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Alumni Stories

Alumni Stories

Eunice Hung

Thinking back, the diverse curriculum where the East meets the West in the CUHK’s philosophy undergraduate program allowed me to thrive in my studies. The variety of philosophy courses provided by top-notch teachers in CUHK is second to none, I was given the freedom to explore my academic interest and pick my own thesis research topic. In addition, the department had been very flexible and supportive of my oversea exchange studies. It was fascinating opportunity to study philosophy in the United States at UNC Chapel Hill and Singapore at NUS for a semester each, of which I faced little difficulties in adjusting my study plan and transferring respective credits back home.

Equally helpful was the annual Internship Programme offered by the department. I was arranged to work at an NGO, AIDS Concern, on the promotion of their health schemes to the general public. The work experience and the shaped critical mindset had been instrumental in preparing me to become an Executive Officer (EO) at the Government. Credits to CUHK’s philosophical training for honing my written analytical skills and communication abilities which are crucial in achieving decent performance in the Joint Recruitment Examination and subsequent interviews. Throughout my career as EO, I continuously relied on my analytical mindset to navigate the complexities in executing public administration. The philosophical spirit that the program instilled will stay with me for the duration of my career into the future.

Lee Ho Yeung

I am currently an MPhil student in Philosophical Theology at Oriel College, University of Oxford. Before this, I graduated in 2023 from the Department of Philosophy, CUHK. My research interests mainly lie in metaphysics and philosophy of religion. I am now working on a dissertation on the metaphysics of divine attributes, where I aim to apply resources in higher-order metaphysics to reconstruct and examine traditional problems in theistic philosophy.

My undergraduate studies at CUHK provided me with an exceptionally broad training in philosophy, including studies ranging from pre-Qin Chinese thought to 21st-century analytic philosophy. The diverse and open academic environment in the Department of Philosophy taught me to be open-minded towards worldviews or philosophical positions that are distinctly different from mine. My training in analytic philosophy and philosophy of religion equipped me with a firm foundation of skills and background knowledge to pursue my current studies. My studies in Eastern philosophy, particularly Buddhism and Confucianism, have also consistently provided me with fresh insights into religious thought.

My experience at CUHK has instilled in me a way of life that places reflection at the heart of living. It has profoundly shaped my aspirations. I am deeply grateful to my professors and fellow students, whose guidance and friendship made my time at CUHK enjoyable, enriching, and meaningful.

Lau Po Hei

I completed my Bachelor’s (2006), Master’s (2008), and PhD (2012) degrees in Philosophy at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. During my studies, the Philosophy Department placed a strong emphasis on tutorial discussions and warmly encouraged students to form their own reading groups. These experiences profoundly shaped my academic life and professional development. Engaging in philosophical dialogue with peers not only significantly enhanced my communication skills but also paved the way for my later endeavors in promoting philosophy through mass media.

Now, as a lecturer, my teaching philosophy is grounded in “reflection” and “dialogue” — principles deeply rooted in the tradition of the department. Reflection enables us to question assumptions and challenge biases. Dialogue encourages us to approach discussions with others in an open and thoughtful manner. My greatest satisfaction comes when my students engage sincerely with their beliefs, examine how these beliefs interconnect, and show respect for their companions on their intellectual journey.

I remain deeply grateful to the Philosophy Department for laying the foundation of my academic career. Looking to the future, I hope the department continues its remarkable legacy. I trust they will keep cultivating talent and inspiring students to excel in diverse areas of life and work.

Karita Kan

I became a Philosophy major in 2005, a year after matriculating at CUHK. Having been a science student in secondary school, I had initially opted for a degree in Molecular Biotechnology. In the second semester of my first year, I had the fortune of taking an Introduction to Philosophy course taught by Professor Kwan Tze-wan. The course exposed me to new systems of ideas and ways of thinking, from ancient Greek and Chinese philosophy to existentialism and phenomenology. Looking back, the decision to transfer to Philosophy was an influential one that greatly impacted my subsequent choice of career. My professors at the department not only instructed and guided me in the foundations of philosophical thinking, they also demonstrated through their humanism and social concern how academic knowledge could and should directly inform practice and action. Upon graduation, I decided to pursue further study in the field of political science. I now teach applied social science and research the politics of land, urbanization, and rural development in contemporary China. I am grateful that my time at the Department of Philosophy has equipped me with the knowledge and passion for my career.