Dear fellow scholars,

I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the incredible experience we had yesterday during the poster presentation session for the Laidlaw Scholar's Programme at the University of Hong Kong. It was an event filled with excitement, knowledge sharing, and personal growth.

First and foremost, I would like to thank the Laidlaw Foundation for providing me with this amazing opportunity. I would like to thank my research supervisors, Professor Yu WANG and Dr. Daniels Konja, for their continuous support and teachings. I’d also like to express my sincere appreciation to the HKU staff, especially Ms Audrey Cheung, and all the scholars who participated and contributed to the event. The diversity of research topics and the passion each scholar exhibited truly left a lasting impression on me. Witnessing the breadth and depth of intellectual curiosity among my peers was both humbling and inspiring.

Presenting my research findings to such an engaged audience was a privilege. The opportunity to present and discuss my work with Chief Executive of Laidlaw Foundation, Susanne Kempe, vice-president of the University of Hong Kong, Professor Ian Holliday, fellow scholars and their esteemed supervisors, was an invaluable experience.

Moreover, the poster presentation session fostered a sense of community and collaboration among the Laidlaw scholars. The camaraderie and enthusiasm displayed by everyone were truly remarkable. It was heartening to see scholars supporting and encouraging one another, even in fields different from their own. The event served as a reminder of the power of interdisciplinary collaboration and the potential impact it can have on our respective research endeavours.

One of the key takeaways from this experience is the importance of effective communication. Presenting complex research findings in a concise and accessible manner is a skill that we all strive to cultivate. The poster presentation session allowed us to practice this skill and receive immediate feedback on our ability to convey our ideas effectively. I am grateful for the opportunity to refine my communication skills and learn from the diverse approaches taken by my fellow scholars.

Finally, this event reinforced the significance of the Laidlaw Scholar's Programme in fostering personal and professional growth. During Ms Susanna’s presentation, she mentioned the importance of having integrity and doing research ethically. This was a great reminder to us young researchers, who may be in a rush to present good research findings. Realising that all good things take time is an important part of growth, both in our personal life and as researchers.

The opportunity to engage in rigorous research, gain mentorship from esteemed professors and post doctoral students, and connect with like-minded scholars has been invaluable. The poster presentation session served as a testament to the transformative impact this program has had on our academic journeys.

I am grateful to be part of such a vibrant and intellectually stimulating community. I look forward to witnessing the continued growth and achievements of all the Laidlaw scholars. And I cannot wait to learn many more valuable lessons and meet inspirational individuals through the Leadership In Action project in the upcoming summer!