Feature Stories

For many students, academic excellence is often seen as the hallmark of success and a stepping stone to university admissions. For Rex (BBA in Global Business, Class of 2028), a top scorer in the International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma, it was just the beginning of a much larger journey. Now a second-year student at the HKUST Business School, Rex has found that university life is not solely about grades; it’s about exploring opportunities, developing a holistic skill set and preparing for a dynamic future.

People-oriented for Success

Rex’s journey with HKUST began with Project M², a summer business project ideation program hosted by the Solomon Learning Group in collaboration with HKUST Business School representatives. He was impressed by the collaborative and supportive environment that HKUST is known for. “The business student ambassadors and professors truly cared about what we were doing. In particular, my group's assigned HKUST leader demonstrated his commitment to our success by staying up all night working on a project with us — a gesture that I truly appreciate as a hallmark of his character,” he recalls. This experience sparked his interest in HKUST, where he discovered a vibrant community of leaders and world-class faculty who can act as role models to learn from.

Rex’s passion for business is deeply rooted in his family's business background and his own entrepreneurial and extracurricular experience. During his secondary school years, he was heavily involved with the development of RevisionDojo, an edtech startup which was accepted to Y Combinator, raising more than $3m in its seed round. He also achieved notable success in business case competitions, winning both the Champion and Best Presenter awards in the HKICPA Accounting and Business Management Case Competition. These experiences underscored the significance of choosing a university that could offer him more than just a degree, but rather a place with comprehensive support across all aspects of academic life. He was particularly drawn to HKUST’s incredible reputation, especially for the GBUS program, which has garnered high praise from professionals for its talent density, global exposure and long-standing history of excellence.

Awarded a full scholarship for his outstanding IB scores, Rex felt confident in choosing HKUST over other prestigious institutions - a decision that would ultimately shape his future. There, he found the flexibility to explore under the guidance of professors and the support of peers and alumni. “At first, I didn’t know what I wanted to do specifically in business studies. However, there are so many people to ask for advice, which helps me figure out my interests. The school’s flexible curriculum also allows us to explore various fields and even choose a second major in the Additional Major Selection Exercise after studying a broad-based curriculum in the first few semesters.”

Meeting Expectations and Achieving Growth

Two years into his studies, Rex reflects on his first impressions of HKUST and finds them largely true. The diverse student body—comprised of individuals from various cultural backgrounds—has fostered a collaborative spirit that encourages exploration and innovation. “My peers are not just hardworking; they are kind and ambitious, creating an environment where everyone pushes each other to excel,” he notes. Rex also recognizes that while the academic environment is challenging, the rigor of the courses and the support from peers inspire each student to reach their full potential and develop the discipline necessary for a successful career.

Rex also appreciates how the curricula and assessments at HKUST mirror the critical thinking approach he experienced in the IB program. “HKUST teaches you how to think and understand concepts, not just memorize facts. The professors encourage proactive learning and are always willing to help,” he explains. He finds particular value in the case consulting style of learning, where students are introduced to up-to-date case studies that hone their problem-solving skills for real-world problems.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

At HKUST, learning extends far beyond the classroom, allowing students to explore their strengths, passions, networks and get career-ready. Rex has immersed himself in a variety of extracurricular activities, taking on leadership roles in clubs such as the Hong Kong Federation of Business Students, Investment Circle @HKUST, 180 Degrees Consulting, HKUST Case Analysis Team and HKUST Spark Global. Given that some of the clubs are part of a larger network across different universities, Rex has also been exposed to an even wider range of peers, cultures and working styles. “Being involved in these clubs has given me insights into different sectors and perspectives, creating a truly international experience both professionally and socially,” he shares. Building on these experiences, he recently represented HKUST at the HKUST International Case Competition (HKICC), where he earned a place in the finals and received the Outstanding Business Concept Award. He was also crowned Best Presenter and Champion at both the Hong Kong Joint University Case Competition (JUCC) and the Deloitte Club USHINE Case Competition. These experiences have not only enriched his academic journey but also helped him hone his professional outlook and toolkit, as well as leadership and people skills that most do not learn until they enter the workforce.

The university’s robust career support system, including the HKUST Job board and Career Mosaic, has also played a crucial role in Rex’s development. He has interned at a Big 4 accounting firm, a family office, and is currently working as an investment banking analyst at a boutique merchant bank. He emphasizes that the support he receives extends beyond just resources: “The faculty and alumni are eager to share opportunities from their networks, which have been invaluable in shaping my career path.” The flexibility of the academic timetable also allows him to fully engage in internships during winter and summer breaks, further bridging the gap between theory and practice.

Investing for the Future

As Rex looks ahead, he feels empowered by the opportunities that HKUST has provided. Inspired by the agency given to students to take charge of their learning and future, he is determined to make an impact in the finance sector, particularly in investment banking. Although Rex's focus has shifted from running exciting start-ups to excelling in finance and the corporate world since the start of university, his interest in entrepreneurship has been re-sparked. He is now exploring his next startup interest that involves AI and its future uses, fueled by the mentorship and resources available through the university’s Entrepreneurship Center, which actively fosters innovation through programs and funding such as the HKUST Dream Builder.

His advice to prospective students is to recognize the abundance of talent in the world and the unique merits each individual brings. He also encourages students to appreciate human connections and leverage collaboration to achieve great things. While hard work is important, and the effort put in will yield results, he hopes students will invest in their relationships with others, for a healthier, happier life, to live and embrace the moment. “High school is mapped out already and structured, university is a world of freedom - success lies solely on you, and there is no one to push you except yourself. So make the best of every moment and give every moment your all — to live life without regrets.”

>>Join Rex at HKUST Business School and ignite your own journey towards a successful career!<<

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