A Diplomat Discovers New Purpose at CUHK
When Ronald Tundang traded his diplomatic briefcase for a student backpack at The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), he brought with him more than a decade of experience as an Indonesian government legal adviser. Now, as a PhD candidate in Laws at one of Hong Kong's premier graduate schools, he's channelling his real-world expertise into groundbreaking research at the crossroads of intellectual property, competition law, and pharmaceutical innovation.
Finding His Academic Home
For Ronald, choosing where to pursue his doctorate wasn't just about academic rankings—it was about strategic positioning. “Hong Kong serves as a gateway for me,” he explains, noting its proximity to his Indonesian homeland. “It's the perfect place to expand your network academically.” The decision to join CUHK's postgraduate community was equally strategic, driven by the University's concentration of experts in international economic law, his primary field of study.
The transition from diplomat to doctoral candidate has been smoothed by CUHK's comprehensive support system. “CUHK has provided me with more than enough support for doing my research,” Ronald shares, highlighting the University's generous financial assistance, scholarly networking opportunities, and publishing support. These resources have already yielded results, enabling him to publish in international journals and news outlets while building connections across the region.
Building Bridges Across Disciplines
Life as a CUHK graduate student has opened doors Ronald hadn't anticipated. The University's world-class research opportunities, complete with extensive physical and digital library resources, has proven invaluable for his legal scholarship. But perhaps more surprisingly, CUHK's interdisciplinary collaboration has expanded his horizons beyond the law.
“CUHK also provided me with an opportunity to interact with scholars from different faculties and disciplines,” he notes, describing a particularly enriching project on vaccine production in developing countries that connected him with economists and other experts outside his field.
Making His Mark
Ronald's research at CUHK focuses on pharmaceutical technology transfer, a topic that bridges his diplomatic background with current global health challenges. His work has found its way into prestigious publications like the Journal of International Economic Law, and he's becoming a valued voice in academic discussions through contributions to the East Asia Forum and the Centre for International Law at the National University of Singapore.
Ronald's perspective as an Indonesian studying law in Hong Kong also offers unique insights into different legal frameworks. “Indonesia has a civil law system, while Hong Kong traditionally, historically has been a common law system influenced by the UK,” he explains. “By studying in Hong Kong and doing research here, it provided me with an opportunity to learn different legal systems than what I have in Indonesia.” The generous CUHK scholarships and research grants have been instrumental in supporting this cross-cultural academic journey.
Shaping Tomorrow's Scholars
At CUHK, mentorship goes beyond traditional academic guidance. Senior faculty members have taken Ronald under their wing, sharing invaluable insights about research advancement, publication strategies, and research team management. “Those are the key learning experiences that I have. And I really truly appreciate it, which I believe will equip me in my future trajectory in academia,” Ronald reflects. His goal is to leverage his CUHK graduate programme experience and international connections as he builds an academic career, blending his practical diplomatic background with scholarly expertise.
For those considering a PhD in Laws at CUHK, Ronald emphasises the importance of thorough preparation. “You need to start by researching your area, by looking at the area of work that you're having right now. And look at the faculty members at CUHK who might be well aligned with your research or area of work,” he advises. “Then you can start already introducing yourself to them, what you're working on and your interest in doing research at the University.”
A Campus That Feels Like Home
When reflecting on CUHK campus life, Ronald points to three standout features: robust international student support, exceptional campus facilities, and global recognition. “CUHK has a very good environment for living in Hong Kong. It kind of provides like a sanctuary amidst the hustle and bustle of a large metropolitan like Hong Kong,” he shares.
Ronald's academic journey at CUHK showcases how the University's comprehensive support system, world-class resources, and global network can transform a seasoned professional into a promising scholar. His experience demonstrates the unique advantages of pursuing postgraduate studies at an institution that bridges Eastern and Western academic traditions while nurturing the next generation of thought leaders.
