Big ideas.
Real-world impact.

The Laidlaw Scholars Programme is far more than a research opportunity or a resume booster. The most unexpectedly joyful part of this journey was meeting people I would otherwise never have encountered. My cohort quickly became my second family in Hong Kong. As an international student staying over the summer, it could have been isolating, but our community regularly met for lunches, explored nature together, and supported each other throughout this rigorous journey.

This network also stretches far beyond HKU. During a trip to Switzerland this summer, I reached out to fellow EPFL scholars, and 15 students gathered to welcome me. We discussed our research, shared aspirations for our Leadership-in-Action projects, and exchanged ideas while they showed me around campus and Lausanne.

At the end of the day, it is the people who make this experience truly special. I encourage all aspiring Laidlaw scholars to step out of your comfort zone, reach out, be vulnerable, and build meaningful connections.

Being a medical student often means remaining cocooned within an isolated section of the university; becoming a Laidlaw Scholar was a complete game changer. It allowed me to interact with exceptional research scholars from other disciplines, continuously expanding my understanding of the humanities and STEM fields. It deepened my perspective on global society, showing how people approach research in unique ways and how we can come together to create a greater impact.

Perhaps more importantly are the friendships built along the way. My connection with engineering scholar Gihyun dates back to our initial Laidlaw interview, and we still regularly exchange research ideas. Coming from different disciplines gives us the distinct advantage of approaching problems from fresh angles that our own field-specific lenses might miss.

I also fondly recall memories made with international scholars—like going off-script during a training exercise to get boba with David (Trinity College Dublin) and swapping marathon training tips with Claudia (University of Leeds). I would never have met these incredible individuals if not for the program, and I look forward to continuing this journey while making even more lasting connections.

To me, what’s special about Laidlaw is being able to travel to places you never imagined yourself being and to do things you never dreamt of doing.

2024 me would never have imagined that in 2025 and 2026, I would be doing research in Korea, presenting my findings in the United States, and putting my work into action serving the community I researched in Greece for a month and a half. These experiences allowed me to see the world, build international friendships, and try new things without regrets. What’s crazy is that I did all of this on my own—it made me feel like I truly became a leader.

I realized I am capable of far more than I ever imagined. The whole programme taught me to dream bolder, push further, and step confidently into my future.

What made my Laidlaw experience at SOS Children’s Villages Nepal truly special was the people. Working alongside two fellow scholars, I saw leadership and practical virtue in action, inspiring me to reflect on and refine my own approach. I was deeply moved by the dedicated, resilient staff who, despite under-resourced conditions, maintained unwavering optimism, created tangible impact, and built deep trust with local communities. I am equally grateful to the local community, who welcomed us so warmly with flowers and tika.

This experience opened my eyes to a reality vastly different from university life in Hong Kong. It made me more open-minded, culturally intelligent, and acutely aware of how my skills can serve others. Ultimately, this journey has given me a sharper sense of purpose, a humbler heart, and a lasting commitment to lead with empathy and cross-cultural understanding.