Search Results

As a frontline medical doctor working in the public sector, I decided to pursue a MPH degree to gain a deeper understanding of how health systems operate and develop my leadership skills in the field. In my current role, I've seen firsthand the complex challenges involved in improving health outcomes for the communities I serve. The MPH program allows me to step back and examine these issues from a broader, systemic perspective.   When I was awarded the UGC Targeted Postgraduate Fellowships, I felt truly honored and grateful for the opportunity. This prestigious award has enabled me to focus wholeheartedly on my studies without the financial burden. So far, the part of the MPH I've enjoyed the most is learning how to apply various public health theories and frameworks to enact positive changes in the health of populations. I'm fascinated by the interdisciplinary nature of the curriculum, covering topics like epidemiology, health policy, and health economics.    I wish to utilize the knowledge and skills I've gained to drive innovative, evidence-based initiatives that address the health problem in the communities I work with. I'm passionate about leveraging my dual clinical and public health expertise to enhance the effectiveness of the health systems I'm a part of.

I hold a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree, a MA Integrated Marketing Communications with Merit, and a Bachelor of Marketing with Distinction. My academic journey included enriching study abroad experiences at the University of Malaya, Georgetown University (CTLS), and Zhongnan University of Economics and Law. I firmly believe in the value of education and view investing in oneself as the best strategy to combat inflation in today. With nearly a decade of diverse work experience, I have engaged in market operations, media public relations, real estate research, insurance, and the legal industry. Currently, I serve as a Senior Regional Director at a prominent broker, leading a team of around 300 team members and achieving an AFYP exceeding 140 million HKD last year. Additionally, I am a legal consultant at a leading law firm in Shenzhen, where my legal research focuses on international private law ( commercial arbitration ), insurance litigation, and financial regulation. My decision to pursue an MPH is driven by a variety of considerations, including personal career development, academic pursuit, social responsibility, and a thirst for new knowledge. The MPH degree of HKU will enhance my expertise in health insurance, medical regulations, and health policy, thereby increasing my competitiveness in my professional life. Moreover, the recent Covid-19 pandemic has had a profound impact, altering the life trajectories of many individuals. I believe it is essential to understand the fundamental concepts of public health so that in the event of another global health emergencies, I can utilize my knowledge to better contribute to my family, friends, and community with informed and effective action.   Overall, receiving the UGC Targeted scholarship will be a milestone in my academic career. This scholarship is not only an affirmation of my past efforts but also a great motivation for my forthcoming academic endeavors. With the award of this scholarship, I also feel a sense of duty, hoping that I can achieve better results in the future, bring honor to the school and the MPH program, and make contributions to society. Throughout MPH program, I have gained a wealth of knowledge, extending beyond the foundational principles of epidemiology and biostatistics to encompass the economics, policy, and management aspects of healthcare, along with strategies for prevention and evaluation. The courses on “ Healthcare management ” and “ Comparing Systems of Care for Older People ” have been particularly enlightening, offering a rich tapestry of practical insights. The seminar-based teaching approach has further provided me with opportunities to delve into the diverse strategies and ideologies that various organizations employ within their healthcare practices.   Upon graduation from the MPH program, I aspire to discover new some new breakthroughs. Indeed, healthcare management and health insurance regulation are the areas I intend to concentrate on moving forward. Considering  DRGs & DIPs reforms in China  and the implementation of the Voluntary Health Insurance Scheme (VHIS)  in Hong Kong, I am convinced that the field of healthcare management as well as the concept of “ Big health ” would present a promising future for my professional growth.

Hello, I'm Joanna. I am a part-time MPH (HEPM) student and currently work as an administrative staff member at HKU, where I assist in managing a large-scale oral health project. I completed my MBA in 2022 and shifted my career path from the commercial sector to healthcare by chance during the pandemic. I genuinely enjoy this field and am passionate about learning new things. MPH allows me to delve deeper into healthcare topics and expand my knowledge. Being granted the UGC Targeted TPg Fellowship is a precious opportunity to equip myself in this competitive environment. Many of us face challenges with work stress, time management, and economic pressures, and the fellowship provides significant support in overcoming these hurdles. I greatly enjoyed the MPH program; I liked the place, the perfect sea view, the environment, the people, the teaching staff, and the course. The course effectively integrates theory and practice, offers students opportunities to learn from professionals from different sectors and professions. This experience has broadened my understanding of past, present, and future health systems, allowing me to rethink how to use resources effectively and efficiently. I see great benefits in continuously improving systems, policies, and technological innovations and building an efficient healthcare system. I aspire to shift more towards academics to contribute further to public health and hope to contribute to our beloved Hong Kong in the coming future.

The Professional Development Hub hosts regular Coffee and Career talks. On May 21, 2024, Dr Alice Abou-Nader, Senior Country Manager for the Middle-Income Countries (MICS) Approach at  GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance, engaged in an interactive discussion with students, graduates, staff and members of the general public. The event attracted a diverse audience, both in-person and online, with over 20 attendees. During the session, Dr Abou-Nader shared her personal career journey in the field of public and global health. She provided valuable insights into her experience working with GAVI and offered guidance on career development in public health. The event concluded with a thought-provoking Q&A session, moderated by Dr Polly Wong, Senior Lecturer, School of Public Health. Participants left with plenty of food for thought, gaining valuable knowledge and inspiration from the event.

We would like to recognize and congratulate our MPH Alumnus – Mui, Chi Hang Henry (MPH Class of 2020) who recently passed his Certified in Public Health (CPH) exam. Read more about Henry’s career journey and his experience with the CPH examination. The HKU MPH is the first in the region and the only academic programme in Hong Kong fully accredited by CEPH, our graduates are eligible to take for the CPH examination and become professionally certified in public health. “I am now working at Biomedical Engineering Services Section in Hospital Authority in Hong Kong, specializing in healthcare technology and medical equipment life cycle management in clinical engineering field and I obtained my bachelor's degree in Biomedical Engineering from CUHK in 2014. I am also a corporate member of The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (HKIE). Completing the CPH examination and obtaining CPH credential is a milestone for me to recognize my capability of attaining the professional standard in public health. It helps demonstrate my perception of the knowledge I have learnt in HKU MPH and broadens my horizon to observe contemporary healthcare issues from the angle of a professional public health organization. The broad range of public health contents in the examination, covering the topics from four concentrations of HKU MPH, constitutes the core standard body of knowledge which no doubt can help us adhere to professional values. For instance, the examination considers the concepts and scope of ethical and legal principles in public health domain, which is essential to become a qualified public health professional. I believe the CPH credential can increase the recognition of public health professions and raise the awareness of public health issues, while it is also the benchmark to distinguish from other professionals in the field. As for me, it paves the foundation for my vision of cherishing the exploration of integrated care with emerging technologies for primary health and well-being in healthcare industry, and acts as the commitment for me to keep on with continuing professional development on public health issues.”

Congratulations to our MPH Alumnus – Donald Fung (MPH Class of 2022) who recently passed his Certified in Public Health (CPH) exam! We’re delighted for Donald to share his experience with the CPH examination. The HKU MPH is the first in the region and the only academic programme in Hong Kong fully accredited by CEPH, our graduates are eligible to take for the CPH examination and become professionally certified in public health. “Before I joined the MPH program in 2020, I had already obtained Master of Laws (LLM) and Master of Business Administration (MBA) degrees from CUHK and Master of Professional Accounting (MPA) degree from PolyU.  I am a professional accountant and is also a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charterholder.  I have worked in the banking industry for a long time and I used to feel proud of my comprehensive commercial knowledge until my father passed away shortly and unexpectedly because of a stroke.  His death reminded me about my shortcomings in medical knowledge.  To relieve my sorrow, I did some on-line research on this disease and discovered the importance of primary prevention in healthcare.  After thinking for a while, I decided to apply for the HKU MPH (HEPM) program and finished it in 2022. After my graduation, I enrolled for the CPH exam in early 2023.  To prepare for this exam, I had studied two books recommended by National Board of Public Health Examiners (NBPHE) and completed two practice exams provided in the CPH website but I eventually found that what I learnt from HKU MPH program was already sufficient for me to pass the exam.  In view of this, I suggest our alumnus to take the CPH exam once after the graduation.  Otherwise, they may loss the memory and need to study the materials again.”

My name is Chow Yim Sau Clementine, and I hold a Bachelor of Chinese Medicine from the Chinese University of Hong Kong. Currently, I am working as a Chinese Medicine practitioner at The Hong Kong Tuberculosis Association - The University of Hong Kong Chinese Medicine Clinic cum Training and Research Centre (South District) and pursuing a part-time MPH in Health Economics, Policy and Management (HEPM). My decision to pursue an MPH was influenced by several factors. Firstly, my participation and subsequent win in a policymaking competition during my undergraduate studies highlighted the need for more experts with extensive knowledge and skills in policymaking and effective communication with other health professionals in the field of Chinese medicine. This observation motivated me to pursue further studies to enhance my skills in these areas. Secondly, I aim to equip myself with more analytical methods for health leadership in the future. By pursuing an MPH, I believe I can broaden my perspective and develop a more comprehensive understanding of public health issues, which will be beneficial for my profession. Being granted the UGC Targeted TPg Fellowships is a significant achievement, and I am grateful and honoured for the opportunity. The fellowship not only recognizes my academic achievements but also provides financial support to pursue further studies. This is particularly important given the high cost of postgraduate education. The fellowship also serves as a strong encouragement for continuous learning, especially for part-time students who also need to work to support themselves. My MPH experience has been incredibly rewarding since it has allowed me to broaden my understanding of healthcare and investigate the complexities of how economics, policy, and management all influence healthcare services. I have particularly enjoyed acquiring accounting skills in healthcare, policy writing and lobbying, and building friendships and networks with fellow MPH students. Accounting skills are crucial for managing the financial resources of healthcare organizations, while policy writing and lobbying skills are critical for advocating changes in the healthcare system. Furthermore, the opportunity to connect and collaborate with students from diverse backgrounds has enhanced my learning experience and expanded my professional network. Upon graduation, my aspiration is to help establish further development in the policy and management of the first Chinese medicine hospital in Hong Kong. As a Chinese Medicine practitioner, I hope to utilize the knowledge and skills acquired from my MPH to advocate for better Chinese Medicine policy development and bridge the gap between Chinese medicine and Western medicine.

Hi, my name is Phoebe. It was my honour to be a candidate of the TPg fellowship. I am a registered nurse currently working in research. I enjoy my work very much, and pursuing the MPH has just been the icing on the cake. Studying a postgraduate degree has been my plan. It seems exciting to devote myself to a new area of expertise, but it isn’t necessarily easy. Many challenges will come in your way, which is all part of the fun and experience. Spending three years in work place, I always reflect on my past, present, and how I can improve in the future. It’s never easy to leave the easy life you are comfortable with, but stepping out of your comfort zone will make your whole experience worthwhile. After all, I am so glad that I applied for the MPH program. It has recharged and enriched me with knowledge. I am so honoured to candidate for the UGC targeted TPg Fellowship. Over the past year, I was struggling with work stress and economic pressure. A drama has grown inside me as a part of me really want to study the MPH program, while another part doesn't justify with the tuition fees. I am so thankful that my friend told me about this funding, it really helped me to take a big step forward. One thing I did not expect is that I actually made some good study partners and friends here. Thanks for the fact that the program was not designed an easy task, i did struggle a lot. But when God closes one door, he opens another. I am so luckily to learn a bunch of friends who have the same goal. We always get each other's back. I chose epidemiology and biostatistics as my concentration as I am more a scientific and number kind of person. I am looking for opportunities that I can combine my clinical medical knowledge in the epidemiological and statistics area. I wish to inspire and bring hope and insight to our future generations in combating diseases.

I am currently a part-time Year 1 MPH student in the concentration of Public Health Practice. I am a registered nurse and develop my interest in studying public health issues from my nursing study and ongoing clinical experience. I applied for MPH because I would like to prepare myself with a leadership role in advocating and improving community health of Hong Kong with different parties. Equipping myself with the principles of public health, I therefore could point out the social problems and propose evidence-based interventions effectively towards a sustainable health system. Therefore, I am grateful to be granted the UGC Targeted TPg Programmes Fellowship. This valuable recognition allows me to become a more confident healthcare practitioner, putting public health in action with competence. This MPH journey is challenging but informative. We are always given great opportunities to exchange public health ideas with internationally renowned experts and classmates from different cultural backgrounds and professional fields. Discovering the unfamiliar aspect of the field of practice, my critical thinking ability is consolidated. This helps me to address social health issues from multi-dimensional angles. In order to bridge theory and practice, I would take steps to make a network with the community through practicums in public health agencies and non-governmental organizations. I would like to give back to the society by blending my clinical experience and translating outreach ideas in practical with the public health knowledge gained in MPH program. I hope I may spur an improvement in the health care system of Hong Kong, and hence build a healthier living and caring environment.

I’m Cecilia Yau, a part-time Year 1 MPH student and manager at the Health Bureau. After obtaining my Bachelor of Arts in English, I had the opportunity to work in the Hospital Authority and Department of Health, which changed my course completely. As I progress in my career, I have developed a strong interest in public healthcare planning, as a good healthcare system and good health service delivery could hugely benefit the health and quality of the general public. Studying MPH have been a phenomenal experience for me. In addition to learning from experts in the field and enriching my knowledge in public health, I have also met peers coming from various disciplines in health care and appreciated the diverse perspectives and inspiring discussions. I am honoured and thankful to be awarded the UGC Targeted TPg Programmes Fellowship, for the recognition and support given to me in equipping myself to become a competent public health practitioner.

Hi there! My name is Dorothy, currently studying MPH (full time) in Health Economics, Policy and Management. Prior to studying this master’s, I graduated from HKU Food and Nutritional Sciences programme and have worked in the research and clinical trials industry for 2 years. During my work at the research field, it became clearer that a society with greater health awareness and adequate policy support is very much needed for integrated health, which seeks to offer care that combines physical, mental, and social aspects of health. As such, every citizen can enjoy their life to its fullest. I applied for the MPH program since it enables me to contribute to the healthcare field by mapping out ways to enhance our citizens’ healthier way of living. I am honoured to be granted the UGC Targeted TPg Programmes Fellowship. Being a recipient of the Fellowship motivates me to further my career development in promoting healthcare changes at system level. I genuinely enjoy MPH with its course design and the diversity of classmates’ backgrounds. Course content is set in such a way that integrates theory and practice, with ample opportunities to learn from both world-renowned academics and aspiring healthcare professionals from public and private sectors. At the same time, with the diversified cultural and professional backgrounds of classmates, we are encouraged to think outside of the box in our group work and consider multiple perspectives on healthcare systems across the globe. MPH has equipped me with different real-world models for critically analysing and effecting changes in solving public health problems in both the healthcare field and the political world. I hope to utilise the knowledge acquired to develop my career in the healthcare sector and make our society healthier and liveable through research and advocacy.

My name is Justin, and I am currently a first-year MPH student in the concentration of Epidemiology and Biostatistics. In addition to my status as a part-time student, I am also working as a full-time research assistant here at the School of Public Health, mainly assisting with research projects related to influenza and COVID-19. I began working at the School of Public Health after graduating from the University of Toronto with a major in mathematics and minor in both linguistics and statistics. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has allowed us to appreciate the role of public health in improving our understanding of diseases and formulating measures to minimize the impact of diseases at the population level. As an inquisitive individual who also enjoys problem solving, this prompted me to pursue my studies in the MPH programme and learn how to utilize concepts and tools in public health in improving population health and future pandemic preparedness efforts. It is an honour to be granted the UGC Targeted TPg Fellowship and it has provided me additional motivation to strive for excellence in the programme. Though challenging at times, the MPH programme fosters teamwork across its different courses, which allowed us to communicate and collaborate with our fellow classmates from a wide range of disciplines and backgrounds. In addition, I also enjoyed learning from some of the top scholars and experts in the field. After graduating from the MPH programme, I wish to work in the public health sector and make contributions by putting skills from the programme into good use. For those who are interested in public health, I would strongly encourage you to apply for the programme so that you can learn from the very best and gain hands on experience in solving real-world problems!