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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. 

The Panel Discussion with AsiaGlobal Fellows 2023—one of the Graduate School’s major annual events on unlocking research postgraduates’ career potentials—was held on October 5, 2023. The panel comprised five Fellows, who are distinguished professionals in their respective fields: Mr Sayed Dawod Amin, Former Deputy Consul-General of Afghanistan in Los Angeles; Ms Helen Dai, Senior Global Engagement Manager (Health Sector), Australian Trade and Investment Commission; Ms Jil Ebanoidze, Vice Chairman and Board Member, Global Impact Fintech; Dr Muhammad Gambo, Strategy, Policy, Research & Partnerships Manager, Shelter Afrique; and Ms Ana Tuiketei, Listed Counsel, International Criminal Court. Each panellist, while sharing their own experiences, values, and advice on rewarding professional development, emphasised the power of networking, empathetic listening, trust, self-awareness, curiosity, volunteering, and mentorship in career development and advancement. The benefits of mentorship were reiterated by Ana to the Graduate School after the panel discussion: 

Get a Mentor—being mentored has given me an advantage of having another pair of eyes that can see what I am unable to fathom at my level and has given me the wisdom through their experience to make great decisions. Mentoring is for those who dare to be at their best. 

The Graduate School is very grateful for the precious support of the participating Fellows and the AsiaGlobal Institute. Participating research postgraduate students also expressed their appreciation of the Fellows’ collective wisdom and thought-provoking guidance: 

"I personally have benefited a lot from the Panel Discussion. The five speakers’ sharing is truly inspiring and insightful. To be more specific,

1. Dr Muhammad Gambo: The resources, information, and tips he generously shared about the opportunities in international development organisations are of great help to anyone who is interested in exploring internships and opportunities in international organisations. And his advice to leverage academic skills in the broader sphere and to bridge academic research with policy-making and industry is particularly enlightening. The idea of actively seeking engagement in industrial forums, instead of limiting to academic conferences, is truly an eye-opener for me.
    
2. Mr Sayed Dawod Amin: His candid account of his professional journey, from the challenges faced to the achievements earned, offered a refreshing perspective. The genuineness with which he addressed our queries, emphasising the importance of not overthinking, was both reassuring and enlightening.
    
3. Ms Helen Dai: Her emphasis on communication skills, especially the philosophy of listening not merely to respond but truly to understand, and her remarks on academic arrogance provided a much-needed perspective shift. And her comments on the myth of a ‘dream job’ were particularly illuminating. The wisdom she shared about the inevitable highs and lows of every job and the significance of aligning with a purpose or mission rather than an idealised role was profoundly motivational.
    
4. Ms Jil Ebanoidze: Her insights on empathy, curiosity, cultural awareness, and identifying one’s strengths were both enlightening and invigorating. Such a perspective not only provides guidance but also prompts introspection in areas often overlooked.
    
5. Ms Ana Tuiketei: Her insights, particularly about the power of mentoring, volunteering, and the intricate dynamics of gender difference, left a deep imprint on my thoughts. The richness of her experiences, especially her dedication to volunteering, rekindled a passion for community service within me that I once held dear."

"Thanks to the Graduate School's efforts, I felt the personal charm of the scholars, which comes not only from knowledge and education, but also from in-depth practice in the industry. I think it's a good opportunity to think about my future.”

"These fellows were eager to share what they know. Dr Gambo shared the links where we might find job opportunities offered by international organisations, opening a door to careers apart from academia. I was also impressed by realistic and practical suggestions from Ms Dai about planning a career and communicating in workplaces."

"The panel discussion is fruitful for students who are planning to shift their career pathway from academia to industry. I think the panels have provided meaningful advice on how students can prepare for the shift. For example, the panel emphasised self-awareness and other transferable skills, and engagement with industry even when we are still in academia. All advice offers students a clear picture of what types of graduates industries are expecting, and how students can prepare themselves for fitting the expectations from industries.” 

"I feel encouraged to reflect on my own strengths and become less worried about career paths."

Participants joining the Panel Discussion with AsiaGlobal Fellows 2023 on October 5, 2023.