Fung Scholars Network Newsletter June 2023

FUNG SCHOLAR N E T W O R K N E W S L E T T E R J U N E / J U LY 2 0 2 3

TO FUNG SCHOLARS

Content [01 Foundation Updates]

03

Welcome Gathering for Hong Kong Fung Scholars

04

Christmas Gathering X Nonviolent Communication Workshop

05

Fung Scholars Singapore Chapter — Welcome & Get-together Gathering

07

Fung Scholars Hong Kong Chapter — Reunion Gathering After Three Years Isolation

08

Fung Scholars Hong Kong Chapter— Sha Tak Kok Three Hakka Villages Guided Tour

09

[02 Community Updates]

10

Embracing Cultural Differences in Birmingham, the UK

11

Go into Battery Technology— From Northeastern to Milan

12

Huazhong Remote Internship

14

Feeling Home in Hong Kong

15

Purchase Intentions of Aesthetic Goods from the Perspective of Perceived Quality and Durability

16

Internship Experience at the CLeAR Lab

17

Exchange in the Netherlands - Expanding My Worldview

18

Agriculture Adventure in Philippines

19

What are the keys to supporting the development of agriculture?

22

Cultural Discovery in Taiwan

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[03 Acknowledgement Writer’s bio]

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01

Foundation F O U N DAT I O N U P DAT E S

J U N E / J U LY 2 0 2 3

30 May — Fung Scholars from Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) and The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST)

(From the left) Facilitator: Clare Chin (FS2019/20, HKBU), Mickey Yau (FS2019/20 HKUST), Vincent Leong (FS2019/20, HKBU) and Ken Lui (FS2021/22, HKBU)

18 August 2022 – Fung Scholars from The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), The University of Hong Kong (HKU) and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU)

6 August 2022 – Fung Scholars from City University of Hong Kong (CityU), The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK) and Lingnan University (LU)

Welcome gathering for Hong Kong Fung Scholars A total of three Welcome Gatherings for the new Fung Scholars (Hong Kong

(From the left) Facilitator: Equanimity Fung (FS2011/12, CUHK), Kelvin Cheng (FS2021/22, LU), Ryan Wong (FS2016/17, CityU), Cyrus Koo (FS2014/15, LU), Vicky Chan (FS2021/22, LU)

Chapter) were successfully held,

attracting

participants.

110

Fung

Scholars

Twelve

Fung

Scholars

returned from exchange were invited

to

share

their

experience with fellows.

(From the left) Dragon Koon (FS2021/22, CUHK), Ivan Wong (FS2021/22, CUHK), Cynthia Yuen (FS2021/22, CUHK)

4

advice

and

T H E F U N G S C HO L A R N EWSL E T T E R

C h ri s t mas G athe ri ng X N o n vi o l e n t C o m muni c ati on Work shop SA B RI N A WO N G (FS 2 0 21/ 2 2, PO LY U)

A Christmas gathering was held for Fung

or negative—during the incident), Needs

Scholars (Hong Kong Chapter) on 10 De-

(identifying what you are seeking based

cember 2022 at LiFung Tower. It has been

on your feelings), and Requests (telling

some time since Fung Scholars last met

others your needs to feel better). To put

in-person.

theories into practice, Noel introduced an educational board game called “No Fault

With great support from several Fung

Zone”, in which players are to share inter-

Scholars, the party venue was decorated

personal conflicts they encountered and

with Christmas baubles and LED light

provide feedback on how to better man-

strings, creating a cosy and Christmassy

age so.

ambience. Special mocktails and snacks were prepared and special headbands in

After the game, we all felt strongly about

different styles (e.g., reindeer, elf hat) for

realising the needs and negative emo-

everyone. These would not be possible

tions which we had unconsciously ne-

without the love and creativity of contrib-

glected, as well as the importance of

uting Fung Scholars.

proper communication which we had overlooked. Learning to observe without

A workshop on non-violent communi-

prejudice and expressing our feelings,

cation was held as part of the gather-

needs and requests when we are affected

ing. The workshop was hosted by Noel

by negative emotions is challenging. Still,

Lam, founder of Third Sector Connect

it is always worth trying. Effective emo-

Ltd., a non-profit promoting awareness

tional regulation is a lifelong learning

was successful and fun. We are grate-

and skills of “non-violent communica-

task.

ful to JennyAnn and Tracy, for coordi-

tion”. The speaker shared the four key

nating the event, and Noel for deliver-

components for effective management

Following this fruitful workshop was the

ing an inspiring workshop! Nonviolent

of interpersonal conflicts. They are Ob-

most exciting part of the gathering—

communication is truly a life-changer

servation (observation of happenings

Christmas gifts exchange! Each of us pre-

for everyone, so do learn about it!

without judgement), Feelings (acknowl-

pared a gift and played games to figure

Wishing you all a Happy New Year and

edging your emotions—positive, neutral,

out the recipient of the gift. The gathering

Chinese New Year!

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T H E F U N G S C HO L A R N EWSL E T T E R

Fung Scholars Singapore Chapter — Welcome & Get-together Gathering JAMIE KO (FS2009/10, SINGAPORE MANAGEMENT UNIVERSITY) The gathering in June 2022 was the first physical Fung Scholars event based in Singapore since the pandemic, bringing current and new Fung Scholars together to learn about each other’s exchange experience. Unlike previous typical pre-departure gatherings, this event happened after Fung Scholars’ return from their exchange programme. It was also the first time that the event was joined by incoming students from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) who came to Singapore for a research attachment programme.

At the meeting, Fung Scholars discussed and shared the vastly different pandemic management between home country and programme countries. The MIT students shared their immersive experience in Singapore, e.g., visiting attraction spots featured in films, trying out transports to get around Singapore, etc. The MIT students were inspired to initiate organising similar social events for Fung Scholars in other countries they visit.

Participants also got to learn about each other better via an exhilarating quiz. The gathering was very fruitful and the Singapore Chapter anticipates having more events (online / virtual) under the new normal.

Current and new Fung Scholars sharing their exchange experiences

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J U N E / J U LY 2 0 2 3

Fung Scholars Hong Kong Chapter — Reunion Gathering After Three Years Isolation

“It really has been a while!”

Nearly 50 Fung Scholars at the Reunion Dinner

“I am so happy to see you!”

The 2023 marks the 17th year of bringing people together through the Fung Scholarships. The Fung Scholar Reunion Gathering was successfully held on 16 February 2023 at Explorium, Lai Chi Kok, Hong Kong. Happy faces were seen at this Fung Scholars enjoying chit-chat after three years isolation

long-awaited gathering after nearly three years of disruptions to events under the COVID.

We were delighted to have the presence of nearly 50 Fung Scholars from a wide range of industries and backgrounds. It was a very special night of networking and reuniting with the familiar buddies and meeting new people, and absolutely a joyful evening filled with lots of fun and laughter.

Thank you all for coming and sharing this special moment together.

Fung Scholars capturing the delightful moment

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Fung Scholars Hong Kong Chapter — Sha Tak Kok Three Hakka Villages Guided Tour

Equanimity Fung (the left, wearing red cap) is leading the tour to

Fung Scholars taking ferry to Lai Chi Wo, Hong Kong

Coastal Heritiera

The Sha Tau Kok Three Hakka Villages Guided Tour, led by Equanimity Fung (FS 2011/12, CUHK), wrapped up on 19 February.

The Fung Scholar Three Hakka Villages Tour gave participants a glimpse of how rural villages in Hong Kong like Lai Chi Wo have been revitalised. Participants enjoyed the coastal scenery and had authentic Hakka meals and snacks during the tour.

Equanimity has a deep passion for Chinese literature and poetry. He is a countryside conservation activist who works closely with the Hong Kong Countryside Foundation, from providing tour guides for the public to organic farming. He has recently moved to Lai Chi Wo, Sha Tau Kok to work on the Lai Chi Wo Revitalisation Project.

The tour started off on their journey!

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02

COMMUNITY CO M M U N I T Y U P DAT E S

T H E F U N G S C HO L A R N EWSL E T T E R

Embracing Cultural D iffe r e nc es in Birmingham , th e UK S A B R I N A WO N G ( F S 2021/ 2 2 , P O LY U )

Sabrina (the right) and her friend

Going on an exchange is a perfect opportunity to challenge oneself. I am honoured to receive a scholarship from the Foundation which gives me the opportunity to explore the U.K. and study at the University of Birmingham. I enjoyed learning sociology and criminology (e.g., feminism, race, class, criminal injustice, cybercrime) in the British context. The discussions in class encouraged me to think from different perspectives and embrace cultural differences.

Museums in Paris organise art pieces around the world by periods (e.g., 1900–1949) and provide less information about the artwork. Artworks in Amsterdam are mainly based on sceneries and politics and their expression has a sense of humour. . I found joy exploring these cultural differences along my exchange.

Most importantly, this journey has taught me to slow down and be more observant. Hong Kong is a hectic and crowded city where people are efficiency-oriented and have little time to slow down and pay attention to their surroundings. I started to learn to live life at a slower pace after arriving in Birmingham. I walked slower, ate slower, and spent time sitting by the bench to enjoy the sun. I often walked around the lake near my accommodation to clear my mind. The exchange has given me the head space for self-reflection and greater clarity in life.

I treasure the friendships I made and the encounters I had during the exchange. Homesickness is inevitable but learning how to cope with it is the key to enjoying the exchange life fully. I am grateful to my roommates and classmates for arranging social gatherings and giving moral support, especially during times I felt homesick and lonely. Visiting the world-class museums (e.g., The British Museum and the National Gallery), watching musicals and having small talks with strangers in the UK are some of the new experiences that spiced up my exchange.

All in all, this exchange has brought me precious memories and personal growth. At first, I had doubts about living independently. During these few months, I have learnt to believe in myself and to ask for help.

I have achieved things I never thought possible— travelling alone from Hong Kong to Birmingham with 40kg luggage, living with new people, completing house chores independently, exploring other countries alone and many more. These experiences have made me more confident and mature and have formed a fruitful and surreal chapter in my life.

A memorable moment along the journey is my participation as a helper in the Commonwealth Games 2022 held in Birmingham. The Commonwealth Games is an international sports event bringing together athletes from 72 countries competing in 20 sports. Watching the gymnasts who continued to complete the whole performance despite misses and mistakes, I was reminded of the importance of being persistent amidst obstacles.

During the exchange, I lingered around museums and galleries in different countries and observed nuances of museum management between the U.K., Paris and Amsterdam. For the display of art pieces, the British Museum tends to organise art pieces by their origins and provide a general overview of the connotation.

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J U N E / J U LY 2 0 2 3

G O I N T O B AT T E R Y T E C H N O L O GY— F R O M NORTHEASTERN TO MILAN CHRIS TOPHER OWEN ( F S 2 0 2 0 / 21, N O R T H E A S T E R N U N I V E R S I T Y )

Being a researcher in the energy sector is truly fascinating. Recent years have witnessed enormous technological progress in the development of renewable energy to address the climate crisis. This has brought new opportunities to emerging technologies for the betterment of mankind.

The future of clean energy and electric vehicles depends on our ability to store and release energy efficiently and at a reasonable cost. During the past five years, I had the opportunity to work in the field of battery technology. One company I worked for, Form Energy, is commercialising a long-duration battery for the grid, meaning it provides energy for extended time periods at a reasonable cost. The chemistry of the battery is iron-air. It turns iron to rust during discharge and then rust to iron on charge. This experience inspired my decision to pursue further studies at Columbia’s Electrochemical Energy Center.

Professor Marcel Di Vece (left) and Christopher Owen (right) standing next to a nanocluster source used to deposit particles on a surface using a process known as magnetron sputtering

Palladium is a metal commonly used for its catalytic properties; it can spontaneously separate molecular hydrogen into protons and transport them by diffusion through the metal. Silicon nitride is a material that resists oxidation. In our project, we used a large machine known as a “gas aggregation nanocluster source” to spray magnesium and silicon nitride onto a palladium surface.

By depositing magnesium nanoparticles on top of palladium and then coating them with silicon nitride, we designed a system that allowed us to shuttle protons through a palladium layer to magnesium particles protected from the ambient air.

Last year, thanks to the support from the Foundation, I moved to Milan and had the opportunity to work with Professor Marcel Di Vece at the University of Milan for a project on energy storage for five months. Hydrogen fuel is a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels and a vital tool for decarbonization. A limiting factor for enabling hydrogen as a fuel is that it exists as an explosive gas at room temperature.

As a result, it is extremely difficult and expensive to store and transport. Although batteries are the dominant fuels used in the electric vehicle industry, hydrogen still plays a crucial role in decarbonisation in industries such as steel production. Low-cost materials that can store hydrogen densely and safely are critical to building a global hydrogen economy.

The next phase of the research was the material characterisation. We hoped to form a magnesium hydride. To attempt to hydrogenate our deposited samples, I used a small chamber pressurised with gaseous hydrogen. To assess whether we had achieved successful hydrogen insertion, we used a characterization technique called “UV-Vis Spectrophotometry.” The technique involves exposing a material to light at different wavelengths and measuring its transparency. If more light could penetrate the material after hydrogenation, that would suggest the formation of magnesium hydride. In our project, after hydrogenating the samples, we saw an initial increase in transparency that de-

Magnesium is a desirable host material as the lightest weight metal with a high affinity for storing hydrogen.

The difficulty with using magnesium is the high heat (300 degrees Celsius) required to release the hydrogen after storage. Plus, magnesium readily oxidises when exposed to air, hindering its storage capabilities.

When we began the project, we hoped to prove that we could protect magnesium particles from oxidation and hydrogenate them. We succeeded on that front with an unexpected and exciting result: light-induced hydrogen release at room temperature. Magnesium hydrogen storage and release at room temperature would be a game-changer for hydrogen fuels.

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Lunch with friends at Lake Garda

creased the longer the sample was exposed to specific wavelengths of light. Hydrogen was being released from the magnesium!

That usually only happens above 300 degrees Celsius; this was at room temperature.

If scaled up and used in practice, this technology could bring massive energy savings.

" IT WAS ONE OF THE MOST RE WARD I N G

Our work titled “Photo-stimulated hydrogen desorption from magnesium nanoparticles” was published in the International Journal of Hydrogen Energy. This is my first-ever publication in a scientific journal and one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I formed lifelong friendships, made incredible memories travelling across Italy, and expanded my knowledge of energy storage materials during the exchange programme. I am tremendously grateful to the Fung Foundation for supporting my experience in Milan.

E XPER IEN CES OF MY LIFE”

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J U N E / J U LY 2 0 2 3

HUA Z HO N G REM OTE I N TERN S H IP BARTOL SIKORA (FS2021/22, UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD)

Wanting to gain greater clarity about my career and specialisation in engineering, I undertook a chemical engineering internship at the Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), with support from the Fung Foundation. The six-week internship provides me the opportunity to work online together with researchers from Imperial College London in an international renewable energy project which aims to extract and purify refined fuels

able supply of carbon-neutral energy sources.

The time difference between London and Huazhong may add difficulty to the level of collaboration and organisation of online international projects. Fortunately, the postgraduate students were helpful in supporting my part in the project and providing advice on the academic and career opportunities within the field of chemical engineering.

My role in the project was to create an overarching Life Cycle Assessment of the given plant design. The purpose of this is to identify areas in which these processes (e.g., transportation, purifying processes) are sub-optimally designed, and to suggest ways in which efficiencies could be increased, so that the environmental and economic impact associated with these processes can be reduced. The journey provides me with the autonomy and confidence in exploring creative engineering solutions and making research-informed engineering decisions. I am excited to see whether my ideas will be implemented.

Overall, my time at HUST was incredible, and I am extremely grateful to the Fung Foundation for making it possible. This internship inspired me to specialise in chemical engineering in my final year of undergraduate study. I look forward to working with HUST in the future on projects that improve the sustainability of modern energy processing methods and contribute to the realisation of carbon neutrality.

Bartol kept working on his project assessment while travelling

from biomass to provide renewable energy resources for biomass pyrolysis plants in Egypt and China.

The project began with an introduction by Professor Hu Song detailing that the project can foster the collaboration between Egypt and China in using the abundant biomass and solar energy in Asia and Africa to create a sustain-

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shopping street, enjoying the view and chatting.

There were couples taking wedding photos, children playing football and tourists eating at the s n a c k b a r. I f e l t t h e v i b e o f l i f e . A f t e r t h e e p i d e m i c has taken so much from us, we can f inally get to gether with a large group of friends again.

FEELI N G H O M E I N HO N G KO N G MA XUANLIN (FS 2022/23, RENMIN UNIVERSITY OF CHINA) Af ter a long day of s tud y, I retur ned to my dor mi tor y. I fel t happy and a t p eace, k now ing that the next day I could join my friends o n a t r i p t o S t a n l e y o r g a n i s e d b y t h e V i ctor and William Fung Foundation. It is not a common feeling for an exchange student who leaves mainland China to study at The U n i v e r s i t y o f H o n g K o n g a n d l i v e s 16 51 k i lometres away from home.

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Visiting one of the most popular restaurants in Stanley

An impressive feature of Hong Kong is its m u l t i c u l t u r a l i s m . H o w e v e r, a s I i m m e r s e d myself in the local culture by talking to different people and doing different things along the Stanley trip, I realised that it would be too reductionist to understand “multiculturalism” merely as “cultural diff e r e n c e s ”.

On the Friday afternoon we departed from Central St ation, to St anley, “ we ” – f r iends from the Victor and William Fung Foundation and friends from universities in mainland China, were all chat ting excitedly on the coach like a group of school children on a spring trip.

Chilling with other Fung Scholar s in St anley, Hong Kong

We walked through Stanley Main Street and arrived at the Murray House, a Victorian building originally built in the present- day business dis tric t of Central i n 18 4 6 . We r e a c h e d t h e t o p o f t h i s b u i l d i n g a n d enjoyed the sea view. Af ter that , we went to dinner and had an exotic meal.

The most memorable part during the whole trip was the unexpected rain. There was a sudden heav y rain while we were on our way to the bus station.

We huddled under the umbrella waiting for the bus and chat ted a lot. We chat ted about ever y thing, from our home universities to the plans for the future. The rain was cold, but in such a dif ficult situa t i o n , w e f e l t c l o s e r t o e a c h o t h e r.

The trip organised by the Victor and William Fung Foundation does give me a lot of emotional supp o r t . I t c u r e d m y e x h a u s t i o n a n d g a v e m e t h e e n e rgy to tackle the university examinations in the final week . More impor t antl y, i t makes me feel at home.

Although I was far from my familiar surroundings, I did not feel alone. I met a lot of people with similar backgrounds and made a lot of local friends. I am ver y grateful to the Fung Foundation.

The view in Stanley was healing and there was a district librar y along the shopping street. I was told that ever y district in Hong Kong has a librar y. T his gave me one more reason to love Hong Kong: libraries available in tourist and commercial areas.

We walked along the reef coast across the

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A group photo of Xuanlin (wearing black hoodie) and other Fung Scholars who go on exchange at HKU in semester one.

J U N E / J U LY 2 0 2 3

PURCHAS E I N TEN T I O N S O F AESTHE T I C GOO DS FRO M TH E PERS PEC T IVE O F PERCE IVED Q UALI T Y AN D DUR AB I LI T Y Z H A N G Y E ( F S 2 013 / 14 , P E K I N G U N I V E R S I T Y )

People believe that beautiful things function well.

Aesthetically pleasing products are characterised by rich colours and patterns that capture the attention of consumers, thus leading to potential purchases.

Perceived quality represents the consumer’s cognitive assessment of the intrinsic core benefits of a product. In simpler terms, a consumer’s judgement of a product’s overall excellence or superiority. There is a significant difference between perceived and actual quality. Many factors such as personal preference, price, brand, etc., influence consumers’ perception of the quality of product. Design aesthetics are external cues that help people assess quality but are not the decisive factor affecting perceived quality portfolio.

So, the interplay between aesthetic design and perceived quality is very important for purchase intention.

Simple and minimal design may help improve perceived quality. Steve Jobs’s legacy comes down to simplicity—a quality that stands out in an overly complex world. Apple revolutionised the business sector with its search for simplicity. Apple always projected its products to look clean and simple, thus creating an impression for quality luxury. By contrast, an aesthetic design that incorporates enriched patterns, colors, flashlights, or shapes may elicit some negative emotions leading to perceptions of low quality, childish or cheap materials.

design will not last long. Moreover, consumers are not always willing to pay high prices for disposable products like paper cups considering the short product lifetime.

Consumers buying non-durable aesthetic products often try to reserve the product for a period. This reduces their consumption rate in the end. For example, consumers buy aesthetically designed soaps or candles less frequently than regular soaps or candles. Therefore, beauty soap/candle loses its competitive advantage in consumption rate and purchase possibility compared with ordinary ones.

It is important to learn about the effect of design on perceived value because suppliers compete for aesthetic designs to appeal to consumers. But this approach may not work well without considering the characteristics of the product and the basic purchasing needs of the customer. Instead of focusing on improving aesthetic design and forgetting its emphasis on perceived quality, marketers should focus on strengthening the match between design and quality perception. A simple and clear design does not necessarily mean low quality, and sometimes a complex and beautiful design does not mean high quality. Marketers should decide on product designs that contribute to high perceived quality based on the product types.

Durability refers to the ability of products to remain serviceable and withstand physical damage over a period of life. Consumers usually buy durable and non-durable goods for different purposes and motivations. As such, the evaluation and reasoning of the perceived quality and purchase intention of these two types of products are also different. Consumers place great emphasis on design (aesthetics) and quality (high) when purchasing durable goods, but spend less time choosing or making habitual purchases when purchasing non-durable goods, since convenience (ease of use), accessibility or functionality are more important criteria.

Consumers may not be motivated to buy aesthetically pleasing, non-durable products. For example, in the case of beautifully designed and expensive disposable plates, consumers know that the beauty of the plate will create a sense of enjoyment, but they are still hesitant to buy it because the enjoyment and beauty of

Durable and Non-durable Products

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I N TERN S H IP E XPER IEN CE AT THE CLE AR L AB

“ The persistence and dedication of the scientific community continues to inspire me to remain motivated and optimistic as we work together to surpass adversity.

”

GABR IELLE K A I L I L I U

( F S 2021/22, M ASSAC H U SET T S IN ST IT U T E OF T EC H N O L O G Y )

Visiting the Asian Civilizations Museum

This summer, with generous support from the Fung Foundation, I undertook an internship as a research assistant at the Collaborative Learning and Adaptive Robots (CLeAR) Lab, the National University of Singapore (NUS). My role was to study the intersection of AI and robotics—human-robot interaction (HRI)—and focus on developing a method for moderating users’ trust in robots.

NUS is a wonderfully welcoming campus in which the strong interconnectivity among students, faculty, and staff drives collaborative idea generation and innovation. I collaborated both directly with Professor Harold Soh, Director of CLeAR Lab and a graduate student studying explainable AI in assistive human-robot task settings. We identified the specific aspects of the project that I could contribute based on my interests, capabilities, and timeframe. Having a strong interest in the role of trust in scientific innovation and computing ethics, we decided to pursue trust moderation via prediction confidence. I learned the importance of refining and establishing specific research questions, and the specific tasks involved in

each group’s work that contribute to the overall goals of the project.

Working at the CLeAR Lab is a rewarding experience in Singapore.

The Singapore research community has established a strong commitment to appreciating and realising multiculturalism within the laboratory environment—whether it was the students who regularly spoke in a mixture of English and Mandarin, research assistants who were native bilingual speakers of English and other languages such as Tamil, Malay, and Arabic, or lab members who communicated science in English while speaking colloquially in Chinese.

While my time at NUS has ended, I am continuing to work on my internship project remotely. Speaking with Professor Soh and other faculty has allowed me to gain a revised view on my future career, and I am glad to have learned about more possible paths available to forge forward. The persistence and dedication of the scientific community continues to inspire me to remain motivated and optimistic as we work together to surpass adversity.

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The U.S. is home to numerous outstanding research institutions, and in such a setting it can be easy to lose sight of the global community. Being at NUS, I have gained a broader perspective by partaking in a leading research institution’s pursuit of innovative technology and research through a global “looking-glass”. I have become part of a welcoming research community that seeks to pursue greater innovation beyond linguistic and cultural barriers. I have gained exposure to leading research techniques in explainable AI and robotics and acquired an invaluable set of practical, analytical, and interpretive skills. These have reaffirmed my belief in the power of international outreach and collaboration to unite people in realising the power of scientific innovation to make the world a better place.

As I continue to improve my ability to relay field- specific ideas and communicate science in both English and Chinese, the internship has inspired me exploring further the possibility of spending part of my future career abroad, perhaps even in Singapore.

J U N E / J U LY 2 0 2 3

Exchange in the Netherlands - Expanding My Worldview MINAHO TODAKA (FS 2016/17, THE UNIVERSITY OF TOKYO)

Autumn at UTokyo campus

A way to Leiden University from my dorm in spring

I studied at Leiden University as an

discipline in bachelor study. Their

exchange student in the Nether-

life course is not a single-track, it

lands for about 10 months. My cu-

was like jumping from one track to

riosity about Dutch culture and the

another depending on their own

flexible working environments in

choices made at each turning point.

the Netherlands drove my decision to choose the Netherlands for my

Currently, I find staying in Japan

exchange study. My experience in

and immersing myself in the local

the Netherlands has expanded my

Japanese Conversation Club at Leiden University

culture more preferable. I am about

world view in different ways.

look like Westerners but are able

to graduate from a master’s course

It

to speak Japanese.

in gender and education study this

changed

my

understanding

about society and culture. Here,

spring. However, I will not forget

things are very different from Ja-

It brings inspiration to my career

the memories and the experiences

pan. The systems within the society

path, so I can choose my career

I have gained while abroad. I look

(e.g., education, employment) are

more flexibly. In Japan, it is still

forward to studying abroad or in-

closely intertwined with one an-

common for employees to be loyal

teracting with people with different

other. Unlike Japan, the Dutch soci-

and serve one company for life.

backgrounds soon.

ety is culturally diverse—there are

During my exchange, I met sev-

people of different races, nation-

eral young Dutch working adults

alities, and speaking in different

who returned to graduate school

languages, as well as people who

despite having studied a different

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Agriculture Adventure in Philippines NORIKO KANNO (FS 2016/17, THE UNIVERSITY OF TOKYO)

Why I went to the Philippines My dream is to help farmers in developing countries through agricultural research. To fulfill this dream, I study crop science in UTokyo. However, as an undergraduate student, I had a doubt whether research conducted in universities is actually useful in real-world situations in developing countries. That is why I decided to go to the University of the Philippines and study agricultural

Learning about coconuts seriously

extension, which is to deliver new technologies to farmers.

My experimental field!

Great encounters during the exchange During the exchange, I took courses in agricultural extension, rural sociology and so on. I also conducted a small research project in a nearby village. While it was interesting to learn the basics of community development and extension communication in classrooms, it had more influence over my life to have firsthand experiences in farming communities. Both my courses and my research gave me opportunities to meet and interview some

Taking photo with the farmer who let me use his field (second stay)

farmers. They were nice to me, and I enjoyed the experience very

edge about crops and farming systems to communicate more

much, but at the same time, I felt the need to enhance my knowl-

effectively with them. Towards the end of my stay, I also met some researchers who worked in the area. They were passion-

“ They were passionate about applying sci-

ate about applying science to the actual farm situations for the

ence to the actual farm situations for the

showing technologies they developed and getting reactions. I

benefit of farmers. They communicated well with farmers by found out that this is the type of research I want to do.

benefit of farmers.”

Came back and went again Fortunately, the former leader of the research team I met in the Philippines returned to UTokyo to teach. After I came back to Japan, I decided to work under him for my undergraduate thesis and pursue graduate study. In my first year of my master’s study, I went back to the Philippines for a collaborative research project with the researchers I met before. I conducted experiments in a farmer’s field and interviewed farmers about their practices. It was very exciting. I knew a little better about crops and farming systems than in my first exchange, so my communication with farmers seemed better. I learned a lot from them and made very good friends with them. However, I experienced a new kind of frustration that I could give nothing in return to the farmers. My research was still in the stage of testing an idea for potential technology. It was far from an actual application. I learned that it was going to be a very long journey before I could achieve anything and be of any help to farmers.

From a field to another ((my first stay in Philippines)

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J U N E / J U LY 2 0 2 3

Came home, covid, and still on the way The initial plan for my graduate study was to stay in the Philippines as long as possible during my PhD, to gain more experience

in

working

with

farmers and to develop new technology for them. However, I was forced to change the plan because of COVID. As an alternative, I conducted experiments in a laboratory in Tokyo. By changing experimental

I am struggling between motherhood and study, but I will try my very best. Upon returning to the university, I plan to refine the technology and test it under farmers’ field conditions by the end of my PhD. Whether it goes well or not, I hope to continue my research journey as a scientist after graduation.

Someday I hope to return a favor to my farmer friends by bringing them new farming technologies.

conditions, I aim to develop a technology applicable for various environments. Another big change was that I am now on a leave from the university as I gave birth to a son last year.

20

T H E F U N G S C HO L A R N EWSL E T T E R

21

J U N E / J U LY 2 0 2 3

ture Empowerment & Promotion. The fundamental concept of the SHEP approach is to support farmers to “grow to sell” instead of “grow and sell.” Since its success in Kenya, where the income of 2,500 farmers has doubled in two years, this approach has been introduced in many of JICA’s projects and projects outA booth inside the Ministry of Agriculture and

Group photo with the colleagues of JICA Cote d’Ivoire office

side JICA.

Fisheries in Timor-Leste for selling locally pro-

Two ongoing projects in Côte d’Ivoire,

duced rice

PRORIL 2 for increasing rice production and PREPICO 2 for increasing the production of inland aquaculture, also introduce the concepts of the SHEP approach. Both projects first look at the rice and cultured fish market, especially in Abidjan, where the demand for these products is the largest. The projects support producers of these products in find-

Production of tilapia at one of the sites of the Project for Shunji conducting an interview with farmers in My-

ing out the information on the demand

the revitalization of inland aquaculture through the de- anmar for the final evaluation of the project for the

side, such as the price consumers are

velopment of the aquaculture value chain in Cote d’Ivoire development of water-saving agriculture technology in the Central Dry Zone

What are the keys to supporting the development of agriculture?

SHUNJI SEGAWA ( FS 2016/ 17, THE UNI VE R S I T Y O F TO K Y O ) Agriculture accounts for a large por-

Côte d’Ivoire in Abidjan, where I worked

tion of the economy and employment

on agriculture and aquaculture projects

in many developing countries world-

and administrations such as security

wide. Food security has always been

and accounting of the office.

a fundamental for a stable economy.

A recent trend in agricultural develop-

Food not only provides the essential

ment is supporting farmers to become

resources for us, but also brings joy to

“business persons.” Traditionally, tech-

our lives and forms a significant part

nical cooperation in this sector focused

of our culture.

on transferring technologies for culti-

Since April 2017, I have been work-

vation, such as selecting good seeds,

ing at Japan International Coopera-

preparing the land properly, and apply-

tion Agency (JICA). JICA is an executing

ing fertiliser effectively. Although these

agency of Japanese ODA (Official De-

topics are critical in increasing farming

velopment Assistance) and has been

productivity, this is only half the story.

active in more than 150 countries. Like

The other half is figuring out the value

many international organisations such

chain after production. Who do we sell

as Food and Agriculture Organisation

our products to, and how do we decide

(FAO) and other bilateral organisa-

the price? More importantly, how do we

tions, one of JICA’s areas of coopera-

select the crops to produce? Support-

tion is agriculture and aquaculture. My

ing farmers to pose and answer these

first post in JICA was in the agricultural

questions themselves is one of the keys

development department, where I was

to enhancing their motivation.

in charge of agricultural technical co-

To address this aspect of “business”

operation projects in South East Asia,

in the agricultural sector, JICA has in-

especially Myanmar and Timor-Leste.

troduced an approach called SHEP,

From August 2019, I worked in JICA

which stands for Smallholder Horticul-

22

willing to pay, how often they would like to buy, which market they access to purchase these items, etc. This information needs to be reflected in the production plan so that the farmers can maximise their profit.

However, this approach of supporting producers to plan their “business” based on the market information is easier said than done. Farmers often do not have direct access to consumer information because they sell their products to mediators who may sell to another wholesaler. Another difficult case may be where the farmer has other businesses that produce profit, and agriculture is only a side business with less urgency for detailed planning or investment. The SHEP approach, therefore, needs to be adjusted to various types of producers so that the project becomes effective in different cases.

Based on my experience working in different countries’ agricultural sectors, motivation and business mindset play a crucial role when supporting the development of agriculture and other primary industries. Once the producers are motivated to invest in their farming activities, the technologies introduced by other countries play a role in increasing productivity. I continue to search for ways in which support from JICA can effectively enhance the development of the agriculture sector in different countries.

T H E F U N G S C HO L A R N EWSL E T T E R

Photos of National Central University

Cultural Discovery in Taiwan B Y K EL LY KWONG (FS 2 0 2 2 /2 3 , L I N G N A N U N I V E R S I T Y )

“ I have been observant of the different happenings in the local community. ” I had my exchange at National Cen-

and

tral

people

University

(NCU),

Ta i w a n

for

noticed place

Ta i w a n e s e

great

emphasis

approximately four months. During

on

the programme, I took unique cours-

them are wearing red clothing

es on Hakka culture offered at the

d u r i n g t h e C h i n e s e N e w Y e a r.

uni ve r si t y. T h e s e ha ve e nab l e d m e

Also, the dishes they have for

to under s t and more about the Hak-

a new year meal are completely

k a p e o p l e i n t h e Ta i w a n e s e c o m m u -

dif ferent from Hong Kong. The

nity and how the different cultures

carrot cakes are eaten on New

a r e p r e s e r v e d i n Ta i w a n . I h a v e a l s o

Ye a r ’ s E v e ; d u m p l i n g s a n d h o t-

acquired

to

pots are commonly prepared;

have small conversations with older

m u l l e t r o e w i t h e i t h e r Ta i w a n -

p e o p l e i n Ta i w a n w h o m a i n l y s p e a k

ese pear or white radish are

Hokkien but not Chinese.

ser ved. The dining culture also

some

basic

Hokkien

traditions,

how

with—many

of

d i f f e r s f r o m H o n g K o n g . I n Ta i Another feature of my exchange is

wan, individuals tend to have

m y l e i s u r e t r i p s t o d i f f e r e n t p l a c-

meals with ver y large families

e s , e . g . , K e e l u n g , N e w Ta i p e i C i t y ,

so that the number of people

Ta i p e i , Ta o y u a n , Ta i c h u n g , Ta i n a n ,

can fill 3-4 big round tables.

Kaohsiung, and Pingtung. As a Soc i o l o g y s t u d e n t , I h a v e b e e n o b s e rvant

of

the

different

happenings

in t h e l o c al communi t y. I s t aye d in K a o h s i u n g d u r i n g L u n a r N e w Ye a r

23

An independent Microcredit course offered by the College of Hakka

03

Writers’ Bio THANK YOU

T H E F U N G S C HO L A R N EWSL E T T E R

FREDDIE FAULKNER Editor

MAVIS FAN Editor

KYLA HUANG Designer

Fung Scholar 2013/14

Fung Scholar 2013/14,

Fung Scholar 2022/23,

S a ïd Business School, Oxford

The University of Hong Kong

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Freddie Faulkner received the Li &

Mavis Fan received the Li & Fung

Kyla Huang received the Li & Fung

Fung scholarship for a summer re-

Scholarship for a one-year exchange

Scholarship for a half-year exchange

search project at Tsinghua Universi-

at The University of Liverpool. She

at EHL Hospitality Business School.

ty in Beijing. He holds an MEng from

received her Bachelor degree in So-

She is now a year 3 student in Hotel

the University of Oxford in Materials

cial Sciences (Psychology) and Mas-

Management in The Hong Kong Poly-

Science and has recently completed

ter degree in Social Service Manage-

technic University.

his MBA at the Saïd Business School,

ment from the University of Hong

Oxford. He is an engineering and

Kong.

Kyla is currently a hotel project man-

B2B sales professional with experi-

agement intern at Club Med’s Shang-

ence in R&D, manufacturing and

Mavis has been working in Hong

hai headquarters. With a previous

business development.

Kong higher education spanning

role in the marketing and event

teaching and learning, research and

department at the Foreign Corre-

Freddie is currently based in Helsin-

development, and marketing and

spondents’ Club in Hong Kong, she

ki, working for a spin-out from the

public communication. She is cur-

has gained valuable experience in

University of Oxford focussing on

rently a Technical Writer at a univer-

graphic design and event manage-

quantum computing. In his role as

sity, providing professional editing

ment.

product manager, he acts as the in-

services for research grant propos-

terface between customers and the

als, external communication materi-

Kyla is passionate about reading,

engineering team while ensuring the

als, and papers. In her own time, she

travel, and photography, and enjoys

accurate and

conducts subject teaching for young

exploring new cultures and meeting

timely delivery of software products

pupils and provides career guidance

new people. She is excited to meet

to the customers.

for job seekers.

and connect with fellow Fung Schol-

In his spare time, Freddie enjoys

Mavis loves distance running, bread-

appreciation for joining this com-

running, skiing and trying to learn

and coffee-making. She looks for-

munity.

Finnish. He is grateful to be part of

ward to joining hands with Fung

the Fung Scholars network and looks

Scholars to bring social good, share

forward to connecting with more

joy, and promote personal growth.

ars, and she is filled with joy and

people in the network over the coming years.

25

J U N E / J U LY 2 0 2 3

SABRINA WONG Author

CHRISTOPHER OWEN Author

BARTOL SIKORA Author

Fung Scholar 2021/22

Fung Scholar 2020/21

Fung Scholar 2021/2022

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Northeastern University

University of Oxford

Sabrina is a language major student

Christopher Owen holds a bachelor’s

Bartol is a third-year engineering

who is fond of culture, art and com-

degree in chemical engineering from

student at the University of Ox-

munication. She is keen on entering

Northeastern University and is cur-

ford who, with the help of funding

the business sector while utilising

rently a Ph.D. student at Columbia

provided by the Fung scholarship,

her competence in communication.

University. Christopher’s research

completed a research internship at

In 2022, she took part in an ex-

primarily focuses on developing low-

the Huazhong University of Science

change program at the University of

cost energy storage technologies for

and Technology last summer, focus-

Birmingham, where she studied so-

the power grid. During his research

ing on the development of a novel

cial science and applied linguistics.

career, Christopher has contributed

solar biomass pyrolysis plant. This

She is also actively involved in volun-

to numerous energy storage projects

experience helped him steer his en-

teering and committee positions in

both in industrial and academic set-

gineering degree in a more chemical

school and NGO organizations. Re-

tings. His most recent work in Italy at

direction going into his third year,

gardless of the hectic schedule, Sab-

the University of Milan Department

choosing

rina enjoys sipping a cup of coffee

of Physics resulted in a first-author

mented the research he loved doing

and reading a book with R&B music

publication in the International Jour-

over the summer. He is grateful for

in the background. She is excited to

nal of Hydrogen Energy. Now, at the

the opportunity to receive the Fung

make connections with other Fung

Columbia

Energy

Scholarship and is looking forward

scholars, Sabrina can be reached at:

Center, he continues his research

to potentially collaborating again in

with Professor Dan Steingart.

the future to make contributions to

LinkedIn:

Electrochemical

linkedin.com/in/sabrina-

modules

that

compli-

the field of engineering and positive

wong-9284ab204

changes to society

26

T H E F U N G S C HO L A R N EWSL E T T E R

MA XUANLIN Author

YE ZHANG Author

G A B R I E L L E K A I L I - M AY L I U Author

Fung Scholar 2022/23

Fung Scholar 2013/14

FS 2021/22

Renmin University of China

Peking University

M a s s a c h u s e t t s I n s t i t u t e o f Te c h n o l o g y

I was born and raised in Jinan, Main-

I’m Zhang Ye, from China, and I’m

Kaili is a student from MIT studying

land China, and I am currently a

studying my PhD at Koc University

mathematics with computer science

junior student of Bachelor of Arts

right now. My field of research is

and brain and cognitive sciences.

at the Renmin University of China.

marketing, especially digital market-

She cares deeply about the ethical

From September to February 2022,

ing, and tourism marketing. Now I

challenges in artificial intelligence.

I studied Spanish and linguistics at

live in Istanbul, a beautiful city in

As a SERC Scholar, Kaili has devot-

the University of Hong Kong as an

Turkey. After years of work, I am

ed herself to advancing innovation

exchange student, where I was very

grateful for the Fung Fellowship,

in the public interest through her

honoured to meet the teachers of

which inspired me to pursue an aca-

work on the social and ethical re-

the Fung Foundation. I like reading

demic career again. I am honored to

sponsibilities of computing at MIT’s

Latin American literature and watch-

be with the Fung family. I would like

Schwarzman College of Computing.

ing literary films. Nice to meet you!

to share one interesting topic which I

She advocates for responsible inno-

recently working on “Purchase Inten-

vation as Editor-in-Chief of the MIT

tions of Aesthetic Goods From the

Undergraduate

Perspective of Durability And Per-

She also promotes equity, inclusion,

ceived Quality”.

and retention for women+ in STEM

Research

Journal.

as a mentor for MIT PRIMES Circle. Kaili hopes to pursue graduate school to study biologically plausible models of learning and memory that draw inspiration from the brain. In her free time, Kaili enjoys reading fiction and designing and creating traditional Chinese jewelry.

27

J U N E / J U LY 2 0 2 3

MINAHO TODAKA Author

S H U N J I S E G AWA Author

NORIKO KANNO Author

Fung Scholar 2016/17

Fung Scholar 2016/17

Fung Scholar 2016/17

T h e U n i v e r s i t y o f To k y o

T h e U n i v e r s i t y o f To k y o

T h e U n i v e r s i t y o f To k y o

Minaho Todaka is currently a gradu-

Noriko earned a bachelor’s and mas-

Shunji Segawa is a program officer

ate student in sociology of education

ter’s degree in agriculture from the

at Japan International Cooperation

at the University of Tokyo, in Japan.

University of Tokyo (UTokyo). she

Agency (JICA) with five years of ex-

Her main area of research is sociali-

had a one-year exchange at Univer-

perience in the organisation. Being a

zation of children through house-

sity of the Philippines with support

graduate of the University of Tokyo,

work in families, especially focusing

from the Fung scholarship in 2016.

where he majored in agricultural

on gender roles. She earned a bach-

She is now pursuing a PhD study at

economics, Shunji first worked in

elor’s degree in Education from the

the University of Tokyo. Her research

the Agricultural Development De-

University of Tokyo in 2019. She has

topic is on the development of rice

partment, where he was in charge of

also studied abroad as an exchange

farming technologies for areas with

multiple technical cooperation pro-

student at Leiden University in the

limited access to irrigation in south-

jects in Timor-Leste and Myanmar.

Netherlands with a Fung Scholar-

east Asia.

From 2019 to 2022, Shunji worked

ship.

in the Côte d’Ivoire office, where he was involved in agriculture and aquaculture projects as well as administrative tasks such as security and accounting. Shunji is currently on leave to stay in Laos, where his wife works.

28

T H E F U N G S C HO L A R N EWSL E T T E R

K E L LY K W O N G Author FS 2022/23 Lingnan University

Kelly is a final-year student majoring in Sociology. Spending the last 4 years at Lingnan University, the inclusive atmosphere enables her to overcome challenges and difficulties. Taiwanese culture and food have been her all-time favourite. Aging, Cultural Conservation, and some other social issues are common in both Taiwan and Hong Kong. In her final year, she decided to study in Taiwan for a semester. The experience had been remarkable and meaningful.

29

THANK YOU:

I S S U E #21, FUNG SCHOL ARS NE T WORK NEWSLE T TER

FUNG SCHOL ARS NE T WORK NEWSLE T TER