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The AsiaGlobal Fellows Program at HKU is a global initiative designed to nurture future leaders. AsiaGlobal Fellows are promising mid-career professionals from around the world and across a spectrum of occupations. They share a common policy interest in Asia, have demonstrated strong leadership potential, and are committed to making a positive impact on society. A central goal of the Program is to further develop the leadership skills of tomorrow’s leaders and broaden their global knowledge, exposure and experience.

Following the success of last years’ intellectual exchange, the Graduate School organised another insightful and rewarding panel discussion with AsiaGlobal Fellows on October 20, 2022. Research postgraduate (RPg) students learnt about how to pursue an alternative academic path in the humanities and sciences sectors from seven AsiaGlobal Fellows – Sebastian Contin Trillo-Figueroa, a geopolitical expert, political strategist and independent consultant; Ebrahim Hashem, a strategist and global economics scholar; Sharon Low, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of The Knowledge House; Mher D Sahakyan, Founder and Director of the China-Eurasia Council for Political and Strategic Research, Armenia; Sagina Walyat, a constitutional and human rights lawyer at the Punjab and Haryana High Court in India; Sergio Ruiz, Founder and Executive President of Think Tank SAS; and Taeyoung Kim, Human Resources Coordinator of Medecins Sans Frontieres, Yangon, Myanmar. With their unique backgrounds, cultures and expertise, the seven Fellows candidly shared with RPgs their stories of personal growth, beliefs and thoughts. They further advised RPgs on how to advance their personal and professional development. For all the Fellows at the panel discussion, five key qualities paved the way for their fulfilling and successful alternative academic careers: passion, discipline, planning, optimism and willingness to step out of their comfort zone.

The Graduate School is very grateful for the precious support of the participating Fellows and the Asia Global Institute. Participating RPgs also expressed their appreciation of the Fellows’ generous sharing and valuable insights:

The five fellows’ stories really broadened my horizon, making me think about other options I've never considered. I have learned that many people’s job or career won’t always be the same, and the adaptation to a quickly changing world will turn out to be more important. I have realised that because the world is changing so fast, I don't have to struggle with whether my first job is the best or worry about going forward without a goal because I will find my goal on the way eventually, as the AsiaGlobal Fellows experienced. I feel less anxious. I appreciate the valuable and inspiring experiences shared by the AsiaGlobal Fellows and their willingness to share. Thank you for the Graduate School organising this excellent panel discussion. And I wish to attend more events like the panel discussion today.

All in all, it is a very good experience for me. I will follow up to chat with one or two Fellows.

It was exciting to learn from the panellists about the different routes and approaches they took to reach the stage they were in life. I was motivated and inspired to think beyond the norm, to try new things and to not limit myself on my innate capabilities and potentials. Service to the community and living for the greater good of others should always be the goal.

Be who you are. Stick to your goal. Be the change you want to see in the world :)

AsiaGlobal Fellows (first row, from left: Sebastian Contin Trillo-Figueroa, Sagina Walyat, Ebrahim Hashem, Mher D Sahakyan, Sharon Low, and Sergio Ruiz;
back row, 5th from right: Taeyoung Kim) with Dr. Wai Lan Tsang, GS Programme Director and participating RPg students of the panel discussion