Embarking on the Laidlaw Scholars Programme has been a transformative journey that reshaped my understanding of leadership, ethics, and global responsibility. Through intensive research, ethical leadership training, and an upcoming hands-on Leadership-in-Action project, I've gained invaluable insights into what it truly means to lead with integrity and engage meaningfully as a global citizen. This experience has not only broadened my academic horizons but also deepened my commitment to creating equitable change in the world.

My research into gender biases within English contract law revealed how systemic stereotypes influence legal outcomes in subtle yet profound ways. By analyzing cases from both the UK and Hong Kong, I observed how women are frequently portrayed as overly emotional or inherently vulnerable in contractual disputes—a persistent bias that reinforces inequality. This work taught me that ethical leadership extends far beyond good intentions; it demands rigorous self-reflection, and the courage to confront uncomfortable truths. The process of uncovering these institutional biases has fundamentally changed how I approach both legal scholarship and everyday decision-making.

Global citizenship emerged as another cornerstone of my Laidlaw experience, moving from abstract concept to lived reality. My upcoming LiA project with the Zubin Foundation in Hong Kong will allow me to directly contribute to educational equity for ethnic minority communities. This immersive experience will require me to practice active listening—to truly hear community needs rather than impose preconceived solutions. I anticipate the challenge of navigating cultural differences while collaborating with diverse stakeholders, from NGO workers to educators. This project represents exactly the kind of boundary-pushing experience the Laidlaw Programme champions, taking me beyond academic theory into the rewarding work of creating tangible impact.

As my Laidlaw journey continues to unfold, I find myself increasingly committed to sustaining these values long after the formal program concludes. I plan to leverage my legal training to advocate for policy reforms that address systemic inequities. Beyond institutional channels, I intend to dedicate time to grassroots initiatives addressing climate justice and mental health, recognizing that global challenges require both macro and micro solutions.