It might be surprising to learn that a student majoring in English and Linguistics can also dive into the world of AI and metaverse game development.
Kirsten Leung is a Year 1 student in our BA (Hons) in English and Applied Linguistics (BAEAL) programme. With a strong passion for English that began in secondary school, where she studied English Literature, Kirsten chose to major in linguistics at university to deepen her understanding of both the theory and practical applications of the language. In this, PolyU's unique Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics (AIDA) minor has opened up even more possibilities for her.
"At first, I didn't really know much about AI or data analytics," Kirsten shares. "But after taking the AIDA programme, I realised how much AI is already part of our daily lives, like with instant translation tools. That really inspired me to try something new."
Now, Kirsten is developing a metaverse-based game for children, designed to help them build communication, creativity, and teamwork skills through interactive play. Her game earned her the 2025 Innovation and Technology Scholarship, which aims to recognise and nurture outstanding Hong Kong undergraduates with a passion for innovation and technology. With this support, she's currently on exchange at the London School of Economics and Political Science in the UK and Aalto University in Finland. Kirsten hopes to use what she’s learned to give back to society and help drive progress in technology, innovation, and education.
Please join us in extending our heartfelt congratulations to Kirsten for this well-deserved recognition.
