)
Background Founded in 2006, the Fung Scholars Programme aims to nurture us Fung Scholars, future world leaders, through providing the experience of learning, communicating and networking with different cultures and environments early in our career. We consider ourselves a group of young talents with great potential and an international outlook. We strive to be critical human capital for the continuous progress and betterment of society. Passionate Fung Scholars have established local chapters to serve our fellow Fung Scholars regionally, where we form close bonds, initiate meaningful projects and grow together. We have been actively participating, initiating and organizing events and activities including, but not limited to, our annual leadership conferences, pre-departure gatherings, intellectual sharing sessions, volunteering in the community, Christmas parties and casual gatherings.
14 Foundation Updates
The Gala Dinner This year finally saw the Hong Kong Fung Scholars organize our first ever gala dinner to celebrate and mark the success of the Fung Scholars Programme. It was held on 5 October 2018 in the Grand Assembly Hall of the Salisbury HK YMCA; the evening before the annual leadership conference over the following weekend. There were over 150 guests, including Fung Scholars from across the world; the leadership of the Fung Group and Foundation; the Fung Academy; University representatives; and friends. They joined us for a glamorous dinner filled with heartwarming speeches, videos, and photo sessions. Dr. Victor K. FUNG, Chairman of the Victor and William Fung Foundation, said that the meal was “a very important, heartwarming moment for me personally. We wanted to make a contribution to the development of future leaders in the world. We think of this as a place where you can maintain friendship and exchange ideas with your peers that have gone through this program.�
Kevin LO (FS2006-07, The City University of Hong Kong) (right) presented a token of gratitude to Dr. Victor K. FUNG (left)
Foundation Updates 15
Later, during the panel sharing session, three of our Fung Scholars, Jamie KO (FS2009-10, Singapore Management University), Mariah STEWART (FS2011-12, The University of Hong Kong) and Ken FUNG (FS2016-17, The Chinese University of Hong Kong) described the experiences they had during their exchange, and how they had grown with the Foundation. Mariah found that networking will be her takeaway from the scholarship, saying that: “I am especially appreciated [sic] that the Foundation has a lot of interesting ideas, and also motivations, for people to join in and participate.” Jamie, meanwhile, appreciated the sense of community, sharing how she realised that the foundation “wasn’t just about receiving money and writing an essay for a scholarship, but a broader network where everybody is like family and there for each other to grow.” Finally, Ken said how the “network, through this whole connection, this collective will, is sort of opening my horizon, my eyes.” The foundation “[gave him] hope” and the belief that he “can do it.”
Panel Sharing – (left to right) Mariah STEWART (FS2011-12, The University of Hong Kong), Ken FUNG (FS2016-17, The Chinese University of Hong Kong), Jamie KO (FS2009-10, Singapore Management University)
16 Foundation Updates
Professor Lap-chee TSUI, President of Victor and William Fung Foundation, concluded the dinner, saying how he looked “forward to seeing more activities, especially how you are going to return the favour you received from Victor and William, and the Foundation, and how you can pay back to the society.” Professor Lap-chee TSUI, President of Victor and William Fung Foundation
Final Words As the Chair of the organizing committee, I want to send my greatest gratitude to my team. It was composed of:
Kevin LO (FS2006-07, The City University of Hong Kong) Pamela WONG (FS2013-14, The Chinese University of Hong Kong) Joscelin YEUNG (FS2014-15, Hong Kong Baptist University) Giselle YEUNG (FS2013-14, Hong Kong Baptist University) Leo LEUNG (FS2015-16, Hong Kong Baptist University) Hing WONG (FS2015-16, Hong Kong Baptist University) Arcturus TAM (FS2013-14, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology)
Thank you for sharing my late evenings after my day’s work, those sleepless nights of emailing, social media promotion and coordination. It was a challenging project, but we have learnt and enjoyed so much, especially with all the encouraging positive feedback. I would like to especially thank the always supportive Tammy for all the extra work we caused her! Last but not least, thank you to the many Hong Kong-based FSs who helped run the event on the night. The first ever Fung Scholars Gala Dinner wouldn’t have happened without you!
Organizing Committee and helpers of the gala dinner
Foundation Updates 17
Foundation Updates
Leadership for Good Fellowship Programme The Victor and William Fung Foundation
The Victor and William Fung Foundation sponsored four Hong Kong Fung Scholars to join the Leadership for Good Fellowship Programme, an immersive 4-week course from 16th July – 11th August 2018 in Beijing, China. The programme was initiated by the Foundation alongside Philanthropy in Motion (PIM), which is intended to provide Fung Scholars with the perspective, skills, and experience to develop as socially responsible global leaders. As part of their social impact training and externship, participants took part in hands-on workshops related to improving their social impact, career planning and self-reflective skills. Following the training, selected Fung Scholars then worked full-time at innovative social enterprises, non-profits, and foundations to gain experience and apply their learning, all while designing a pro-bono project that enhances their organisation’s services. Throughout their externship placement, they received mentorship that focused on their professional goals and development as socially responsible leaders.
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Tess LEUNG (FS2011-12, The Education University of Hong Kong) My time with the programme taught me a lot about Beijing and social enterprise. The learning aspects of the programme have given me a deeper insight into China, including projects such as the Belt and Road Initiative which provide a solid demonstration of China’s prominence on a global stage. During the trip, I was given a great opportunity to communicate and exchange ideas with scholars from the mainland, enabling me to discover different viewpoints on China’s place in the world. My internship was at MyH2O, which is a crowdsourcing network that aims to assess water quality in the region. During this internship, I experienced what it would be like as a full-time member of the organization, and was provided Second Left: Tess LEUNG (FS2011-12, The Education University of Hong Kong) with a wealth of resources that allowed me to learn and develop. MyH2O’s activities are or- As I discovered, work in a social enterprise reganized into a number of different areas, includ- quires me to be more entrepreneurial than other ing water testing across China’s many regions businesses. I used to think that my degree in edand providing water safety education for rural ucation meant I was not suitable to work in busiareas. In my first week, I was assigned to the ness; how wrong I was! My major has taught latter, being tasked with developing a teaching me to think on my feet, and this experience program about drinking clean water for the rural has taught me to embrace innovation and learn non-traditional methods of solving problems. areas of China. For example, one of my tasks was to develop a Despite its broad scope, MyH2O is a three-per- volunteer performance evaluation system, which son company, and so everyone is called upon to was unlike anything I’d done before. My menwear many different hats as part of their work. tors showed me some examples of systems used In the second week, I was assigned to HR, by other social enterprises used, alongside refwhere I was entrusted to hire, manage, and train erence books, with which we designed our own new capable volunteers to join the team, while evaluation system. This hands-on learning has also learning how to manage the existing volun- helped me to think on my feet, and solve critical problems more efficiently than ever before. teers.
Foundation Updates 19
I learnt the strength of teamwork, and how great things can be accomplished when everyone is working in tandem. I would say that it is worth joining the Leadership for Good Fellowship Programme because it provides a very good chance to develop our independence, and open our minds to new ideas. We need to leave our comfort zones, and accept the challenges we meet every day. This will then allow us to find out our hidden qualities, which will undoubtedly improve our employability and personal development in an increasingly competitive work environment. It was truly an eye-opening experience, and I enjoyed it so much that I have decided to join MyH2O as a volunteer after completing my internship, where I hope that my growth will be accelerated further!
(Left to right) Tess KWAN (FS2015-16, Hong Kong Baptist University) and Steffany CHENG (FS2017-18, The University of Hong Kong)
Steffany CHENG (FS2017-18, The University of Hong Kong) During the summer of 2018, I was honoured to be selected for the Leadership for Good Fellowship Programme in Beijing, sponsored by the Victor and William Fung Foundation alongside Philanthropy in Motion (PIM). I was assigned to an eyewear company called Mantra, something that would change my career mindset forever. Mantra is a Beijing-based eyewear brand that adopts a “buy one, give one� business model to help Yunnan children with myopia. Following the example of TOMS Shoes, the innovative retailer aims to help the 30 million rural Chinese students who are currently affected by poor vision. Without clear eyesight, they cannot read from the blackboards used in schools, and this has greatly inhibited their academic and career prospects. As such, Mantra donates a pair of prescription glasses for each one sold, as well as contributing to eye examinations as well.
20 Foundation Updates
I was genuinely moved by the determination of Mantra’s founder to help children, and he is not alone. China’s social entrepreneurship start-up ecosystem is vibrant, and I was fortunate enough to attend the Millennial Impact Summit to gain a deeper insight. It exhibited Beijing’s methods of re-matching supply and demand within the city as a part of its strong start-up atmosphere. I was fortunate to witness various entrepreneurs talking about their businesses, and how they are changing the unjust system step-by-step. New business ideas are highly encouraged by the local community and government, as shown by the frequent media coverage of social enterprises, which contrasted with my expectations. I had thought the Chinese government would impose tight restrictions on the growth of businesses, but these young companies seem to enjoy a considerable degree of freedom to implement their ideas. This summer was an eye-opening experience, giving me the opportunity to meet a variety of passionate entrepreneurs in China, and in turn inspiring me to rethink my future career plans. As a business student, I had always aspired to live comfortably working for a bank, but this programme has made me reflect on the connection between my future job and my contribution to our society. My ability to choose from multiple career options is a blessing, and I should not take it for granted, when there are many less fortunate people in China. I began to question myself: Do I deserve to enjoy this materialistic lifestyle, based on my circumstances? If not, then should I make an effort to redistribute my wealth to the equally hard working, but socially disadvantaged, people of the nation? Or should I change the system causing this injustice itself? I have yet to answer these problems for myself. But what is certain is that the concept of my ideal career has expanded, from a narrow materialistic perspective to encompass the larger social context.
Foundation Updates 21
Fung Scholars Community Update
FUNG SCHOLARS COMMUNITY UPDATE
Hong Hong Kong Kong Chapter Chapter
Hong Kong Fung Scholars’ LinkedIn Workshop Joscelin YEUNG (FS2014-15, Hong Kong Baptist University)
Turning online to offline conversations – Hong Kong Fung Scholars’ LinkedIn workshop As an avid fan and frequent user of the social media platform LinkedIn, I have always wanted to share the benefits of using the platform with my fellow Fung Scholars, so that they can make the most out of the platform as young professionals in a technological age. With the support of the Foundation, enabling us to use a wonderful venue in Central, I organized a workshop on LinkedIn with Mr. Ivan WONG, their Enterprise Solutions Consultant for Hong Kong and Taiwan. He came and shared some insights into current trends on the platform, as well as some basics on creating your own personal brand! Fung Scholars of all ages attended the workshop, and they were all very eager to learn more!
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It was also my pleasure to share my experience of building connections through LinkedIn. One of my key pieces of advice was to learn from the leading lights of the platform on a variety of issues, such as gender equality and personal branding. For example, I once received a message from a young gender equality advocate based in Beijing, which developed from an online chat to one held over Korean food! It was my first time meeting an online friend, but a ‘stranger’ in real life.
But since coming back to Hong Kong, I have started many conversations, and met over 15 of my LinkedIn connections in the past nine months. Ivan was actually one of them, initially inviting me to have a morning coffee at the LinkedIn office. I could never imagine how helpful and friendly these people could be until I began to meet them. Many have advised me in my career development, and I even landed myself as the MC for an International
Day against Homophobia and Transphobia event through commenting on a LinkedIn post! My experiences, alongside this workshop, have made me believe in the power of taking online conversations offline, where friendships can be fostered and grown. I hope the Fung Scholars who attended now know this too!
tips So, if you happen to be reading this article, and are now thinking of revisiting the LinkedIn profile that you have created ages ago, here are a few tips for you: 1. 2. 3. 4.
Make sure you have a professional profile photo; Follow the leading lights of the topics or industry that you are interested in; Share photos of events that you attend or organize, e.g. Fung Scholars Leadership Conference, and tag the organizers and relevant participants; Join the Fung Scholars and Fellows LinkedIn Group! (Yes, we do have one!)
I’m looking forward to co-creating more events and workshops for the development of our global Fung Scholars community!
Fung Scholars Community Updates 25
FUNG SCHOLARS COMMUNITY UPDATE
Hong Hong Kong Kong Chapter Chapter
Hong
Kong
Scholars
Christmas
Party
Ken FUNG (FS2016-17, The Chinese University of Hong Kong)
“God bless ye merry gentlemen...” – Hong Kong Scholars Christmas Party On 22nd December 2018, the Hong Kong Fung Scholars celebrated Christmas as part of a wonderful occasion that celebrated everyone in our Fung Scholars family. Firstly, we decorated the Hive, the Fung Group office, in festive decorations to welcome the new Fung Scholars! During the event itself, we took innumerable pictures while getting to know each other, made Christmas trees and exchanged gifts, before dancing the night away! While it was not intended to be a long party, we ended up having so much fun that it overran, and many of us didn’t leave until the staff told us to!
Highlights Gift Giving: We saw Fung Scholars beaming the moment they entered the venue, gifts ready to give away. It was a beautiful sight to see such happy faces sparkling under the lights of the bright Christmas trees.
Games: Sharing its name with an ancient Japanese province, we played Bingo vigorously against each other (but not too vigorously!). We laughed and cried as our fortunes changed, but we had a good time. Lat-er in the evening, we danced joyfully together, with over 50 participants dancing as one.
26 Fung Scholars Community Updates
Exchanging Ideas (and Gifts!): While the Fung Scholars folded their Christmas trees, we exchanged our wishes, ideas, anticipations and stories before finally lining up for the gift exchange, which made everyone happy.
Closing Remarks Overall, we had a great time at our party. We saw memories being made, new friends finding each other, and our community getting closer.
Fung Scholars Community Updates 27
FUNG SCHOLARS COMMUNITY UPDATE
Singapore Singapore Chapter Chapter
The Fung Scholars Singapore Chapter had a mixture of small and medium gatherings this year:
Jamie KO (FS2009-10, Singapore Management University)
Before the new Fung Scholars left, we held a pre-departure gathering where Fung Scholars across multiple generations turned up to welcome them into the family. This went very well, even though the organizers of the pre-departure gathering had not attended a pre-departure gathering before, and it was their first time being involved with the Singapore Chapter’s activities! They were resourceful; able to tap into the alumni network to pull together a wonderful session for the new scholars, while learning more about the Foundation and Singapore Chapter at the same time!
keep going , keep growing .
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“
While it may seem small,
the [sic] o f s m a l l ripple effects
”
extraordinary things is . — Matt BEVIN
Two Fung Scholars, including myself, visited a voluntary welfare organization, Willing Hearts, which distributes meals to the needy in Singapore. A group of Singapore Chapter Fung Scholars had volunteered here a few years ago, and so it was time for us to return. This time, we were assigned to help out at the vegetable cutting station, where we spent most of our morning chopping Chinese broccoli (kai-lan) stems. Willing Hearts has developed a very well-oiled machine when it comes to recruiting and managing volunteers for their activities – there were only two volunteer slots left for us to sign up, so another interested Fung Scholar could only join us after lunch! While not so great for us, it’s wonderful that Willing Hearts has found an effective way to consistently get many volunteers for their operations!
The Singapore Chapter also had a sizeable turnout at the 2018 Fung Scholars Leadership Conference held in Hong Kong, with 7 Singapore Fung Scholars able to attend the conference. The delegation ranged from members who have been working for several years (one of whom is based in Hong Kong!) to those who have just returned from an exchange. On top of that, two of our delegation were shortlisted for the Social Innovation Challenge, and they gave presentations on social enterprise ideas that address the challenges of Singapore’s ageing population. We were really proud to be so well-represented at the event!
Next up, we’re planning a larger gathering between Singapore Fung Scholars and students from other networks, as connected by a Hong Kong Scholar visiting Singapore (hello, Gigi AUYEUNG (FS2008-09, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University) from Hong Kong!)! All the best from the Singapore Chapter for the new year!
Fung Scholars Community Updates 29
FUNG SCHOLARS COMMUNITY UPDATE
Singapore Singapore Chapter Chapter
Pre-Departure and Christmas Gathering Jamie KO (FS2009-10, Singapore Management University) The Pre-departure Gathering and Christmas Party held on Saturday 5th January 2019 was a great opportunity for new Fung Scholars to be introduced to the Foundation, and the Singapore Chapter in particular, while previous generations had the chance to catch up with friends old and new. With almost 20 Fung Scholars in attendance, it’s one of the largest events we’ve organized as a Chapter. As the day of the event was the 12th day of Christmas itself, we came dressed in red and green to add to the festive atmosphere.
After I introduced the Foundation, the Scholarship, and its Local Chapters, Narcissa KOH (FS2017-18, National University of Singapore) gave a talk about her recent exchange experience in South Korea, while other Fung Scholars contributed their learning and tips for our new colleagues.
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To help Fung Scholars get to know each other better in a fun way, we got everyone to play a special game of bingo over lunch, which Jia Yi LIM (FS2016-17, National University of Singapore) helped to prepare. We collected a series of interesting facts about each of the Fung Scholars through a pre-event survey, which we used to create the Bingo sheets, with the person who completed the most boxes (by finding the right Fung Scholars for each of the facts) winning a prize.
Everyone enjoyed our pizzas at lunch, with all thanks going to Sridhar GOPALAN (FS2017-18, Singapore Management University), who recommended the restaurant and helped coordinate the ordering, with all the pizzas were wiped out by the end of lunch! We also spent the time finding out more about each other, aiming to collect names as part of another game! Tzin PHOON (FS2013-14, National University of Singapore) managed to collect the most (from every single attendee!), and won the prize!
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After lunch, we played a round of Pass-the-Parcel, which was prepared by Pei Ling TAN (FS2017-18, National University of Singapore) – the aim of the game is to pass the parcel around when the music is playing, and when the music stops, whoever has the parcel needs to unwrap a layer, and do the activity listed on it!
Finally, we finished up with an activity which got everyone to reflect on the past year, along with their goals for the coming year, which they wrote on a postcard to be mailed to them in six months.
Even though the event officially ended at 3:30pm, many of the Fung Scholars stayed behind to catch up with each other, and so we eventually left the venue at 5:30pm! There were also discussions and interest in organizing other activities, such as climbing and volunteering, amongst the wide variety of activities Fung Scholars could get up to in the future. It was a fantastic event, and we’re looking forward to the next Fung Scholars Singapore Chapter gathering!
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FUNG SCHOLARS COMMUNITY UPDATE
Tokyo Tokyo Chapter Chapter
Newly
Established
Chapter
in
2018
Aoi HASHIMOTO (FS2016-17, The University of Tokyo) This summer, the Fung Scholars Tokyo Chapter launched as a part of the foundation’s ongoing work to establish links between Fung Scholars around the world, and in this case, those from, or studying in, Japan. The chapter was officially launched during its inaugural annual gathering.
Arranged by the University of Tokyo (“UTokyo”) in cooperation with the chapter’s founding members, the 1st annual gathering was held on July 23rd 2018 in UTokyo’s Go Global Centre. It took the form of a dinner event open to all Fung Scholars who were based in Tokyo at that time, be that for business or study. We welcomed approximately 40 attendants in total, including 27 past UTokyo Fung Scholars and 2 foreign Fung Scholars currently studying in Tokyo. The gathering was also attended by Mr. Kai-man WONG and Ms. Tammy LAM, representing the Victor and William Fung Foundation, along with Professors Masashi HANEDA and Yujin YAGUCHI from the University of Tokyo; all four of whom were our honoured guests. The evening began with speeches: Prof. YAGUCHI gave the welcoming address before Mr. WONG discussed more about the Fung Scholars
Programme. Following this was an opportunity for networking, where old and new scholars alike discussed their plans and aspirations within the program. Subsequently, participants continued to enjoy this pleasant conversation with their fellow scholars and guests over a French-style buffet. With our first gathering successfully concluded, we look forward to many more! As a chapter, our core aim is to ensure that we organise a pre-departure and welcoming gathering on an annual basis. If you are interested in our chapter, or you would like to get in contact with us, please visit our FB closed group (Fung Scholars TokyoU - https://www.facebook.com/groups/836023713192208/), or find our committee page on the Fung Scholars website. Stay tuned!
Fung Scholars Community Updates 33
FUNG SCHOLARS COMMUNITY UPDATE
Germany Germany Chapter Chapter
Jose BARCENA (FS2011-12, MIT)
Mission: Servus! The Fung Scholars Germany Chapter (Continental Europe) is a new branch of the Fung Scholars and Fellows network, founded in 2018. The mission of the German Chapter is to function as a hub of Fung Scholars and Fung Fellows in different cities/regions across continental Europe, where we can establish close bonds with each other. Hopefully, this will benefit our personal and career development, allowing us to be the leaders of the future. The steering committee is currently based in Munich, and we are so excited to extend the network to new cities, where we hope to co-organize events with other European chapters.
Past Events
Our inaugural event took place at L’Osteria Kunstlerhaus, a beautiful Italian restaurant located in central Munich. The meeting served as an introduction for the local members to get to know each other, and plan future events for the chapter. It was a great night full of fun, laughter, and priceless memories; as well as a great dinner! It was a very informative experience for all involved, allowing each of us to share our own experiences of the program.
From left to right: Yang DING (FS2017-18, Peking University), Yin CHEN (FS2014-15, MIT) and Jose BARCENA (FS2011-12, MIT)
Our second event took place at the Augustiner Keller, a traditional beer garden in central Munich. The discussion of our summer UN conference revolved around our life in Germany, including all its challenges, our expectations, and the adjustments we had to make. We all agreed that when moving to Germany, the main challenge was the language. However, moving abroad challenged us not only academically, but also culturally, allowing us to see a completely different lifestyle from the inside, and creating opportunities for accomplishments on all levels.
Join Us: If you live in, or will be travelling to, continental Europe, then please get in contact with us, especially if you would like to become part of the steering committee! If our events so far appeal to you, then follow us on Facebook to find our future events. We hope to see you soon! Fung Scholars Continental Europe (Germany/Spain)
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Features
Features
From From Madama Madama Butterfly Butterfly to to M. M. Butterfly Butterfly The intersectionality of Orientalism and Sexism
Huimin WANG (FS2016-17, Xiamen University)
John Luther LONG’s short story “Madame Butterfly” (1898) has been adapted into various forms over the years, among which the most noted examples include the two-act opera Madama Butterfly (1904), by Giacomo PUCCINI, and the romantic film M. Butterfly (1993), with the screenplay written by David Henry HWANG. The former accentuates the stereotypes of Oriental women, while the latter is a vivid exemplification of Orientalism and sexism.
Plot summary Madama Butterfly is a story of love and betrayal. Butterfly, a young Japanese Geisha, is pursued by Pinkerton, an American lieutenant, as a “temporary” wife during his stay in Japan. She is the embodiment of traditional female virtues, being obedient and faithful; she also gives birth to his baby. Pinkerton then leaves for America, and later gets married again. Hidden in the dark, Butterfly nevertheless believes that the lieutenant, her husband, will return. However, when he comes back with his American wife, Pinkerton tries to take his son away from Butterfly. Heartbroken and powerless, she commits suicide. David Henry HWANG’s M. Butterfly is a commentary on the racist and sexist stereotypes in Puccini’s opera, inspired by an actual espionage scandal between a French diplomat (Bernard BOURSICOT) and his Chinese “mistress” (Shi Pei Pu). In the film, René GALLIMARD (Jeremy IRONS) is assigned to Beijing in the 1960s, where he becomes infatuated with SONG Li-ling (John LONE), an opera singer who he believes to be female. Their affair starts with SONG’s performance of the title role in Madama Butterfly and later the role as the imperial concubine in The Drunken Beauty (Gui Fei Zui Jiu, one of the classics in Peking opera) and ends with GALLIMARD’s suicide after discovering SONG as a male spy.
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Orientalism
“
The Orient was almost a European
invention…Orientalism as a Western
style
”
dominating, restructuring, and authority over the Orient. having for
In the court scene, when SONG reveals his true identity, GALLIMARD collapses. It is fair to say that GALLIMARD himself is the victim of Oriental stereotypes, where he is the butterfly, and SONG is the betrayer, rather than the other way around.
— Edward SAID - Orientalism
The long-standing mindset of Orientalism has slipped into Western consciousness, with PUCCINI’s Madama Butterfly catering to European perceptions of the Orient by constructing the submissive figure of Butterfly, who sacrifices herself for a superior western man. GALLIMARD similarly indulges in Orientalist thinking, wishfully regarding himself as an “adventurous imperialist”, or as the American lieutenant, who has complete dominance over their 20-year relationship. For GALLIMARD, SONG’s unconditional love towards him is the epitome of the backward Orient submitting to the Western forces. He is in love with his own illusion of Oriental women, over whom he gains a sense of satisfaction through his unshakable control. It is unrealistic that he has never suspected the biological gender of SONG, “his Butterfly”, but he is too entangled in his delusion to find out the truth. In other words, he wilfully ignores SONG’s gender as long as “she” helps maintain his superiority as an Occidental diplomat. It also explains why he turns a blind eye to all the obvious flaws of SONG’s story, even choosing not to doubt the true identity of “their” son.
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Sexism
“
Woman is to pose the To pose
without reciprocity , Other , absolute
”
denying against all experience that she is a subject, a fellow human being.
GALLIMARD is fascinated by his self-created myth of women, of the ideal, submissive, and obedient, Oriental women. Consequently, the intersectionality of Orientalism and sexism leads to his destruction. His tragedy lies in his obsession with the gender stereotypes as well as his misjudgement of the underdeveloped Orient.
— Simone de BEAUVOIR - The Second Sex
The idea of Orientalism is closely related to the stereotypes of men and women. Being conquered by the Western forces, Oriental nations are endowed with feminine characteristics while the Occident is its masculine counterpart. Unconsciously, GALLIMARD takes it for granted that he is superior to womankind due to the deep-rooted stereotypes about women as the inferior Other. He demands absolute control over SONG’s life, especially “her” fidelity, despite the fact that he has a wife and another mistress. In the film, one of the key lines states that “only a man knows how a woman is supposed to act.” Being a man, SONG understands GALLIMARD’s demand for the other gender and thus invents himself as a “perfect woman” for him to satisfy his desire for dominance. At the end, shocked by the fact that his “perfect woman” is a man, GALLIMARD retreats deep within his memories, lamenting “what I love is a lie, a perfect lie”. Unable to cope with the cruel truth, GALLIMARD cuts his throat in prison.
Further thought: Taoism and the Image of Butterfly The Chinese translation for M. Butterfly is 蝴蝶君 (hu die jun) and jun means “gentleman”. My suggestion for the translation would be 蝴蝶 梦 (hu die meng, Dream of Butterfly), grounded in Taoist philosophy. Once, ZHUANG Zhou, a founding father of Taoism, dreamed of becoming a butterfly and, after he woke up, could not figure out whether it was he who had turned into a butterfly or whether a butterfly had turned into ZHUANG Zhou. (ZHUANG Zi’s Theory of Equality of Things).
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In Madama Butterfly, the image of a delicate and beautiful butterfly stands for Oriental women who unconditionally sacrifice for love. But in M. Butterfly, it is no longer the symbol of Oriental women; instead, its vulnerable physical appearance acts as a disguise for revenge in the post-colonial age. Furthermore, the illusionistic state described by ZHUANG Zhou resembles the life of GALLIMARD, who lives in his own world of hallucination.
Conclusion The Orient, being culturally, socially and historically different, is Europe’s contrasting Other; women, being biologically different to men, are traditionally the Other in a male-dominated world. GALLIMARD is positioned at the intersection of Oriental and sexual stereotypes, failing to recognize the devastating forces of his misunderstanding which lead to his personal tragedy. M. Butterfly is a reversal of Madama Butterfly, where the power of the Orient crushes the imposed stereotypes, and women are no longer confined by their marginalised social position. In the end, we cannot help but question the nature of race and gender. From the time when “Madame Butterfly” was first written at the end of 19th century, to the time it was adapted into M. Butterfly in late 20th century, racial and sexual stereotypes, while weaker than they once were, are still rampant in a global scale. Thus, it is high time we leave these myths behind, and embrace equality in the 21st century.
Works Cited BEAUVOIR, Simone de. The Second Sex. Trans. H. M. Parshley. London: Picador, 1988. Print. SAID, Edward W. Orientalism. London: Penguin Books, 1985. Print. Filmography M. Butterfly. Dir. David CRONENBERG. Perf. Jeremy IRONS, John LONE. Geffen Pictures, 1993. Videocassette.
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Features
Birds of a feather flock together The National Animals of the Fung Newsletter
James ASHWORTH (FS2018-19, University of Oxford)
As a biologist, one of the highlights of my Fung Scholarship-funded internship in China was the ability to see the wildlife that Asia had to offer. Indeed, during my down time, I made sure to go and see some of the unique animals that live across Asia, be it the Pangolin, Sun Bear, or after my internship, the Orangutan. These animals inspire me, and have inspired many other humans for many thousands of years. Given Fung Scholars live all over the globe, I decided to take a look at the national animals that represent us, and specifically, those which represent the staff of this newsletter.
China
With the majority of our team coming from China and Hong Kong, it’s fair that we start with them, and they are represented by the Giant Panda. It is not to be confused with the Red Panda, which is more closely related to raccoons instead! Having said this, even scientists were unsure as to its origins, as a lack of fossils meant that it was only confirmed as a bear relatively recently. The fossils that have been found, while not particularly substantial, offer a surprising story as to the Panda’s origins. While now inextricably associated with China, the oldest fossils of its relatives are actually to be found in Europe. The oldest direct ancestor to be found so far was in Spain, dated at 11.6 million years ago, while an ancient relative was living in Hungary around 1.5 million years later. This has all been deduced despite the fact that all we have are teeth! While this may seem tenuous, studies
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of their structure, and tooth wear patterns, suggest that their closest ancestor within the bear family has to be the Panda, with its similar diet of hardy plants. Given studies like those by XUE et al. show that Pandas are poorly adapted for their vegetarian lifestyle, with a lack of cellulytic bacteria to allow them to break down plant material alongside a short gut, it is surprising to see that this state of affairs has existed for so long! It may be that Pandas are in a maladaptive valley, a transitional evolutionary state, as they move from a carnivorous to a herbivorous lifestyle, and are yet to accumulate the mutations needed to achieve this major change. However, they have developed other adaptations to help them in this change, with a large heard allowing for plenty of muscles to attach to their skull/ jaw, providing the power needed to eat bamboo.
The other reason we don’t know a lot about the Giant Panda’s past is that we are so heavily invested in their future. Panda reproduction is a tricky business, made all the more difficult by their apparent reluctance to breed. Even when they have mated, the babies are nearly impossible to detect, being as light as 90g in a mother of at least 70kg. Add on top of this all the fat and fur, and it gives you a task perhaps more difficult than the figurative needle in a haystack. If the foetuses can survive being reabsorbed, and then be born, al-
most half of them will be twins. While helpful for breeding programs, it has a less cheery purpose in nature, where the stronger cub is cared for by the mother while the other is left to die. Artificial insemination for Pandas is another technique that we are currently refining, with recent studies implanting panda nuclei into cat eggs, which develop foetuses but currently no births. As a potent symbol for conservation, it has represented the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) since its foundation.
The USA
Next up is Joyce, who, hailing from the USA, is represented by the Bald Eagle. Native Americans have used it as a symbol for millennia, with different tribes having used it as a symbol of honour, protection, peace and fertility. The colonists also took up the symbol, with the bird being used as a symbol of the USA since 1782 after being approved by Congress. The Eagle itself is also a colonist, being descended from the old-world raptors of Eurasia. Its ancestors, the sea eagles, first appeared around 25 million years ago, and its common ancestor in turn diverged from them in the next 15 million years. Around 1 million years ago, a group of what would now be the Eurasian White-tailed Eagles migrated to America, either across the Bering strait or the Atlantic, and began to adapt to their newfound environment, becoming the Bald Eagle. One of these adaptations, however, was not to lose its feathers. Bald in this case means white, like its close relative, being derived from the word ‘piebald’; often used to describe horses. Despite being an important national symbol, Bald Eagles were for some time an endangered species. Hunting and the pesticide DDT both contributed
to a massive decline in its population in the USA, being reduced to around 400 breeding pairs in the 1950s from a maximum of 500,000 200 years earlier. Protections were put in place, and the population rebounded, but this in turn has had some detrimental effects. As mentioned, the Bald Eagle is important to Native Americans, and they were now forbidden from using its feathers in ceremonies. Dispensations were later made, and now all dead eagles are sent to the National Eagle Repository, from where their feathers are sent to tribes. In a neat example of things coming full circle, the National Eagle Repository is based at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal Wildlife Refuge in Colorado. A former chemical weapons production site, it was later leased to companies that produced pesticides, perhaps including the DDT that decimated Bald Eagle populations. However, security considerations and pollution limited human development of the area, which led to it becoming an overwintering site for the birds. Being an endangered species at the time, this accelerated the protection of the site for nature, enabling the construction of the Repository in the first place.
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Japan
We now turn to Aoi, who, being from Japan, has the carp as one of her national animals. While their origin is not entirely certain, studies by MABUCHI et al. suggest that what we now know as carp originated in eastern Asia, with Lake Biwa, northeast of Kyoto, being one of the strongest candidates for the precise location. It is known as an ancient lake, having existed continuously since the Pliocene period, which ended some 2.6 million years ago. The carp that currently live there are the oldest lineage currently discovered, though they aren’t directly related to the common ancestor of all carp. Instead, studies by NAKAJIMA have suggested that some of the fossilised remains of other carp species found in this lake may be the direct ancestors instead. Koi carp, or Nishikigoi, are probably the most wellknown representatives of the species. Although carp have been kept for hundreds, if not thousands, of years, these fish were not colourful. In the early 1800s, a mutation in fish kept near Yamakoshi first enabled humans to selectively breed these individuals for colour, though another study by WANG and LI suggests they may have been found earlier in China. DE KOCK and GOMELSKY have suggested that this change was aided by a famine at the time, killing many carp and thus reducing the gene
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pool. Any colourful mutations in the population, which would’ve been masked by the dominant pale genes, were then more likely to show up as colour carrying individuals were more likely to be bred, and so have colourful children. These early Koi were probably red or white, and other colours, like gold or the various colour combinations we now have, came later as they were bred Koi for their ornamental properties. As they became more popular, and Japan became better linked internationally, further breeds have been produced all over the world. This spread has also made them something of a problem, as an invasive species. When these fish escape into the waters of other countries, either intentionally or accidentally, they can be very damaging to the habitat. Aside from preying on other species of fish, they have proved very effective at hurting plant life. Carp like to root around in the substrate for food, but in doing so, they often dislodge plants which provide food for others. Even if these plants survive, this rooting around turns up sediment which blocks them getting the light they need for photosynthesis, and so opening them up to starvation instead. Despite these negative impacts around the world, carp are still a potent symbol of good luck and prosperity.
The UK
Finally, it’s my turn! As the sole representative from the UK, I am represented by the Lion. Unlike the other examples so far, the lion is not native to the UK. It originated in Africa around 1.8 million years ago, though an ancestor of approximately the same size existed around 5 million years before that. Like Fung Scholars, they gradually spread across the world, reaching Alaska by at least 300,000 years ago, and the rest of North America in the next 200,000, later continuing down into Mexico and Peru. However, unlike the lions we know today, they were probably maneless, with a cave painting at the Chauvet Cave in France showing a male lion without one. It seems that a single population in Europe later developed it, and this form gradually replaced all other lions globally. This is because the mane acts as a signal of male vigour and fitness, allowing females to choose the partner with better genes. Over time, changing climates, and hunting by our ancestors/relatives, pushed lions back to their current habitats. So what do lions have to do with the UK? Despite not being from here, the oldest known lion fossil in
Europe comes from Norfolk, with a jawbone being found from around 700,000 years ago by LEWIS et al. Lions have also been kept in the UK for nearly a millennium, developing their association with royalty, and as a by-product, the country. Early records suggest that they may have been here since 1125, with Henry I keeping them in Woodstock, near where Oxford University would later be built. They were definitely here by the time of King John in the late 12th century, when they were kept at the Tower of London. Initially private, the Royal Menagerie, as it was then known, was opened to the Public in the 1700s, where you could get in by either paying 3p, or by providing food for the animals! Eventually, this was closed by William IV and the lions moved to London Zoo. Despite originally being a symbol of the rich and powerful, they were later possible to buy in shops, with Harrods department store selling a lion named Christian in 1969 for the modern equivalent of ÂŁ3500! With the length of its association with the UK, it is associated with a variety of British things, including the royal family and national football team.
The Giant Panda, the Bald Eagle, the Carp and the Lion. A diverse range of animals from all over the world, representing an equally diverse group of individuals. In a time when countries are becoming more nationalistic, it is important that organisations like the Victor and William Fung Foundation enable us to come together and celebrate what unites us all.
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Global Affairs
Global Affairs
“Money “Money makes makes the the world world go go round…” round…”
Lessons learnt from interning at a 6-month-old Tunisian fintech startup
Joyce CHIN (FS2010-11, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology)
Tunisia is probably not the most popular destination for a summer internship. No wonder why whenever I told others about where I had spent my summer, they often sought clarification – “… do you mean you’re going to Indonesia?”. The answer is no. I went to Tunisia, the North African country famous for the Jasmine Revolution. Its 11 million-strong population has seen a wide range of cultures influence their nation – the Carthaginians, the Berbers, the French, and the Arabians. Being the northernmost country in Africa, it shares the Mediterranean shoreline with its neighbours Algeria and Libya; though if you check out their flight schedule, with many flights to Malta and Italy. Europeans used to frequent the country as a tourist destination before the 2015 terrorist attack at the Bardo Museum in the capital city, TUNIS. The attack made Tunisia fall out of favour with tourists, cutting off the flow of tourism revenue that was a key component of the country’s economy.
To combat the downturn, the government passed the Startup Act, which aims to encourage local entrepreneurship. It is against this backdrop that the startup I worked with, Kaoun, was born. It is a local startup, founded by 3 Tunisians studying in the United States, that aims to transform Tunisia into a cashless society with more equal access to financial services.
“Cashless” is largely the way of life for many of you reading this newsletter. Tunisia, however, is a different story. With only 37% adults having a bank account, Tunisians largely conduct their day-to-day business in cash, with debit cards reserved for only the wealthy while credit cards are rarely used. This is why Kaoun’s goal, to make smartphones the go-to source of payment, is an ambition that will require massive behavioral and technological change. You may wonder why the co-founders took such a leap of faith. Why don’t they stick with something closer to the status quo, say, creating a mobile payment tool on feature phones like Kenya’s M-Pesa? That is because, for Kaoun, going cashless is only the first step. With the data accessible through the mobile payment service, they hope to make Tunisia more financially inclusive, so that more people can have a bank account for their savings, take out loans, or get insurance. With machine learning, the data on one’s smartphone proves to be a source of valuable information about daily life, that will help determine an individual’s creditworthiness for banks.
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Sound a bit vague? This was the point of my internship, fleshing out how this informal credit scoring would work, and the extent to which it could benefit the underbanked population. It is no easy task, with 90% population unable to make a bank loan for a myriad of reasons. Without boring you with details, here are a few things I learnt in this past summer.
1.
Life in an early-stage startup is full of uncertainties and surprises
Anyone who’s ever started a business will already know this. I was surprised at just what it was like to be in an environment where nothing is certain, it only being 2 months since the company was founded. I remember speaking with one of the co-founders a few weeks before leaving for Tunis. We had discussed my role at Kaoun, and concluded by saying that our conversation could be out of date by the time I arrived! Large changes like this were an ever-present factor during my internship. I came to learn that priorities can, and will, change as opportunities present themselves. An hour with the representatives of the World Bank next week? Let’s prioritize our pitch and draw up the areas where we need their help. The data we need won’t be ready for another week? Let’s focus on finding the rural-urban divide in banking access instead. It is one thing to mentally prepare yourself with the knowledge that a startup environment is dynamic; it is quite another to live your life based on circumstances out of your control! Of course, no one lives in an absolute certainty – indeed, that would be like acting out a rehearsed play – but working in an early-stage startup just accentuates the uncertainty that much more. It could be both exciting and stressful at times, but this summer definitely taught me how to live (and work) more spontaneously than ever before!
2.
It’s progress, not perfection, that matters when it comes to improving lives
For the many Fung scholars out there, the feeling of wanting to be “perfect” (e.g., a 4.0 GPA) is perhaps all too familiar. When we feel our work is below par, there is always that nagging feeling that it isn’t ready for others. However, having a mission – such as helping people access credit – helps to reorient my mindset. We must pursue imperfect solutions as long as they help us progress towards our overall goal.
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I remember learning that data privacy laws in Tunisia limit our ability to source third-party data, with which we can create a more accurate credit score. We had three options. First, we could advocate for regulatory changes until we get what we want. Second, we could give up, because we know the score wouldn’t be as accurate as we would like it. Or third, we could just accept the setback and work with what we have. In an academic setting, I might have chosen to try something else, had I known the result wouldn’t meet my own expectations. Yet, when you’re trying to improve the life of others, any improvement is better than doing nothing. The mindset shift, from “all or nothing” perfectionism to a more pragmatic view, comes from realizing that our work is not about getting validation for ourselves, but in making a difference to the lives of others.
3.
There is nothing like experiencing a culture first-hand We seem to be a generation dedicated to armchair, rather than actual, travelling. After all, what isn’t on the Internet? We can browse photos of the most visited spots on Google, learn the history of countries on Wikipedia, and even read the real-life stories from people across the globe, like you are doing at this very moment! After living in Tunisia for a few months, however, I realize that there is no replacement for experiencing life in a foreign country first-hand.
I cannot recall how many times people were surprised when I told them that I enjoyed my time in Tunisia, even though I don’t speak either of the two official languages - Tunisian Arabic and French! It didn’t help that they already had preconceptions based on the sporadic attacks and protests they read about on the internet. There is also a stereotype about Arabic countries, which suggest they are conservative, and consider women less than men. From my own perspective, I found Tunis to be fairly safe, and that women were treated with respect, which is something I would never have known that if I hadn’t been here! It goes to show how the abundance of information online can be both a blessing, and a curse. The media is more likely to pick up bad news than to report on a normal day; while the online commentary can be based on perspectives you do not share. That is why there is nothing like seeing, and judging, a place for yourself, based on your own experiences. While there is much more that I learnt during my time with Kaoun that I would love to share, I believe that these messages are those that would resonate the most with you. Saying that, I am more than happy to share more of my experience and thoughts about the country – please feel free to reach out!
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Remarkable Moments
Remarkable Moments
Discover Discover a a Different Different Hong Hong Kong Kong from from
Sham Shui Po
Jingyi YANG (FS2018-19, Zhejiang University)
When it comes to Hong Kong (HK), visions of glitzy shopping malls, serried skyscrapers, and exotic sights seem to crowd my mind. I had usually seen the glamorous side of Hong Kong, but this time I discovered a different aspect of the city from Sham Shui Po, a historically blue-collar neighbourhood in Kowloon. Organized by a social enterprise, and sponsored by the Victor and William Fung Foundation, we were lucky to join the half-day visit of Sham Shui Po on December 1st. With a local guide leading the way, we mainly visited three places in the neighbourhood—Apliu Street flea market, a residential building, and an area under flyovers—which helped us get connected with the life of local people.
Apliu Street flea market reminds me of the Ladies’ Market in Mong Kok- they both consist of open stalls, but they target different consumers. While the Ladies’ Market mainly sells inexpensive souvenirs and clothing, often emblazoned with “I HK”, the flea market provides the items needed for daily life. Bargain gadgets, electronics and cheap clothes are common in the flea market, each sold for very little. In particular, low-cost radios and fixed-line phones, worth HK$100 - HK$200, are still quite popular despite being a little outdated. As for the people, both vendors and consumers are mostly middle-aged or older, showing that although the market is known as a tourist attraction, it serves the local people to a larger extent.
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It is easy to find a job whose monthly salary is over HK$10,000 in Hong Kong. While that may not seem too bad for the mainland, the high prices of Hong Kong mean that it requires strict budgeting to get by. Chief among these, of course, is rent. According to our guide, lots of flats in Sham Shui Po are subdivided into several rooms, and each room then holds several three-layer beds. The upper layer is the cheapest, with rent around HK$1,500 per month, but it is only large enough for a tenant to sleep, not to mention any extra space for personal belongings. To our shock and amazement, such a subdivided flat can earn, in total, more than a high-grade apartment does. Moreover, since many people live in one flat, the overall consumption of water and electricity becomes rather high, and thereby raising the price per unit. Together, this means that if one wants to rent a so-so room, about 100ft², it will take around HK$5,000 - HK$6,000 a month. It was a pity that we couldn’t see inside one of these rooms, but a visit to the rooftop of one of the residential buildings sufficed. There was no elevator, meaning we had to climb the narrow stairs past dim corridors before we finally reached the roof. It was crowded with television antenna and washed clothes; teeming with that innate flavour of life. When walking out of the building, we noticed several inhabitants in their 60s standing in the street, reading newspapers or simply watching passers-by.
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Our last stop was beneath the flyovers in front of the Jade Market; a place where street sleepers used to live. There used to be more than 10 cabins here, but there were only one or two left when we visited. In order to improve the old and dense Sham Shui Po, the government tore down these cabins, and plans to build study rooms there. It is part of their larger plan to rejuvenate the area through the construction of medium-and high-class housing, along with the surrounding facilities. But where can the current residents go? They are mainly lower-income earners and new immigrants, and it will be hard for them to afford the new standard. If the affordable housing, bargain stalls and neighbourhood go, where will they end up?
There are no easy answers to this question. This short trip showed us just some of the problems faced by the city, and some of the efforts that aim to change it. Every city has multiple aspects, and this aspect, though hard to be discovered by the casual visitor, builds up a better-rounded image of Hong Kong in my mind.
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Interview of Wenrui LI Miranda WANG (FS2018-19, Shanghai Jiao Tong University)
Bio info of Wenrui
Wenrui LI Nanjing University The University of Hong Kong (HKU) 2018 fall semester Faculty of Social Sciences SOCI2015 Hong Kong Popular Culture Cantonese; Hiking Climbing the Suicide Cliff; Celebrating Halloween at Lan Kwai Fong; and developing my Japanese with a friend I loved the Yau Ma Tei wholesale fruit market, Exploration around Hong Kong (HK) and went there at midnight to see how it changed! My spot on the third floor of the Main Library Favorite place in HKU Best place to learn Cantonese/ its sea and piers/ Things I like about HK the wonderful museums/ the awesome lectures/ the scenery/ Cantopop/ the many hiking spots All the little vegetables in my meals! Things I don’t like about HK Name Home university Exchanged with Exchange time Enrolled in Favorite class New skills learnt here New experiences
Q: What did the exchange in Hong Kong mean to you? A: My exchange in Hong Kong was a turning point in my life. It was the first time I had lived in a new city on my own, without my family, and having to manage things by myself. This allowed me to become more independent during the semester.
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Q: Do you still remember your first day here? How was it? A: My first day in Hong Kong was a disaster. Firstly, I had trouble with my Hong Kong Exit-Entry Permit, and I had to get a replacement within seven days, or leave Hong Kong! Having never had visa issues before, I didn’t know who to ask for help. What’s worse, I found that my dormitory was atop a steep slope, and it was raining! I had to carry my luggage to my room on my own, so it didn’t help that it was on the top floor and there was no elevator! I was quite desperate that day! Q: How was Hong Kong University (HKU)? Did you like it? A: I had a wonderful time at HKU. My favourite course was that of Hong Kong Popular Culture. As a super fan of Cantopop and WONG Kar Wai’s films, my image of Hong Kong used to come from just these sources. In this course, I was able to explore more in this field from within, especially as the lecturer, Gary, is a Hong Kong native who’s spent many years researching the topic. It was nice to understand Hong Kong’s popular culture from a local perspective!
What’s more, in HKU, I attended a lot of great lectures. With lectures by the likes of Gordon MATHEWS, an anthropologist specialising in Hong Kong studies; the famous Taiwanese writer LUNG Ying-Tai ( 龍應台 ); and director of the Dunhuang Academy, WANG Xudong; I found immense joy in experiencing the world through the lives of others. HKU is a good platform to connect with experts from different fields, and build your own knowledge. Q: Did you make any friends here? A: I received a great deal of love and care during my four months in Hong Kong. I gained friends from all over the world, and made my best friends, Miranda and Jessie, in the Cantonese course. We travelled a lot together and have good memories of our time together, though we hope to stay connected.
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(left to right) Wenrui LI (FS2018-19, Nanjing University) and Miranda WANG (FS2018-19, Shanghai Jiao Tong University)
Also, with the basic Cantonese I learnt during the class, I was able to talk with local people in their language. The security guard on my dormitory, the cashier in the supermarket, the people we ran across hiking; I talked to them all! Getting involved and engaged with the local culture made me feel connected to the city. It was my first time living in a city far from home, and I now consider Hong Kong to be my second hometown. Q: Do you feel any different after living in Hong Kong for one semester? How is your life as a Fung Scholar? A: I realized that living in Hong Kong is totally different as a resident and as a tourist! As a tourist, everything is arranged for you, and you don’t have to worry about how to furnish your room or what to cook for dinner. Also, you mainly see the skyscrapers and shining neon lights, but after spending several months here, I discovered a different side to this metropolis. I went to Sham Shui Po on a guided tour organized by the Victor and William Fung Foundation, finding an old community far removed from the neon lights, where people are struggle with living costs.
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On the other hand, I also discovered the Yau Ma Tei fruit market as part of my digital heritage course, to see how it changes from day into night, while I also observed migrant workers gathering in Central on Sundays. All these experiences led me to think about the diversity and possibilities of Hong Kong. While here, I came to know more about the city’s mix of culture, and its unique position between East and West. This kindled my interest in the possibility of studying this further, leading me to apply for courses at several universities in the UK. I see my exchange in Hong Kong as a treasured moment in my life, and would like to thank HKU, along with the Victor and William Fung Foundation, for providing me with such a wonderful chance to live in and experience a different culture.
Q: Thank you a lot for agreeing to be interviewed. I Hope you have a great time after you return home! A: Thank you!
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Ten Things about Exchange Student Xizun WANG
Miranda WANG (FS2018-19, Shanghai Jiao Tong University)
Name Home university Exchanged with Exchange time Enrolled in Favorite class New skill learned here New experiences Exploration around HK Favorite place in HKU Things I like about HK Things I don’t like about HK
Bio info of Xizun
Xizun WANG Harbin Institute of Technology The University of Hong Kong (HKU) 2018 fall semester Faculty of Social Sciences Urban and regional development I Photography Watching fireworks for National Day, and joining the LGBT Parade A trip to Singapore & Malaysia during reading week Tai Kwun The Clean air/ the sea view/ cultural activities/ public transport/ McDonald’s! How expensive it is/ the congestion/ my noisy roommate & hallmates
1. There were only five exchange places for my whole university. I wasn’t hopeful when I applied for it, and so was pleasantly surprised to be admitted to HKU. I was even more surprised to learn that my programme would also be funded by the Victor and William Fung Foundation.
2. As there is no exchange agreement between HKU’s School of Architecture and my university, I chose the Faculty of Social Sciences, which includes the Department of Geography, in order to get as close as possible to my subject. In view of the need for some time to adjust, and also, to travel, I only took four courses this semester – two Geography, one Landscape, and one Urban Planning. The HKU teachers are highly educated, with two graduates from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and another from Harvard.
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3. The most challenging thing was that the courses were taught in English. I thought it would be to my advantage, but I found that there was quite a language gap between what I had learnt and how the courses were taught. This wasn’t helped by the fact that each course had a large reading list, a lot of which is relatively abstract and not in my native language! The worst bit by far was writing academic papers, which I found very difficult as there was no step-by-step training. 4. I found that HKU was a truly international institution. International students and staff can be seen everywhere on campus, including people from Taiwan, Singapore, Chile and Korea, in addition to those from Hong Kong and the mainland. 5. As for the future, I am so pleased to become a Fung Scholar. At HKU, there were exchange students being enrolled in several mainland universities, many of whom received financial assistance from the Victor and William Fung Foundation, and I look forward to meeting some of them when I return home! The Foundation also organized a variety of activities for us, such as visits to other universities like The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and The Chinese University of Hong Kong, guided tours of Sham Shui Po and many more. These activities deepened our understanding of Hong Kong and facilitated our enjoyment of the exchange!
6. We took advantage of the reading week to travel to Singapore and Malaysia. It was my first time going abroad, so it will be an experience I will always treasure. We saw many exotic landscapes and interesting people, which have really broadened our horizons.
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7. One of the happiest moments of the exchange was when I was taking pictures of Tai Kwun. A lady approached me and gave me a cookie, saying “Merry Christmas” to me. 8. Although Hong Kong is a major international financial centre, behind its prosperity the bottom-class residents are living in a different world. In terms of ordinary residents, most people live under the pressure of high house prices. A friend of mine said he thought that “the foreign moon is rounder” ( 外 国的月亮比较圆 ), or to use an English idiom, that “the grass is greener on the other side”. After coming to Hong Kong, I discovered, as everyone does, that everywhere has its own problems. 9. Having seen more and more places, I believe more and more that the world has never had a heaven, no perfect place we can all enjoy. By choosing one side, we give up on the others, and as such, there is no best choice but the most suitable.
10. As someone born on the day of Hong Kong’s return to China (1st July 1997), I have grown up with Hong Kong. Although my exchange has ended, I believe that my ties to Hong Kong won’t end here.
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Editorial Editorial Board Board Profiles Profiles James ASHWORTH (FS2018-19, University of Oxford) My name is James ASHWORTH, and I’m the Editor-in-Charge of this issue of the Fung Scholars newsletter. I currently study Biology at the University of Oxford, where I’m a new Fung Scholar, having only become one this year as part of the LLIC program at HKU! I’m a big fan of Doctor Who, indeed, I’m part of the society here in Oxford, as well a wide variety of books and comics. I hope you’ve enjoyed this issue of the newsletter!
Editor-in-Charge Aoi HASHIMOTO (FS2016-17, The University of Tokyo)
Editor
Hi! I’m studying Economics & Finance at The University of Tokyo and got involved with the Victor and William Fung Foundation when I experienced a one-year exchange program in University of Geneva, extending my horizon into the field of international relations. My wonderful experience there would never have been possible without the aid of Fung Scholarship! I’m now back in Europe, as part of a company that bridges the gap between Japan and Europe through a variety of research areas. It is an honour for me to be part of the newsletter’s editorial team, and I hope you enjoy our articles.
Jamie KO (FS2009-10, Singapore Management University)
Writer 60 Editorial Board Profiles
I received the Fung Scholarship in 2010 for my exchange at the University of Mannheim, Germany. Once I completed a double degree in Business Management (Marketing) and Accountancy at Singapore Management University, I spent the first 6 years of my career as a management consultant with the Boston Consulting Group. Recently, I joined a HR tech start-up, Pulsifi, where I hope to help organizations better understand people. In my free time, I love making things with my hands. Since starting the Singapore Chapter in 2011, I have continued to enjoy meeting with new and not-so-new Fung Scholars based in Singapore.
Joscelin YEUNG (FS2014-15, Hong Kong Baptist University)
Writer
I’ve been a Fung Scholar since 2014, when I did an exchange semester at the University of Kent in the UK. I later received a bachelor’s degree in Government and International Studies from Hong Kong Baptist University, and a Master’s degree in Public Management and Governance from London School of Economics. At the moment, I’m working in training and development at a local property developer. I’m also Vice President of Education at the Centraler Toastmasters Club, and as such, an avid fan of public speaking. As well as this, I’m a tea lover and keen advocate of gender equality.
Jose BARCENA (FS2011-12, MIT)
Writer
I was awarded the Fung Scholarship in 2011 to learn German at the Freie University in Berlin, Germany. After graduating in Materials Science and Engineering from MIT in June 2012, I worked as an intern in Germany before starting my master’s studies. I now hold a master’s degree in Health Economics and Pharmaeconomics from the University Pompeu Fabra in Barcelona, and am currently finishing the last semester of my second master’s in Advanced Materials Science and Engineering from the Polytechnic University of Catalonia. I enjoy travelling, the culinary arts, and electronic music festivals!
Joyce CHIN (FS2010-11, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology)
Writer
I am currently pursuing a master’s degree in International Political Economy at the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). Last summer, I was in Tunisia, where I helped to run a fintech startup aiming to transform the North African country into a cashless society. Hopefully, this will enable more equal access to bank loans, especially for those living in the rural areas where bank branches are miles away. Prior to SAIS, I was a management consultant with McKinsey & Company for 5 years. I received the Fung Scholarship for my undergraduate exchange studies at the New York University Stern School of Business.
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Jun Yang LEE (FS2016-17, National University of Singapore) I will soon be completing my final semester at the London School of Economics, before graduating with a double master’s degree. I’m looking forward to cracking challenging problems as a management consultant after graduation next summer. I would describe myself as passionate and optimistic, and enjoys adventure, travelling, meditating, and serving the community.
Writer Ken FUNG (FS2016-17, The Chinese University of Hong Kong)
Writer
An undergraduate studying English studies and education, I became a Fung Scholar for my exchange in Sheffield, England in 2016. I look forward to being an educator, and am determined to set a good example for students to follow, not just academically but also in general life. After returning from my exchange, I became co-head of the Hong Kong Fung Scholars Chapter. In my spare time, I am a piano accompanist for weddings and loves volunteering, hiking, swimming and traveling.
Linda YANG (right)
Linda YANG (FS2018-19 , Zhejiang University) Hello! I am Yang Jingyi Linda from Zhejiang University in China, where I’m a third-year student studying English Language and Literature in the Faculty of Arts. I was fortunate enough to have the chance to participate in an exchange with the University of Hong Kong for one semester, and I really enjoyed my time there, especially the amusement parks! In my spare time, I love seeing films and playing basketball.
Editor 62 Editorial Board Profiles
Miranda WANG (FS2018-19 , Shanghai Jiaotong University)
Writer; Editor
My name is Miranda, and I received my Fung Scholarship as part of my studies at Shanghai Jiaotong University. I received my Fung Scholarship as part of my exchange with the University of Hong Kong, where I was enrolled in the faculty of Arts. While at HKU, I learnt Cantonese and swimming skills, allowing me to swim in the ocean a few times. I was also able to participate in climbing sports, as well as being able to travel to Malaysia during a reading week; an unforgettable experience! I enjoyed my time so much that I even made a video about it (https://youtu.be/Zk1BROda4rQ)!
Steffany CHENG (FS2017-18, The University of Hong Kong) I was awarded the Fung Scholarship in 2017. I am a fourth-year Business student at the University of Hong Kong, and undertook my exchange at the University of Sydney. Being passionate about the latest market opportunities, financial trends, and social entrepreneurship, I am always eager to meet industry leaders to learn their insights. My hobbies include yoga and travelling.
Writer Huimin WANG (FS2016-17, Xiamen University)
Writer
Having graduated from Xiamen University in 2018, I am now based in Southampton in the UK where I’m studying for a PhD in English. During my undergraduate years, I took part in an exchange with Hong Kong University, for which I fortunately received the Fung Scholarship! My research interests are primarily Shakespeare and traditional Chinese theatre, particularly as a part of ongoing cross-cultural communications on a global scale. I am fascinated by the multiple possibilities of literature works, including their potential for reinterpretation, education and development. Besides this, I am also a two-way Chinese-English translator and interpreter, with CATTI certificates. I hope you enjoy this issue’s feature stories!
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Ding YANG (FS2017-18, Peking University)
Editor
I am YANG Ding (FS2017-18, Peking University), and was awarded a Fung Scholarship to support my sustainability studies at the University of Oxford. This gave me the opportunity to explore my area of interest-environmental issues. I also joined the European Chapter of the Fung Scholarship when I did an exchange semester in Germany. Back at my home University of Peking, I’m a master’s degree student researching the geochemistry of the environment, focusing on removing heavy metal from polluted water. In my spare time, I volunteer in an NGO aimed at mitigating climate change, as well as enjoying the violin, hip-hop, swimming, and hiking.
Lily CHAN (FS2018-19, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University) I am CHAN Yan Yan, or Lily, a third-year student majoring in accountancy at Hong Kong Polytechnic University. I am going on a winter exchange semester at Ryerson University in Canada, where I would like to be adventurous and try new things. While I am not a design student, I have become the designer to challenge myself and explore my interests.
Designer
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January 2019
FUNG SCHOLARS NETWORK NEWSLETTER