The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) is renowned for its dedication to research excellence, fostering an ideal environment for aspiring students to engage in impactful projects and knowledge exchange.
FOR many international students, the choice of where to pursue their postgraduate studies can be a daunting task filled with considerations such as cost, prestige and personal fit.
But for Joyce Lee Zhi Xuen, choosing The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), currently ranked 36th worldwide by QS World University Rankings 2025, to pursue her PhD was clear and transformative.
Born and raised in Melaka, Lee’s path to CUHK began with a prestigious scholarship opportunity.
She was a recipient of the HKSAR government’s Belt and Road Scholarship scheme, which covered her annual tuition fees and a one-off relocation subsidy. Additionally, she received multiple awards including the Dr Clement Chan Research Scholarship.
These accolades provided Lee and her family with the financial support that would enable her to pursue her passion for medical research without burdening those at home.
Today, she dedicates her time to researching a topic deeply close to her heart – shellfish allergies.
“I suffered from anaphylaxis many years ago due to shellfish allergies,” she says.
“So, it correlates with my experiences, and it was also what sparked my interest to go deep into this field.”
With the freedom to focus on her research, Lee says that she has also thrived under the guidance of her supervisor, Prof Leung Ting Fan, who is renowned for his research in this field, as well as her co-supervisor Prof Christine Wai Yee Yan, whose expertise in developing a patented vaccine for shellfish allergies that has helped advance Lee’s work.
Currently working at a clinical research lab, Lee is thrilled with the flexibility she has been awarded and the guidance she has received.
“Getting a PhD is really all about the research, you’re not always taught something, but instead you need to input your own thinking and ideas that you have generated, and how you have made that into a reality – that is what I’m really interested in.
“My supervisor also gives me plenty of support,” she adds.
Lee (middle) celebrating with her supervisors Prof Christine Wai Yee Yan (left) and Prof Leung Ting Fan after receiving the Best Presentation Award during the Research Postgraduate Presentation of CUHK’s Department of Pediatrics.
A career-building opportunity
First arriving as an undergraduate student, Lee pursued a Bachelor of Science in the Faculty of Medicine, majoring in Biomedical Sciences. She then came to learn about the university’s direct entry into the PhD programme without a master’s degree.
The idea of pursuing research-based work drove her to apply.
“It was such a brave move to go from my research into lung cancer in my undergraduate days to researching food allergies, but it was my interest,” she says.
Lee hopes to make a career out of her passion for research, which is why she believes that CUHK is the perfect launching pad for her.
“Whether it’s on the academic side or the industry side, I would just love to explore something that no one has done before,” she says.
She adds, “I first thought about coming to Hong Kong because my older brother was studying here at another university. But for me, CUHK suited my personality. I love the space and the whole campus experience and feel.”
Lee received the Best Poster and Judges Commendation Awards in the Poster Presentation of the Summer Undergraduate Biomedical Sciences Research Attachment.
Opportunities and exposure
Having completed her undergraduate degree at CUHK, Lee experienced first-hand the types of opportunities the university offers its students.
Lee says her experience at CUHK has not only broadened her horizons but also helped her establish networks and connections thanks to the many joint collaborations with other universities.
Citing her department’s Allergy Week as a prime example, the event brought together international teams and organisations for weeklong activities and talks related to her field.
“I learnt so much from the patient’s point of view, allergy advances, new technologies and even practical workshops such as how to bake cakes without using eggs and wheat,” she says.
Another aspect was the continuous support that she received.
“I remember my undergraduate supervisor, Prof Anna Maria Blocki, asking me what I wanted for my future career. She guided me on the experiments I proposed and even nominated me to take part in a postgraduate symposium as an undergraduate – it helped get me to where I am.”
CUHK has several unique advantages, such as its proximity to Malaysia.
A home away from home
Beyond the academics, Lee recognises that studying overseas can be daunting for many. However, she praises the admissions team at CUHK, as well as her academic and personal development mentors for helping her make a smooth transition to the university.
“The bonding at CUHK is an advantage to make non-local students feel like they have someone they can rely on,” she says.
Financial support for postgraduate students
CUHK offers robust financial support for research postgraduate students.
Through the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS), Belt and Road Scholarship and other scholarships, students can receive comprehensive funding packages covering tuition, stipends and research expenses.
These programmes are designed to alleviate financial burdens, enabling students to fully concentrate on their studies.
Successful HKPFS awardees can receive up to US$227,200 (RM984,912) throughout the normative study period to support their PhD studies.
For those interested in learning more about CUHK's postgraduate offerings, the information upcoming session in Kuala Lumpur will serve as a valuable opportunity to connect with university representatives and explore various scholarship options.
The CUHK Postgraduate Information Session @ Kuala Lumpur is set to take place on Sept 28, from 9.30am to 1pm, at JW Marriott Kuala Lumpur.
If you’re interested in attending the information session, you can find out more and register here.
