Bristol HK Scholars

2008 – Josephine Wing-chee Ng

M.A in Historical Archaeology of the Modern World

Studying abroad has always been my dream, a fascinating yet distant prospect. Thanks to the Bristol University Hong Kong Convocation, I am now able to walk along the slightly crooked Woodland Road on my school days.

Heritage conservation is a pressing issue in Hong Kong that continues to take second place to the demands of the property developers and the needs of an ever growing population whose expectations of their living environment rise continuously. Historical Archaeology, a discipline concerned with the archaeology of the contemporary past, is one of the latest developments in the field. It provides a new perspective to help us think about the challenges we face in a modern society to understand the meaning and significance of the cultural landscape of our city – which forms the basis of any conservation plan. The Historical Archaeology course offered by Bristol University provides me with an intensive training in archaeological and analytical research skills, emphasizing the consideration of the material remains in a global context. What’s more, the department organises various fieldtrips in different parts of Britain, which provides us with on-site training and exposure to the possibilities of historical archaeology. These are invaluable experiences that I will most certainly make good use of in my future conservation research projects in Hong Kong.

Life as a Bristolian is full of new experiences. One of my most important “achievements” is to discover that I actually love cooking. I am living with flatmates from China, Italy, Jordan, Turkey and the UK, and we have lots of cultural exchanges in our big kitchen – in terms of cooking and so much more! I have had an unforgettable birthday in Bristol, where I had a big feast at home with all my new friends – with a basket of home-made Hong Kong egg tarts and a cup of Turkish coffee to read my future! Besides this, the kitchen window in my flat is the best spot for seeing the sunset, I even started a little photography project to record the Bristol sunset through this window!

2009 – Kenneth Ng King-tsun

MSc in International Development

There are times in life when you experience meaningful changes or positive turning points, be they big or small, and you come back a new person. I would say, a year abroad in Bristol has been a lifetime’s defining experience for me.

Development is not merely an issue about the third world. The meaning attached varies across countries, and this is where exactly the issue is worth rethinking. There has been a long time debate on the definition and the model, if any, of development. By the time I was fortunate enough to be granted scholarship by the University of Bristol Convocation Hong Kong Branch, I had worked for several years as a news reporter and had eventually become more attracted to the twists and turns in politics, social and international affairs. I am proud of having made the decision of returning to academia and quested for a better understanding of the complexities in our rapidly changing world.

The time I spent in Bristol has been rewarding. I had an opportunity to learn from and with the brightest people I have ever known. A year without the demands of a job gave me the respite to explore and appreciate everything Bristol has to offer. I was making great friends from all around the world, diving into new cultures, taking stimulating seminars, exploring diverse knowledge and enjoying the weekend sunshine and cider as much as other Bristolians. What I miss most are the good times in England and the great opportunities to travel around Europe that studying in England allows me, which I shall say is a once-a-lifetime luxury.

2016 – Chiu Ho-ching

MSc Neuropsychology

It is said that the human brain is possibly the most complex structure in the universe. Our emotion, sense, perception, consciousness and intelligence all reside in this mysterious myriad of neuron connections. The mechanisms underlie human mental activities are without doubt fascinating. Thanks to the Bristol University Alumni Association Scholarship, I had a thrilling opportunity to get my way one step closer to the mystery in a vibrant, international and pleasant environment.

My year of studying in Bristol was fruitful. What has impressed me most was the degree of cultural diversity in the university. There were students from all around the globe and their active engagement in the coursework was stimulating. Students also got opportunities to learn cutting-edge research techniques from world-leading researchers and the experience was invaluable.

Life in Bristol was also enjoyable beyond study. I have joined in orienteering team of the university and had regular training with my teammates. (Orienteering is a sports that competitors navigate themselves through a unfamiliar terrain using only a map and a compass, and compete for a shorter time. See a sample map.) We have competed in regional and national races, and sometimes we had weekends away for training in different regions in the UK as far as to the Lake District. I would never forget the tough but pleasurable time running in the forest with my friends.

Lastly, I would like to take this opportunity to express once again my gratitude to the Bristol University Alumni Association for their support and encouragement. I shall carry what I have obtained during the year in Bristol and continue to strive to become a world-leading researcher in human brain and mind.

2012 – Fanny Fung

Fanny graduated from the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Hong Kong with a first class degree, majoring in Psychology and minoring in Sociology. She also found time to study Spanish and enjoyed travelling to different places as a student. Fanny is now embarking on a new adventure at Bristol University where she has joined the Master of Science in Public Policy programme. After her graduation from HKU Fanny became a full-time journalist specializing in Hong Kong politics.

To quote Fanny herself ‘having observed so many of the day-to-day happenings on the frontline of the public arena, I am taking the opportunity of a year at Bristol University to step back and think more deeply about society, in particular what good governance should really be about. Alongside these academic pursuits I also look forward to widening my cultural horizons on this culturally diverse campus and taking the opportunity to travel in the UK and Europe’.

2014 – Irene Law Ho-yan

The recipient of Bristol University Hong Kong Postgraduate Scholarship 2014, Ms. Irene Law, will be joining the MA in Music programme at the University of Bristol in October 2014. Irene is now a school music teacher; she has a strong dedication with a proven record of success in the areas of performing art, art administration and music education in Hong Kong and abroad. To find out more about her, please read her personal statement.

2014 – Law Ho Yan, Irene
M.A. in Music

I am honoured to be the recipient of the University of Bristol Alumni Association, Hong Kong Branch Scholarship 2014-15. I look forward to creating a positive impact upon the music community by inspiring my counterparts, and working together to nurture the talent of the more exceptional music students who may then inspire future generations, making the local music community strong and vibrant.

I feel very fortunate to have been nurtured in a supportive and caring family, which discovered my passion for music. At the age of 3, I started to play piano and it was a turning point in my life. Throughout my secondary school life, I was the pianist for the school choir. I have been exposed to many aspects of music extensively through music appreciation and individual coaching from my family and schools. This laid the foundation for my career in performance and music education.

I graduated from the Department of Music at the Hong Kong Baptist University with a BA (Hons) in Music. I also have a Diploma in Piano Performing from the Associated Board of the Royal School of Music, and a Licentiate Diploma in Solo Piano Recital from Trinity College London.

I started my career in the marketing team of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra. Later on, I decided to devote myself to teaching as a more meaningful way of expressing my commitment to music. I studied at the Chinese University of Hong Kong and was awarded a Postgraduate Certificate in Education, majoring in Music. Currently, I am serving on the music Panel in a secondary school and am the conductor in its music teams. I have had other music education experiences in various organizations such as the Hong Kong Children’s Choir and the Music Office of the SAR government. I also had a fruitful internship experience in RTHK Radio 4 in my university days. As a music educator, I have developed a passion for promoting classical music to students. I genuinely enjoy giving people the opportunity to be part of the music world and try to share my knowledge and performance experiences wherever possible. Despite encountering several challenges along the way, the process has been a great learning experience and has fueled my passion to receive further professional training.

Over the last two years, I travelled to Europe in summer breaks for various master classes. Through public classes, intensive training, rehearsals and performances, I was motivated continuously. Also, many ideas and insights have been exchanged with peers. For years I have eagerly awaited the opportunity to spend more time with the maestros and the chance has finally come. Spending a year in Bristol will definitely fulfill my dream and give me many chances to participate in renowned musical events in Europe.

Being a student in Bristol will enable me to enrich my musical knowledge and skills, especially in practical piano learning and teaching experiences, my area of expertise. With enhanced credentials, I will return with a broader perspective on music performance and be able to apply my advanced knowledge to analyse problems that Hong Kong students commonly encounter in learning music and piano. Also, in relation to general music education, I hope to encourage reflection on local music education and learning modes by sharing my experiences in Bristol.

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