Chasing A Passion for Research: How a Student Found her Academic Home
For many international students, the choice of where to pursue their postgraduate studies can be a daunting task filled with considerations such as cost, prestige and personal fit. But for Joyce Lee Zhi Xuen, the decision to pursue her PhD at The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) was a remarkably clear one – one that has already proven to be transformative for her academic and personal journey.
Born and raised in the historic state of Malacca, Malaysia, Joyce’s path to CUHK began with a prestigious scholarship opportunity. She was a recipient of the HKSAR Government’s Belt and Road Scholarship scheme which covered her annual tuition fees as well as a one-off relocation subsidy. She was also the recipient of multiple awards including the Dr. Clement Chan Research Scholarship. These provided her and her family the financial support that would allow Joyce to fully immerse herself in her passion for medical research without burdening those at home.
(Left Image): Joyce (centre) with her PhD supervisors, Professor Leung Ting Fan (right) and Professor Christine Wai Yee Yan (left), when she received the Best Presentation Award during the Research Postgraduate Presentation of the Department of Pediatrics
(Right Image): Joyce receives the Best Poster and Judges Commendation Awards in Poster Presentation of the Summer Undergraduate Biomedical Sciences Research Attachment
Today, she dedicates her time to researching a topic deeply close to her heart – shellfish allergies.
“I suffered from anaphylaxis many years ago due to shellfish allergies,” she said. “So, it correlates with my experiences, and it was also what sparked my interest to go deep into this field.”
With the freedom to focus on her research, Joyce said that she has also thrived under the guidance of her supervisor, Professor Leung Ting Fan, who is renowned for his research in this field as well as her co-supervisor Professor Christine Wai Yee Yan, whose expertise in developing a patented vaccine for shellfish allergies has been immensely helpful in advancing Joyce’s work. Given that Joyce works at a clinical research lab, she is thrilled with the flexibility that she has been awarded, and the guidance she has received.
“Getting a PhD is really all about the research, you’re not always taught something, but instead you need to input your own thinking and ideas that you have generated, and how you have made that into a reality, that is what I’m really interested in,” she said. “And my supervisor gives me plenty of support.”
A Career Building Opportunity
To this end, she looks back on her time at CUHK with fondness. First arriving as an undergraduate student, Joyce pursued a Bachelor of Science in the Faculty of Medicine, majoring in Biomedical Sciences. She then came to learn about the University’s direct PhD scheme that allowed students to pursue a PhD without getting a master’s degree. The idea of pursuing research-based work drove her to apply, and even though it was highly competitive, she got it.
“It was such a brave move to go from my research into lung cancer in my undergraduate days to researching food allergies, but it was my interest,” she said.
(Left Image): Undergraduate graduation photo with her Final Year Project supervisor, Professor Anna Maria Blocki
(Right Image): Group photo with Resident Tutors and Junior Fellows during high-table dinner of Morningside College, CUHK
In fact, Joyce hopes to make a career out of her passion for research. “Whether it’s on the academic side or the industry side, I would just love to explore something that no one has done before,” she said.
And this is why she believes that CUHK is the perfect launching pad for her.
“I first thought about coming to Hong Kong because my older brother was studying here at another university, but for me, CUHK really suited my personality and I loved the space and the whole campus experience and feel,” she said.
Plentiful Opportunities and Exposure
Beyond that, the University’s global standing, as well as the clear opportunities that it could afford, made it a clear choice. Having done her undergraduate degree at CUHK, she experienced firsthand the kinds of opportunities that the University was committed to giving its students.
From the international teaching body to the breadth of local and overseas events and symposiums to the working opportunities, Joyce said her experience at CUHK has not only broadened her horizons but also helped her establish networks and connections thanks to the many joint collaborations with other universities. Citing her department’s Allergy Week as a prime example, the event brought together international teams and organisations for weeklong activities and talks related to her field.
“I really learnt so much from the patient’s point of view, allergy advances, new technologies and even practical workshops such as how to bake cakes without using eggs and wheat,” she said.
Joyce's PhD supervisors, Professor Leung Ting Fan (center) and Professor Christine Wai Yee Yan (left) at the CUHK's Allergy Week 2024
Another aspect was the amazing support that she received. “I remember my undergraduate supervisor, Professor Anna Maria Blocki, asking me what I wanted for my future career, and then she guided me on the experiments I proposed and even nominated me to take part in a postgraduate symposium as an undergraduate, it helped get me to where I am.”
A home away from home
But beyond the academics, she recognises that studying overseas can be daunting for many. However, she praises the admissions team, as well as her academic and personal development mentors for helping make her transition to CUHK smooth.
“The bonding at CUHK is really an advantage to make non-local students feel like they have someone they can rely on,” she said. “Even my mentor was so generous and always took us to lunch and approached us to learn more about the Malaysian culture.”
Lunch with mentor and other international students studying Biomedical Sciences
So, for fellow Malaysians considering a postgraduate degree at CUHK, Joyce says CUHK has several unique advantages. One is the proximity of Hong Kong to home – Malaysia, while the other is an established Malaysian Students’ Association (MSACUHK), which Joyce helped to build from the ground up. She also recommended postgraduate students to consider applying to be a resident tutor at the dorms of the University.
“Resident tutors are just a great way to connect with other postgraduate and undergraduate students as well as with the University because we get to do joint activities as a whole,” she said.
