S hiny may have excelled in come from her belief in the value of connecting with people and exploring ideas beyond numbers. Business studies at HKUST combined her aptitude for mathematics with her passion for interpersonal interaction, “I chose the best business school in Hong Kong,” she recalls. Shiny felt right at home in a proactive, diverse, and vibrant cohort of peers, all energised to seek opportunities, build connections, and support one another. “HKUST students have a global network and are focused on sharing mathematics in secondary school, but she always knew that success would knowledge,” says Shiny, “everyone is really hardworking, but we share in one another’s progress and ambition, too.” One of the most impactful experiences for Shiny at HKUST was joining Project MELO, a year-long fellowship where passionate, future-focused students collaborate with CEOs to drive positive change for social impact in Hong Kong. This initiative pairs four students with a CEO to work on a co-creation project. “I worked with Randy Lai, CEO of McDonald’s Hong Kong,” Shiny shares. On the recommendation of HKUST Connect, Shiny entered the “Connect4Change” competition with a team. Their education-focused solution for tackling climate change won first place. The experience brought together all of Shiny’s strengths, passions, and visions for the future in a practical, real-world opportunity. Shiny transitioned from fellow to committee member in her second year, honing her leadership skills by stepping up to manage the project's organisation. “HKUST nurtures essential business skills like communication and leadership,” says Shiny, “and I really developed an entrepreneurial mindset during my time there.” All students are encouraged to find solutions independently and think innovatively. Engaging with industry experts in informal settings, such as coffee chats, gives students real insights into the business world. One notable interaction was with Bryan Li, CEO of
Bank of East Asia, whose discussion on Hong Kong’s role as a financial hub inspired Shiny’s career in banking. Shiny’s curiosity flourished within HKUST’s forward-thinking curriculum. Her Operations Management and Information Systems courses embraced technologies not typically associated with business studies, such as ERP systems and Python. For Shiny, her understanding of these tools continues to be instrumental in how she performs critical daily tasks in her banking career today. The combination of experiences from Project MELO and her technical skills equipped Shiny with a holistic perspective and energised her for a dynamic impactful career. University life at HKUST is challenging but rewarding. The rigorous coursework equips students with essential skills such as how to conduct research, persuade teams, and develop interpersonal skills – key attributes for professional success. “The persuasion and interpersonal skills that I gained at HKUST are invaluable,” says Shiny, “it also brought home the importance of having a plan.” The structured approach to internships, community projects, and academics helped her make the most of her time at university. From an international exchange at Sydney’s Macquarie University to teaching English in Cambodia, each milestone has significantly shaped her personal and professional growth. It’s clear that her time at HKUST has had a lasting impact. Meeting inspiring individuals and participating in diverse activities has influenced Shiny’s outlook and career trajectory. “In my junior years, I enhanced my exposure through exchanges. In the middle years, I focused on studies and community programs. Finally, in the last years, I did internships and met business leaders,” she recounts. This well-rounded approach ensured she was well-prepared for the professional world. As Shiny shares, “HKUST is best for hardworking, proactive people – you’ll be in great company, go on to achieve great things, and make a positive impact together.”
At HKUST you really can connect with influential figures and embrace opportunities. Impact
Shiny Ho Bachelor of Business Administration
Operations Management Minor in Entrepreneurship Class of 2022
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