A Big Welcome to our 2026 Kwok Scholars
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CHARMAINE CHENG
BA in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics, University of Oxford
Charmaine has just graduated from Oxford International College and has received an offer to study Philosophy, Politics and Economics at St Hilda’s College, University of Oxford. She has always been interested in the humanities, believing that they are indispensable in the groundwork for society and should be further incorporated into the Hong Kong education system. Her interest in the subject stemmed from her active participation in Model United Nations since age 12, which brought her to understand that policy-making rests on political philosophy, since reconciling nations in conflict demands a clear grasp of ideas such as ethics and the values that different stakeholders hold. Those same debates also showed her how economic policy can be a practical tool in bringing countries together. She also interned at an economic think tank, which gave her hands-on experience of research and translating ideas into workable policy.
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YUJIE HE
MSc in Public Policy Research, University of Oxford
Yujie is a graduate of the Master of Public Policy (MPP) at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford, and will continue at the school to pursue an MSc in Public Policy Research. She has a longstanding interest in international public service and has worked with organisations including the International Court of Justice and the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, where her experiences in policy research and organisational administration sparked a strong interest in multilateral institutions and global governance. At Oxford, Yujie has explored a broad range of policy issues, including technology security and China's economic engagement with the global economy. She also serves as the Curator of the World Economic Forum Global Shapers Shanghai Zizhu Hub.
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BOBBY LIU
BA in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics, University of Oxford
Bobby is a graduate of Shanghai International Highschool of BANZ and will study Philosophy, Politics, and Economics at Oxford. He is deeply interested in how PPE offers not just one, but three unique and complementary ways to understand the world, identify patterns, and reach conclusions on how to solve societal challenges. Bobby is greatly passionate about the interplay between democracy, populism, and authoritarianism in the modern world and is curious about their causes and impacts, including the level of discourse in different societies. Bobby has been a keen member of the speech and debate community, serving as captain for Team China WSDC for two years and a member of Team China WIDPSC. He has shared his experience to enrich this community and beyond, leading various clubs and hosting events in and out of school. Through his studies at Oxford, Bobby wishes to further his interests in social affairs and endeavor to contribute to the community in Mainland China and Hong Kong.
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RUOYI LU
Master of Public Policy (MPP), University of Oxford
Formerly an associate in the technology, media and telecommunications group of a leading international law firm, he advised global clients on cross-border regulatory issues, data and AI compliance, and strategic transactions. He now leads the Global Majority Group at the Center for AI and Digital Policy, coordinating a multinational team that supports international organisations and governments on AI governance and democratic safeguards. A Fellow at the Information Society Law Center, his work examines how international law, data governance and standards-setting shape power in the digital order, with particular attention to the agency of Global South states. At Oxford, he hopes to develop practice-informed frameworks for governing AI and digital technologies that can be applied by policymakers in Hong Kong, China and across the Global South.
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CLARA QIAN
BA in Psychology and Philosophy, University of Oxford
Clara is currently a student at Diocesan Girls' School. She is a passionate lover of Chinese literature. Her engagement with literary traditions has sparked a broader intellectual curiosity in psychology and philosophy. She is particularly interested in exploring how people form, revise, and challenge their beliefs. At school, Clara led an entrepreneurial project that built connections with diverse ethnic communities in Hong Kong, an experience that deepened her understanding of human perspectives and reinforced her belief in the power of cognitive plasticity. Looking ahead, Clara aspires to foster empathy across differences by creating spaces where diverse communities can recognise their shared humanity beneath surface divisions. Through the interdisciplinary study of mind and meaning at University of Oxford, she hopes to contribute to work that bridges divides and cultivates greater understanding.
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ANGIE KU
BS in Hotel Management, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University / Cornell University
Angie is currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in Hotel and Tourism Management with a specialisation in Hotel Management. Having the experience of engaging in several food events, she believes in the power of food to tell stories, preserve culture, and bring people together in meaningful ways. Recently selected as an Elite Management Trainee, she views every new task as a chance to step up, try something unfamiliar, and build both her leadership and operational skills. Angie is eager to grow through cultural exchange at Cornell, where she hopes to connect with fellow F&B enthusiasts from around the world and learn from their diverse experiences. Ultimately, she wants to bring those innovative ideas back to Hong Kong, using food as a bridge to create stronger connections and make hospitality more welcoming for everyone.
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LEANNE LO
BS in Hotel Management, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University / Cornell University
Lo Ching Hay Leanne is a dedicated hospitality student with a strong passion for service innovation and guest experience. Currently majoring in hotel management, she is eager to expand her academic and professional horizons through international learning opportunities. In the near future, she will be joining Cornell University as a visiting student to further strengthen her knowledge in hospitality management. Her interests lie in developing practical, forward-thinking ideas that can contribute to the future of the industry. In the coming years, she also hopes to gain valuable hands-on experience through her future internships at Hotel ICON and Conrad Hong Kong, where she aims to deepen her understanding of hotel operations and professional service standards. With a clear vision for growth and a strong desire to learn from leading institutions and hotel brands, she is determined to build a meaningful career in hospitality while contributing positively to the industry in Hong Kong and beyond.
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Proudly Introducing our New Kwok Associates
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As the Kwok Scholarships continue to expand to empower future leaders serving communities across Hong Kong SAR and Mainland China, we are proud to introduce our new Kwok Associates. These high-potential individuals share our vision and values, and we are delighted to welcome them to the KSA community.
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HONRICK CHEUNG
BA in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics, University of Oxford
Honrick completed his junior high school years at St. Joseph's College in Hong Kong before studying in the UK, where he made history as the first-ever Chinese School Captain at a centennial traditional British school. Alongside this pioneering leadership, he actively enriched his school community as a debate captain and an accomplished cellist. Now an incoming undergraduate reading Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) at the University of Oxford, his profound dedication to public service drives his interest in PPE’s interdisciplinary framework as the foundation for mastering complex governance. He is particularly keen on leveraging evidence-based insights to address Hong Kong's socio-economic challenges. He looks forward to the academic depth of Oxford to sharpen his critical faculties. With a long-term aspiration of serving as an Administrative Officer, he is excited to drive meaningful impact in society and contribute to the Kwok Scholars community.
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FUNG TING CHIU
MSc in Sustainability, Enterprise and the Environment, University of Oxford
Fung Ting (FT) recently graduated from Dartmouth College with a Bachelor of Arts, cum laude, in Politics, Philosophy & Economics and Environmental Studies and a minor in Human-Centered Design Engineering. Passionate about bridging capital, policy, and innovation with climate impact, he founded an agritech startup building methane capture collars for livestock, served as the president of the Dartmouth Energy Alliance, where he established the Dartmouth Energy Investment Advisors sub-club, and pursued internships across venture capital, wildlife conservation, environmental NGOs, and sustainable finance, which has taken him from the Namibian desert to the Amazon Rainforest. He also sang as a baritone for the a cappella group the Dartmouth Brovertones and served as a captain on the Dartmouth Badminton Team. Following Oxford, he plans to launch a Hong Kong-based venture fund that scales breakthrough climate technologies, with the ambition of turning the city into a resilient, green economy and a global hub for sustainable entrepreneurship.
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DHRUV SINGH
Congratulations to Dhruv who, after completing – as a Kwok Scholar – both a MPhil in Water Sciences, Policy and Management and then an MSc in Energy Systems, has just been awarded a HK Jockey club Graduate Scholarship to study for a DPhil in Engineering Sciences at Oxford.
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CHRIS WONG
Chris Wong recently graduated from NYU Law with a Juris Doctor degree in May 2026. They will be joining a law firm in New York after the bar exam.
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RACHEL LIU
Rachel has been selected as one of the Europaeum Scholars, which is a highly competitive program initiated by University of Oxford, Leiden University, and University of Bologna for future European policy-makers and leaders. Across two years, Rachel will be one the 30 PhDs travelling around Europe in seven modules, to meet and discuss pressing issues with policymakers from different backgrounds. Rachel is particularly looking forward to meeting EU AI policy-makers in Brussels and Luxemburg. This journey starts this July from Oxford.
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CHARLES WANG
Charles became the first Chinese student in the history of the University of Chicago Booth School of Business to receive the Dean's Prize for Building Campus Community, a distinction recognizing his efforts to advance diversity, inclusivity, and meaningful cross-community engagement across campus.
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Additionally, Charles will be joining Harvard Medical School's Master of Bioethics (MBE) program. This opportunity represents an exciting next chapter in his journey at the intersection of healthcare, business, and public service, and reflects his longstanding commitment to addressing some of the most complex ethical challenges facing medicine and society today.
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ANKIE NG, World Economic Forum
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Beyond Compliance: Embedding Impact through Innovative Finance
Ankie co-authored a World Economic Forum flagship report, published in collaboration with the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship, Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, and SK Group, to advance corporate adoption of Outcomes-based Finance. Launched at Davos 2025, the report highlights how this emerging practice has already mobilised US$185bn by linking financial returns to measurable social outcomes. Innovative finance presents an opportunity for businesses to address societal challenges while creating new markets and redefine value in a low-growth global economy. The report invites organisations to consider how embedding social impact into core operations can enhance long-term resilience and success.
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Redefining Value: From Outcome-based Funding to Tradable Impact
Ankie also co-authored a World Economic Forum white paper, launched in June 2025, on how tradeable impact can turn verified social outcomes, such as improved education and health, into economic value. With traditional funding models struggling to address today's social and environmental challenges, the paper draws on lessons from carbon markets and real-world pilots to show how impact credits can drive new revenue, enhance corporate strategy, and build a more sustainable and inclusive economy.
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KSA 2026 Cohort, Welcome Event
On 22 July, the EGH office hosted a Welcome Coffee Get-together for the 2026 Kwok Scholars and Associates, including Oxford and PolyU/Cornell Scholars. The event provided an opportunity for members of the new cohort to meet one another, begin building connections, and learn more about the Kwok Scholars community. Guests also enjoyed a guided tour of the EGH office and an exclusive viewing of Dr Walter Kwok's private collections, making for a warm and memorable welcome to the programme.
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VENUS CHUNG, Impact 2025 Conference
Venus led the IMPACT2025 Conference, which is the annual flagship academic-industry conference hosted by PolyU SHTM. She oversaw a team of 20 students, in planning and delivering a 3-day international academic–industry conference involving global speakers, researchers, and corporate partners. Read more about Venus' reflections following this event in the ‘Reflections’ section.
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OTTILLIE CHUNG, TEDxOxford
Ottillie was one of the two Speaker Officers for TEDxOxford 2026, an annual event which brings together leading activists, innovators and entrepreneurs to share their ideas and inspire action. The 2026 theme was “Limitless”, and was held in the Sheldonian Theatre, featuring twelve key speakers and over 500+ attendees. Ottillie led the speaker recruitment and selection process, reaching out to, and interviewing hundreds of prospective speakers to curate a lineup that best reflected the event's theme. She also worked closely with the selected speakers, and mentored them from their initial first draft script submissions, through to their final presentations on the day of the event. She also had a range of operational responsibilities to ensure that the event ran smoothly.
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RACHEL LIU, European Group of Public Administration (EGPA)
Annual Conference, Frictional AI workshop, and Virtual Worlds Conference
In the year past, Rachel had the pleasure to participate in conferences from different professions: academia, product designers, and policy-makers. In one of the most prestigious public administration research conferences, the EGPA annual conference, she presented her first paper of her doctoral thesis in Glasgow, gaining a lot of positive feedback and encouragement. She is invited to Brussels to meet with top scholars, policymakers, and product designers from Google and Microsoft this July in Frictional AI workshop, as a recognition of her vocal advocation of seamful (meaning making the limitations and frictions transparent) design in emerging technologies such as AI. She will also present her first empirical paper and Virtual Worlds Conference in Tilburg, which she will have the honor to showcase the AI usage in the public sector in the Netherlands and Taiwan.
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RACHEL LIU
The academic year of 2025–2026 has been full of surprises and moments I'm genuinely grateful for. It started with being selected for Ready to Impact at PLNT, an incubator in the Netherlands with a strong track record of helping companies find their footing. There I met my cofounder with over two decades of experience in the digitalization of public organizations. Together, we're now building a company in the Netherlands with the ambition to empower organizations globally. Alongside that, I began translating scientific papers into everyday language and sharing them on LinkedIn, aiming to bridge the gap between academia and practitioners. What humbled me most was the response: positive reactions from the very authors whose work I was writing about, and invitations to conferences, workshops, and seminars where I got to meet people who are giants in their fields. All of this grew from one simple idea: learn in public. In the incubator, I was always the person willing to share what went wrong, because I believe that honest lessons from mistakes help people learn and grow. On LinkedIn, science communication became its own learning process: not only about the content of papers, but also about how to reach the right audience and make complex ideas accessible. I also try to build in public: whether it's a prototype or a section of a paper, I actively seek feedback, for two reasons. First, it's easy to get trapped inside your own perspective. Second, people with more experience often have a clearer sense of what you actually need at a given stage. That openness to feedback has brought me more help and guidance than almost anything else. |
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VENUS CHUNG
Leading the IMPACT2025 Conference, the annual flagship academic-industry conference hosted by PolyU SHTM, has been one of the key highlights of my university journey. Looking back and reflecting on this journey, I can clearly see how my experience at Hotel Ezra Cornell (HEC) during my semester abroad at Cornell University has shaped the way I approach this role. HEC is a 3-day conference fully organized and delivered by students. During my time at Cornell, I had the privilege of volunteering at the 100th HEC, and I was truly amazed by the level of professionalism demonstrated by the student team. From planning, operations, to on-site logistics and even cooking and serving, students were fully responsible for every aspect of the event. Seeing students take complete ownership of an event of such scale left a lasting impression on me. More importantly, their strong focus on enhancing guest experience, the true essence of hospitality, showed me what is possible when students are trusted, supported, and held to high standards. The HEC experience also changed how I view student leadership. Leadership is not only about the title, but about every individual taking responsibility in their own role. At HEC, students went far beyond participation. They learned by doing, supported one another, and delivered real impact in the “Hotelie” community. That inspired me to reflect deeply on how similar values and practices could be brought back to Hong Kong. Upon returning to PolyU to complete my final year of studies, I was honoured to take on the role of Lead of the Organising Committee for IMPACT2025, overseeing a team of 20 students to plan and deliver a 3-day international academic–industry conference involving global speakers, researchers, and corporate partners. I carried the lessons from HEC with me and constantly reflected on how to empower my team, inspire ownership, and encourage accountability. My goal was not simply to “get the job done” — as IMPACT has been running successfully for years, but to raise standards, create a platform where students could grow through responsibility, while delivering a conference that truly bridges academia and industry, and makes every guest feel welcomed. Organizing IMPACT2025 has strengthened my leadership, confidence, and belief in student-led initiatives. I am sincerely thankful for the opportunity to study at Cornell, as without the support of the scholarship, this journey would not have been possible. The exposure and learning I gained there continue to influence how I lead today, and I hope to keep bringing what I have learned back to the SHTM, the scholar community, and the hospitality scene. |
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Key Contributors
Ottillie Chung • Ankie Ng
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