I chose the BSc (Hons) in Investment Science and Finance Analytics (ISFA) primarily because I was attracted by its quantitative training, along with an emphasis on practical application. This programme offers a diverse range of elective subjects, including statistics, finance and computer science, that allow students to fully explore their interests and develop a passion for various fields such as data science and financial engineering. We have ample learning opportunities beyond the classroom. For example, there are opportunities to conduct research under the supervision of a Professor. Moreover, internship opportunities and training workshops are arranged to equip us with the necessary skills for career advancement. During my exchange at the National University of Singapore, I gained invaluable experience that I will cherish forever. The ISFA programme provides an exceptional platform for students to achieve both academic and personal growth, while also fostering an international perspective.

PolyU’s Investment Science programme first caught my attention when I was in high school, as it offered a blend of statistics, programming and finance, and a balance of academic and practical modules. The academic courses prepared me for further study, while the research and work experience opportunities kept me informed about my career options.

I graduated from the BSc (Hons) in Investment Science in 2022 and went on to study a Master’s in Data Science at EPFL in Switzerland. When I decided to pursue a Master’s, I found that most of the programmes required candidates to have a statistics- or data science-related background. As I gained the necessary knowledge and skills at PolyU, EPFL recognised my academic qualification to take their Master’s.

One of the most memorable events of my time at PolyU was the study trip to Melbourne, during which I visited several renowned Australian universities. As a mainland student, I also had a fun time exploring Hong Kong. All in all, I experienced great cultural exposure and gained global insights. It was also an opportunity to make friends with people from diverse backgrounds. 

I graduated with a BSc (Hons) in Investment Science from PolyU’s Department of Applied Mathematics (AMA) in 2022. I chose this programme because it not only provided a solid foundation in mathematics and statistics, but also developed my flexible application skills in finance. At university, I participated in industry networking events, such as the CAGAHK Mentorship Programme and the "INSPIRE" Mentorship Programme, as well as training workshops in Python and VBA. During onsite meetings and company visits, my mentors shared their entrepreneurial stories, career experience and personal choices at different stages of their learning. These insights served as a great asset for my career planning and inspired me to achieve my professional goals. Moreover, PolyU provided me with many opportunities to acquire a better global vision. One of the most memorable events for me was the service-learning trip to Taiwan. To help Southeast Asian immigrants connect to their hometowns, we set up a cultural night market and held a fundraising dinner hosted by the Pearl Buck Foundation. Witnessing the difficulties faced by immigrants roused our awareness of racial equality and other social issues. Overall, the knowledge and skills I gained from this programme prepared me well for the next stage of my studies in statistics. The valuable learning experience with AMA has inspired me to pursue my goal.

Investment Science is an interdisciplinary programme covering mathematics, statistics, finance and computer science. It therefore equips students with knowledge from a range of fields. By the time I graduated in 2022, I had gained not only theoretical knowledge but also professional experience. My internship as a student research assistant offered me a great opportunity to undertake scientific research under the supervision of and in collaboration with my professors. This unforgettable experience inspired me to pursue postgraduate study and develop my research career.

As part of the university’s extracurricular programme, I participated in a six-week exchange to Romania, working as a volunteer teacher, which gave me experience of living independently. As a member of the organising committee, I developed my leadership and teamwork skills through organising an orientation week for over 500 freshers from more than 30 countries.

Reflecting on my time, I am grateful I chose the IS programme at PolyU. It has served as a great platform to pursue my dreams.