HKUST Business Review

Given the Right Opportunities HKUST also provided Professor Ngai with her first experience of research, a stepping stone to her future career. As an undergraduate, she worked as a research assistant on a project exploring the economic dimensions of religion. This opportunity not only honed her analytical and academic skills but also sparked a deeper interest in exploring complex societal questions. Her professors’ mentorship extended beyond academics. When asked about her future aspirations, she recalls hesitating before saying, “I want to be like you.” Her professor’s immediate response was to support her ambitions, helping her secure a scholarship for an exchange program at the University of Pennsylvania. There, she took PhD-level courses as an undergraduate, building an academic portfolio that would later secure her a full PhD fellowship. Shaping a Vision for Success Professor Ngai reflects that her story transcends personal triumph— it represents the power of institutional support, academic flexibility, and education’s transformative potential. HKUST didn’t just award her a degree; it gave her a platform to reimagine her life’s trajectory and carve a path toward success. “Life success is about aligning what you’re good at with what you genuinely enjoy,” she explains, describing her time at HKUST as a defining period of self-discovery. The university’s multidisciplinary environment allowed her to uncover her strengths and develop her passions, laying the foundation for her future achievements. A moment of new beginnings at the university’s iconic sundial sculpture as a proud first-year student Marking the joy of graduation day alongside fellow classmates Reuniting with the department staff who supported her HKUST journey during a homecoming visit with her son. Inspiring the Next Generation Today, as a Professor of Economics and a mentor to the next generation of thinkers and leaders, Professor Ngai continues to inspire. Her advice to students is both powerful and deeply personal. “Immerse yourself completely in the university experience,” she says. “Discover who you are—not by comparing yourself to others, but by exploring your own multidimensional talents.” She encourages students to view their peers as collaborators rather than competitors, echoing the spirit of teamwork and support that she experienced during her time at HKUST. Her message is clear and inspiring: embrace every opportunity, stay curious, and believe in your potential. HKUST Business Review 49