Feature Stories

University is a place for immense personal growth and refining young talents from all kinds of backgrounds. Against HKUST Business School’s backdrop of world-class opportunities, resources and support, Marvin POON (BBA GBUS & IS, Class of 2025) discovered his purpose and passion, driving the start of a meaningful career and journey as a future leader.

Building the Skills and Mindset to Seize Opportunities

Growing up in Hong Kong, a city renowned for its world-class education teeming with ambitious students, Marvin was initially uncertain about what kind of career he wished to embark on. Recognizing that HKUST Business School provides extensive opportunities for international exposure and is globally ranked among the best in Asia, Marvin saw a chance for personal growth beyond selecting his career. Admitted through the JUPAS program-based route, Marvin enrolled in the BBA Global Business (GBUS) program, believing it would broaden his horizons, cultivate his global mindset and connect him to a well-established professional network. “It's a great place to learn about how business works, how I can connect myself to the world by understanding current issues and how to work with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures.”

While the GBUS program enhances students' business acumen with soft skills through case-based learning, practical workshops, industry exposure and robust alumni networking, Marvin also noted the importance of refining his hard skills. Given the flexibility HKUST Business School offers, he pursued a second major in BBA Information Systems (IS) through the Additional Major Selection. This equipped him with the knowledge to comprehend coding logic and the practical applications of technology in business operations to serve as a bridge between business and technical professionals, which is vital in this era of AI advancements. Marvin observes, “when executing a project, it’s not just about how we present or develop a strategy, but also how we can practically implement the strategy. Effective communication with those implementing our ideas is equally crucial.”

Exploration Through Career Opportunities & Case Competitions

At HKUST, students are encouraged to embrace career development alongside academic studies. Marvin is grateful for the opportunities HKUST Business School creates for students to get industry experience early, which enabled him to undertake a wide range of internships over his four years. He collaborated with Adidas on sustainable garment recycling in the SBMT 3200 Corporate Project and partnered with Cartier to develop solutions for reducing their carbon footprint in the GBUS 4910 Capstone Project. With the support from the Career Center, including the Career Mosaic and various workshops, Marvin also interned at a local bank, a legal service conglomerate and JP Morgan Chase & Co., allowing him to work with local and international professionals. These first-hand experiences helped Marvin clarify his career aspirations and learn to build trust with teammates from various backgrounds. Combined with the University’s strong network, Marvin was able to gain valuable insights from staff, alumni and peers alike. “With all these resources, we just need to be proactive in reaching out for opportunities to build a successful career.”

Beyond internships, Marvin gained exposure to pressing topics and industries by participating in case competitions, where he achieved notable success. He won Best Speaker and 1st Runner-Up in the 2023 Oliver Wyman Impact case competition and was part of the winning team in the exclusive UBS Make Your Case — Business Case Challenge. Through these experiences, he discovered his strength in effective communication and audience awareness, which have significantly bolstered his leadership potential. “Being surrounded by diverse friends at HKUST and colleagues during internships has taught me how to engage with different types of people. One of the UBS judges praised my ability to tailor my presentation to the target audience and address the emotional concerns of the company owner. Additionally, in projects where team morale was low, I was able to uplift my teammates through my passion, persistence, and proactiveness.”

Making an Impact Through Extracurricular Engagement

Marvin’s impact extended beyond commercial projects into nonprofit initiatives, seeking opportunities to immerse himself in problem-solving and drive meaningful solutions. He joined 180 Degrees Consulting, a student-led consulting club with an international network dedicated to empowering non-profits to reach their potential and find real solutions. As the Learning and Development Director and Advisor for HKUST’s chapter, he coaches his peers to improve their consulting effectiveness. “I realized I can double the impact by not only learning myself but also serving those in need of consulting services.” Besides, Marvin also served on the organizing committee for Project Melo, a social enterprise facilitating direct engagement with CEOs for youth empowerment and societal contribution. Through his role and volunteer efforts, Marvin frequently interacts with respected leaders like Kenny Lam (CEO of Two Sigma Asia-Pacific) and John Tsang (Former Financial Secretary of Hong Kong), gaining valuable insights into effective leadership.

Having gained extensive experience in various activities, Marvin continues to engage in opportunities to serve on campus. As a Business Student Ambassador, he shares his university experiences with prospective students through social media and outreach events. "Speaking in front of over 700 people during the Information Day was a highlight of my university life. I was thrilled that my stories could reach a wider audience and inspire more people." He also contributed to the Global Business Career and Professional Development team, organizing events that connected his cohort with industry professionals.

Final Thought: Try Everything

“The most meaningful part of my time here was undoubtedly finding my purpose as an impact-driven leader. HKUST really helped me discover who I am and what I want to do.” Inspired to facilitate collaboration among diverse individuals and professionals, Marvin plans to gain work experience across various industries while continuing to create a meaningful impact.

From internships to extracurriculars, Marvin advises students to try every opportunity HKUST offers to explore their talents. “You really won't know how much you can achieve unless you try something. Don’t be afraid of failure, it’s okay to make mistakes. Be confident, develop the best mindset to overcome challenges.” Reflecting on his time at HKUST, Marvin found fun in unexpected places, even when things didn’t go as planned. “That's why sometimes surprises can teach you a lot and leave strong impressions in your life. Through these experiences, you can achieve something you've never imagined before.”

 >> READ OTHER FEATURE STORIES <<