Alumni Sharing

Quality Assurance Officer, Gourmet House Limited

I chose this program for further study after completing my undergraduate studies as this program is the only master’s program in Hong Kong that focuses on health and safety issues in different aspects, like food safety and occupational safety. Therefore, completing this program enables me to have a wider range of career options. Also, the curriculum of this program is flexible and comprehensive which covers different environmental aspects. We can therefore choose the courses which we are truly interested in. On top of that, students studying in EHS are from diverse academic background and career path – most of them are full-time master students with science or engineering background, and several part-time students are working in related industry while studying. Therefore, I get to know many experts and professionals of the field.

Apart from attending lectures, students may also choose to conduct a minuscule research project under the supervision of a faculty. I worked on a project about saltwater aquaponics under the supervision of Dr. Cindy Lam. I acquired many techniques and standard operating procedures of working in a laboratory. Besides, I have developed critical thinking skills when analyzing the data and making logical decisions about my findings throughout the research process. My communication skills have also improved when having discussion with my supervisor and delivering presentation to professors and other students. The hard and soft skills I learned through these experiences are of paramount importance for me when seeking a lab-related job in the future.

There are extra-curricular activities that enhance the learning experience and broaden my horizon, including field trips and company visits. I think the most unforgettable field trip throughout the program would be the guided walk through Mai Po Nature Reserve, which is a Ramsar site with many endemic and precious animals. I also participated in a company visit to ASB, which is a biodiesel plant that can produce renewable energy by processing tons of waste oil. In addition, the EHS program conducts other interesting and educational field trips such as visiting a wastewater treatment plant, butterfly reserve area, and marine park. Joining these activities allows me to learn and have fun at the same time. They definitely spiced up my school life at HKUST.