Cambridge Professor from CityUHK HKIAS shares the path to success with secondary school students

On 16 October 2025, City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) organized a sharing session at Maryknoll Convent School featuring Professor Dame Madeleine Atkins, Senior Fellow of the Hong Kong Institute for Advanced Study (HKIAS) and the 9th President of Lucy Cavendish College, University of Cambridge. Over 50 secondary school students from Maryknoll Convent School and neighbouring schools engaged in an inspiring dialogue with Professor Atkins who shared her experiences on learning, success and personal growth.

In his welcoming speech, Professor Chan Chi-hou, Vice-President (Community Engagement) of CityUHK, highlighted the growing collaborations between CityUHK and the University of Cambridge. These include exchange opportunities and the CityUHK–Lucy Cavendish College Scholarship, which supports up to 20 students annually to undertake master’s studies at Cambridge. Professor Chan remarked that these initiatives demonstrate CityUHK’s ongoing efforts to cultivate globally minded students and deepening international academic ties.

In her presentation, titled “How to be Successful”, Professor Atkins shared her personal experiences and reflections on how to define and pursue success in a fast-changing world. She encouraged students to remain curious, confident, and open to new challenges and opportunities. The dialogue drew an enthusiastic response from the audience, who actively engaged with Professor Atkins throughout the discussion and at the subsequent tea reception.

CityUHK actively reaches out to the wider community by connecting its faculty with secondary school students. Through interactive exchange and dialogue sessions, students gain unique insights and motivation from the inspiring experiences and achievements of the University’s distinguished professors, said Professor Chan.