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I am a Primary Care Physician and a Public Health Practitioner from Sri Lanka with over four years of international experience in the field. My medical background is in providing primary health care to minorities and low-income populations, especially in rural areas. I am also a trained public health practitioner with working experience in community health, maternal and child health and public health administration. Prior to joining the School of Public Health, I served in several rural and semi-urban government hospitals in Sri Lanka, delivering essential healthcare to populations in need. From the time I was a medical student, I knew public health was my calling. During my undergraduate years, I took part in several international public health initiatives and became a part of a few health advocacy groups (particularly on women’s health). After obtaining my medical practice license in Sri Lanka and gaining several years of experience in both primary care and community medicine, I decided that pursuing a Master’s in Public Health was a natural next step to solidify my knowledge in the field that I am passionate about. As such, I was thrilled to receive a full academic scholarship from the University of Hong Kong, School of Public Health to study my MPH. The Chan Tung and Friends Global Community Health for All Scholarship allowed an early career physician from a small, developing country such as myself to pursue an internationally accredited MPH programme at one of the most prestigious universities in the world. During my time as a student, I enjoyed connecting with peers from across the region, taking part in new public health initiatives, talking to my professors to gather new insights and honing my public health research skill set. After a year of rigorous studies, I was delighted to graduate from the programme with a Distinction. Right after graduation, I was recruited to become a Research Assistant at the School of Public Health, which was an excellent learning experience. After that, I applied for a teaching position that was available within the school and was delighted to receive the offer. It has been an honour and a privilege to work amongst some of the best academics in the world and to share my knowledge with an inspiring bunch of students.

Coming from Myanmar, getting the opportunity to study at The University of Hong Kong (HKU), one of the region’s most prestigious academic institutions was nothing short of life-changing. I’m a medical doctor by training, but my passions have always stretched beyond the hospital walls. I've worked on nutrition and maternal-child health projects with INGOs, and also served as a civil medical officer at a tertiary hospital in downtown Yangon. Through these diverse experiences; across both clinical care and public health, in government and non-government settings, I realized my true calling lies in shaping broader health systems. That’s what led me to pursue a Master of Public Health (MPH) at HKU, with Health Economics, Policy and Management Concentration. Studying abroad had always been a dream, and thanks to the incredible generosity of the Chan Tung & Friends Global Community of Health for All Scholarships, that dream became a reality. This scholarship fully covered my tuition, accommodation, and living expenses - an opportunity that would otherwise be out of reach for a young professional from an LMIC like me. I thoroughly enjoyed my MPH experience. The balanced mix of coursework – both elective and mandatory, practicum, and capstone made the program both intense and deeply rewarding. The faculty and MPH program team were exceptionally kind and supportive. I also had a fantastic practicum placement at Clean Air Network, with whom I still keep in touch. Following my MPH program, I developed a profound interest in health economics, which led me to pursue an MSc in International Health Policy (Health Economics) at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). Alongside my full-time studies, I have been working as an independent researcher, health policy advocate, and social entrepreneur with both local and international organizations. My work has focused on various topics, including ethnic education programs, nutrition in conflict settings, and healthcare in conflict-affected areas. I remain deeply committed to advancing health policy and systems research, with a particular focus on nutrition security, health equity, health system strengthening, and institutional resilience.

I practice Language, Chemistry, nursing education, and Pharmacy. I am currently pursuing my Master of Public Health at HKU. Having been exposed to pharmacy in the United States and nursing education in Hong Kong, I witnessed firsthand a myriad of different methods being used to achieve a goal. As I began to slowly realize imperfections in healthcare systems in both Hong Kong and the United States, I started to appreciate the intricacy of difference healthcare systems and decided to use my somewhat unique perspectives to help the state of healthcare. Seeing that a segue into that being public health, I decided to begin my studies in this MPH program. Upon receiving the UGC Targeted TPg Fellowship, I felt grateful to the school, my parents, and others who helped me get to where I am. This prestigious award not only provides me with the necessary funds for my studies, but also reminds me to make the most out of this MPH program as a first step towards showing my commitment towards advancing public healthcare. In terms of what I enjoy most about the MPH program, the relationships I was able to establish during this MPH program were the most valuable to me. My future aspirations would be to provide contributions that fosters good health practices among the general public. As I continue to tackle new challenges, I will strive for bettering myself, solving increasingly difficult challenges using public health knowledge. My perspectives from direct care ,research experiences, and language skills contribute to my unique skill set that might one day contribute to health initiatives that better a population.

I am a medical doctor with an M.B.B.S. degree from Jilin Medical University, currently pursuing my Master of Public Health at HKU. My journey in healthcare began during my medical studies in China, followed by a meaningful internship at Kenyatta National Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya where I gained firsthand experience in clinical practice in real world settings and developed a deep interest in global health challenges.  The decision to pursue an MPH stemmed from my desire to bridge the gap between clinical medicine and population health. During my time at Kenyatta National Hospital, I observed various systematic healthcare challenges that required solutions beyond individual patient care. This experience inspired me to begin research on youth health in Sub-Saharan Africa, aiming to understand broader health patterns and their implications.  Receiving the UGC Targeted TPg Fellowship has been a significant milestone in my academic journey. This prestigious award has not only provided financial support but also validated my commitment to advancing public health initiatives. The fellowship has allowed me to fully immerse myself in the MPH programme, where I can leverage my clinical background while developing new perspectives on healthcare systems. What I enjoy most about the MPH program, besides the impactful friends and colleagues I have met, is its comprehensive approach to understanding health challenges, directly relevant to my chosen concentration (PHP-CPHC). The program's emphasis on research methodology and evidence based practice aligns perfectly with my ongoing research interests in youth health patterns and lifestyle factors in Africa, in addition to my interest in the social and physical wellbeing of the livelihood of elders in a society.  Upon my graduation, I aspire to further combine my clinical expertise with public health knowledge to address healthcare challenges across the world in a multitude of contexts. My background in both direct patient care and research positions me uniquely to contribute to global health initiatives. I aim to continue my research work while implementing evidence - based interventions that can improve healthcare delivery systems, particularly in underserved communities.

As a physiotherapist in the public sector, I have come to realize the importance of public health in Hong Kong. Pursuing a degree in public health has broadened my perspective on chronic diseases. MPH has equipped me with the skills needed to develop prevention strategies or implement programs that can relieve the healthcare burden. I was honoured to be granted the UGC Targeted TPg Fellowship. Despite alleviating the financial burden of studying, the fellowship motivates me to strive for excellence in my studies and application of knowledge inside and outside of my specialty.  A saying that has stuck with me from a MPH professor is "everything is public health and public health is everything". This perspective has helped me integrate what I've learned with my surroundings. So far, the most enjoyable part of my MPH study would have to be my classmates and their diverse backgrounds. I love grouping up with them and working on presentations together. My future aspiration upon graduation is to take the CPH exam and integrate the principles of public health practice into my clinical work.

Health has always been at the heart of my academic and professional journey. During my undergraduate studies in Biotechnology and Business, I had the opportunity to work across pharmaceuticals, public health research, and a biomedical NGO. These experiences provided me with insights into the challenges within our healthcare system, from gaps in disease awareness and prevention to inequities in treatment access. Witnessing these issues drove me to pursue an MPH upon graduation to understand how policy can facilitate the allocation and integration of health resources, reducing fragmentation throughout a patient’s journey across all stages of care.   Being selected as a recipient of the UGC Targeted TPg Fellowships is a great honour, as it supports my professional development in this dynamic field and aligns with my enthusiasm for interdisciplinary learning.   So far, the practicum has been the highlight of my MPH studies. I selected Economist Impact as my site, where I had the opportunity to apply the analysis frameworks learned in our core courses to real-world policy research projects. This experience has allowed me to engage in a variety of global health initiatives, tackling diverse issues across health systems and policy topics, and further honing my ability to translate data into actionable insights. It was also inspiring to learn how policy research can be amplified to reach a broader audience of policymakers and industry leaders to drive change!   Moving forward, the next chapter in healthcare will focus on empowering policymakers, organisations, and caregivers as partners to address unmet patient needs. Upon graduating from the MPH, I aspire to work in health policy analysis, market access, or healthcare consulting, where I am eager to foster cross-sector collaboration to bridge gaps in healthcare delivery and advance patient care quality!

I graduated from the University of Hong Kong in 2024 with a Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in Biochemistry. I am currently a part-time MPH student and a full-time Research Assistant in the Department of Ophthalmology at HKU. As a Biochemistry student, I was trained in laboratories to conduct research on tackling rare diseases through biotechnological and pharmaceutical methods. However, as a researcher eager to discover new therapeutic approaches, I realized that fundamental science alone is not sufficient; I also need to understand policies, politics, finance, and clinical research. I believe that the CID concentration and the core programs in the MPH provide a comprehensive opportunity to enhance my skills as a healthcare professional. I am confident that the MPH program will equip me with the ability to translate wet lab research into the healthcare industry, integrating political and financial considerations effectively. I am grateful to be awarded the UGC Targeted TPg Fellowships. My dream of becoming a comprehensive healthcare researcher across various sectors is ambitious, and it requires support and encouragement. The fellowship motivates me to connect with classmates from diverse backgrounds, which helps me achieve my career goals with less pressure. The MPH program provides me with professional knowledge in healthcare policies and politics, finance and economics in healthcare, and the mechanisms of infectious diseases. The opportunities for communication with classmates and research on real-world healthcare settings help me understand how people perceive healthcare and what they want from it. This experience broadens my horizons and deepens my understanding of the essential skills I need to develop to become a reliable healthcare researcher and provider. In the future, with my experience in Biochemistry and the knowledge gained from theMPH program, I hope to take on roles as a decision-maker to help translate fundamental medical research into medical products that can be developed as solutions for diseases, supported by effective political and financial policies. Ultimately, I aim to contribute to Hong Kong society by promoting sustainable healthcare and fostering an efficient health community with equitable access to health.

My name is Ivan, currently a part time MPH student in the concentration of Health Economics, Policy and Management (HEPM). Apart from being a student, I am a pharmacist at Tsuen Wan District Health Centre. I have been working in Hospital Authority for few years. During my service, I noticed several challenges the Hong Kong healthcare system is facing including long service waiting time, high bed occupancy and healthcare staff shortage. I really want to do something about it as a healthcare professional. I am so honoured to candidate for the UGC Targeted TPg Fellowship. The fellowship not only recognizes my academic achievements but also provides financial support to pursue further studies. One of the aspects I enjoy the most is the interdisciplinary approach to learning. It has been incredibly rewarding to learn from people in different countries or different positions. I believe MPH program would help me to advance my career further. Most importantly, equipped me with skills related to healthcare policy.

After graduating from the HKU MBBS program, I worked as a medical resident with the Hospital Authority before transitioning to a public health career in the government. My experience of serving the elderly and underprivileged in public hospitals highlighted the importance of disease prevention and efficient healthcare resource allocation for quality care across society. I am interested in the Master of Public Health offered by the University of Hong Kong due to its accreditation by the Council on Education for Public Health and the systemic approach to learning, which I have had first-hand experience during my undergraduate program. My interest in the Health Economics, Policy, and Management concentration of the HKU MPH program stems from my desire to apply economic methods to improve equity and efficiency in healthcare resource distribution. I am honored to have received the UGC Targeted TPg Fellowships for my MPH studies and feel a responsibility to equip myself for future service to the city. I have enjoyed connecting with classmates from diverse professional backgrounds and countries, united by our shared vision and passion for public health. Upon completing the MPH program, I am excited to apply my knowledge and skills to promote healthy aging and deliver quality care to the underprivileged in Hong Kong.

My name is Mak Ka Man, Carman and I am a graduate of the Bachelor of Nursing program. Currently, I am a registered nurse with a passion for healthcare and a strong desire to expand my knowledge in public health. This ambition has led me to pursue a Master of Public Health (MPH), as I believe that understanding the broader determinants of health is crucial for making a more significant impact in my community. Being granted the UGC Targeted TPg Fellowships has been a truly humbling experience for me; I am incredibly grateful for the support and recognition. This fellowship not only validates my efforts but also provides me with the resources needed to excel in my studies.  So far in my MPH program, I have particularly enjoyed the interdisciplinary approach to public health challenges. Engaging with diverse topics ranging from epidemiology to health policy has broadened my perspective and enriched my learning experience. I find that collaborating with fellow students from various backgrounds enhances our discussions and fosters innovative solutions to complex health issues. Looking ahead, my aspirations upon graduating from the MPH program include working in public health policy development, where I can advocate for equitable healthcare access and contribute to initiatives that address health disparities. Ultimately, I hope to leverage my nursing background and public health education to create meaningful change in healthcare systems, ensuring that all individuals receive the care they deserve.

Hello, I am an immunology and allergy specialist working at Queen Mary Hospital. I am currently undertaking the EB concentration of the MPH course. Working full-time really forces you to prioritize your limited time on things you want to do outside of work (very envious of the full-time students here!) Personally, I feel many areas in immunology and allergy should best be explored from a public health angle. Epidemiological studies are lacking in Hong Kong, especially in the adult population. Such studies are needed for physicians and policy makers to have a more comprehensive understanding of disease prevalence and burden, changes over time, disease etiology, identify high-risk groups, impact of interventions and so on. Through the MPH, I hope I will be armed with the necessary tools and skills to design more meaningful, epidemiological studies missing in Hong Kong. I am incredibly grateful to be granted the UGC Targeted Taught Postgraduate Programmes Fellowships subsidy and encouraged to pursue this endeavor. I am thankful for the scheme to have granted this on a merit basis and to have recognized the importance of continued education. Being an alumni from HKU, it feels incredibly full circle to be undertaking the MPH programme at my alma mater. Being back on campus brings back a lot of memories I relish the privilege of learning something new every week! So far, the course has been very fruitful. I have particularly enjoyed and appreciated the step-by-step tutorials on R, especially as someone with no coding background. It’s incredibly satisfying to instantly apply these new skills using data from my own cohorts, making much prettier graphs than SPSS, and designing specific codes to run my analysis repeatedly without having to press so many buttons! I look forward to what semester 2 has to offer!

Hi everyone, it’s Rachel. I recently graduated with a Bachelor of Biomedicine degree from the University of Melbourne and am currently a full-time MPH student in the concentration “Public Health Practice – Comprehensive Primary Health Care (PHP-CPHC)”. Coming from a background rooted in disease diagnosis and treatment, I decided to embark on a journey towards MPH, with a keen interest in understanding disease prevention, health promotion and addressing health disparities within communities. The opportunity to pursue an MPH degree isn’t just a personal milestone, but a professional commitment to contribute meaningfully to the enhancement of population health. I am incredibly grateful and honoured to be a recipient of the UGC Targeted TPg Fellowships, which serves as a validation and big encouragement as I commence my studies at HKU. My journey in MPH has been immensely rewarding so far, one of the most enriching parts being the opportunity to connect with classmates from diverse cultural and academic backgrounds, including those outside the healthcare realm. This program also allows me to view individual wellbeing through a broader lens. Biomedicine tends to concentrate on the molecular and cellular levels of diseases. Public Health, on the other hand, takes a more holistic view, considering social, environmental, economic and policy factors that influence health outcomes. Pursuing an MPH equips me with a unique perspective and skill set necessary to comprehend health dynamics at a population level. This transition from a micro to macro perspective has been fascinating, propelling me to explore the complex interplay between policy frameworks, community factors and healthcare access. Looking forward, my aspirations upon graduating from the MPH program are deeply intertwined with my passion for effecting positive change in healthcare. I aim to leverage my newfound knowledge and skills to participate in shaping health policies that champion preventive care, advocate for equitable healthcare access and contribute towards building healthier communities in Hong Kong. I am excited to see where this journey takes me!