My time at PolyU

As a recent graduate of the BBA (Hons) in Aviation Management and Logistics from PolyU in 2025, my journey as a student ambassador for the LMS Department has been incredibly rewarding. It gave me the chance to share insights with prospective students while reflecting on how the programme transformed my understanding of the aviation and logistics industries. PolyU's curriculum combines rigorous business education with specialised aviation topics, fostering not only technical expertise but also soft skills such as communication, problem-solving, and cultural adaptability—essential for thriving in a global sector facing rapid changes, including talent shortages and technological advancements.

Study tour in Toulouse

A standout highlight was the AML Study Tour to Toulouse, France, in 2024, subsidised by the LMS Department. On our second day, we visited Toulouse Business School (TBS), a leading institution with strong aerospace ties, including an Aerospace MBA and partnerships with the National School of Civil Aviation (ENAC). The tour explored aviation's future through AI, addressing challenges like talent shortages. In Europe, solutions lean toward AI and big data for efficiency, contrasting Hong Kong's approach of hiring from Mainland China. TBS's academic culture encourages using AI as a tool for assessments and workshops, reflecting a progressive stance on technology in education. Beyond academics, the tour was a chance to explore a new culture—living in France without knowing French honed my problem-solving skills, from navigating daily life to savoring local cuisine. We visited the Airbus museum, inspecting aircraft up close, which brought classroom theories to life. Such subsidised opportunities are rare and invaluable; even if the primary gain is relaxation and new experiences, they're worth it.

Internship in Shanghai

My WIE internship at PSA BDP in Shanghai further bridged theory and practice. As a summer intern in the air freight team, I handled export processes like route checking, airfare booking, and preparing documents such as airway bills and commercial invoices, alongside import tasks like issuing arrival notices and updating the Cyber Log system. BDP, a leader in logistics with $1.5 billion in revenue and a focus on chemicals and healthcare, is owned by PSA, the world's largest container terminal operator handling 86.8 million TEUs in 2020. This first full-time role taught workplace dynamics, independence, and the value of asking questions, while highlighting my passivity and pushing me toward initiative. Culturally, Shanghai's cashless society and reliance on e-payments and takeouts contrast with Hong Kong, enhancing my adaptability—key for international aviation roles.

I’m OU Letian, Tim, a BBA graduate in Supply Chain Management and Analytics from PolyU. My four years at PolyU LMS were transformative, filled with opportunities that deepened my expertise in the supply chain and logistics industry and prepared me for my career.

Internship Opportunity

LMS has been instrumental in connecting me with valuable internship opportunities that align with my focus on supply chain management and analytics. At FreightAmigo Services Limited, I worked as a Freight Forwarder Intern, supporting customers with optimal freight solutions and handling inbound and outbound shipments, which is an experience that deepened my understanding of logistics operations. Prior to that, at KLN Logistics Group Limited, as an Electronic Technology Industrial Intern, I participated in warehouse operations and assisted with corporate contract renewal management, a role that helped me secure to apply classroom knowledge in a real-world setting. These internships, made possible by LMS, have allowed me to bridge theory and practice, learn from industry professionals, and build a network within the field.

Reaching Out Learning Activities

In 2024, I seized the opportunity to study abroad at the University of Zurich, Switzerland for a semester through PolyU's exchange programme. During my time there, I not only acquired knowledge in economics but also made friends from various countries. I traveled across Europe with them, forging meaningful connections along the way. This rare and valuable opportunity provided by PolyU significantly contributed to my personal growth, helping me develop my networking skills and enhance my communication abilities. Additionally, through the GEO department, I participated in a short-term exchange programme at the University of Oxford. Interacting with local professors and living in the university dormitories allowed me to immerse myself in the cutting-edge academic environment of a leading European university. This experience added surprises, joy, and professional growth to my undergraduate journey, making it even more enriching.

Leadership Development

It is worth mentioning that LMS has also helped cultivate my leadership skills. Recommended by the LMS department, I participated in the University Scholars Leadership Symposium 2025, where I enhanced my problem-solving abilities and group leadership skills through talks by global leaders and mangrove planting activities. Persevering in planting trees under harsh weather conditions has instilled in me the resilience to tackle any challenge in the future. Additionally, as a PolyU LMS Student Ambassador, I took part in sharing activities at Hong Kong secondary schools, which honed my confident communication and public speaking skills. These experiences, I believe, have laid a solid foundation for the practical application of my abilities in the future.

I am deeply grateful to PolyU and the LMS department for providing me with a wealth of valuable opportunities throughout my academic journey. These precious experiences will be cherished as I move forward, and I am determined to apply what I have learned and grown here to my future life and career.

My Study in PolyU LMS

I would like to express my gratitude to LMS for providing numerous opportunities for my learning. It is an excellent platform to develop both my theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the supply chain industry. The programme breaks down the entire supply chain into different courses, which is more understandable and structured. For instance, I have gained a deeper understanding of AI automation in warehouse management and route planning for transportation. LMS equips me to become a valuable asset in the supply chain and logistics industry.

Study Tour

I also participated in a Study Tour to the Netherlands, which was fully organised by students. We were responsible for planning the itinerary, arranging company visits, transportation, and accommodation. This experience was invaluable because it allowed me to step outside the classroom and engage with the real world of supply chain management. I visited with various logistics stakeholders, including container terminals, distribution centres, warehouses, and educational institutions offering logistics-related programmes. Throughout the tour, I not only witnessed logistics operations in the Netherlands but also learned how to communicate professionally and collaborate effectively with others.

Outbound Learning

During my exchange trip to Hanyang University in Korea, every moment was an extraordinary blend of cultural immersion, academic enrichment, and personal growth. One challenge I faced was my English proficiency; I initially felt apprehensive about communicating effectively. However, with encouragement from both myself and my peers, I gradually built my confidence in speaking. Eventually, I got a noticeable improvement in my English skills. The exchange programme provided me with the invaluable opportunity to engage with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. The willingness to connect and communicate with others became my most cherished takeaway from my time in Korea. This journey will forever hold a special place in my heart. I strongly encourage everyone to go for an exchange trip.

Internship

My internship has been a treasure experience in shaping my career interests. LMS offers numerous resources for students seeking internships. Internship is also a great opportunity to step outside the classroom and apply theoretical concepts in practical settings. During my internship, I gained hands-on experience in warehouse operations, data and documentation processing, and site visits. These experiences have allowed me to link what I learned in the classroom with real-world situations, not only within my major but also in the broader business landscape.

My four-year journey at PolyU has been truly memorable. The study of Supply Chain Management and Analytics has endowed me with valuable experience and insights, equipping me with extensive knowledge in logistics, warehousing, procurement, operations, and other related fields. Throughout these four years, I have grown and advanced continuously; when confronted with academic pressures and challenges, I have cultivated perseverance and strived for constant self-improvement.

Cross-cultural communication

However, the university offers us not only the accumulation of academic knowledge but also enriches our life experiences. In Year 3, I participated in an exchange programme at the University of Zurich. During this programme, I had the opportunity to interact with outstanding students from across the globe. Through these communications and interactions, I learned to respect diverse cultures and embrace inclusivity, which has exerted a positive and enlightening influence on my future interpersonal and international engagements. Such cross-cultural experiences deepened my understanding of the world’s inclusiveness, motivating me to further broaden my horizons and develop a global mindset. Additionally, I was exposed to Switzerland’s teaching methodologies and academic systems, which expanded my academic vision and enhanced my professional expertise and skills in business.

Improving skills in the role of student ambassador

Moreover, the faculty regularly organises various activities, and I was honoured to serve as an LMS student ambassador. This role allowed me to bridge the gap between students and the department, to promote our programmes, and share my university experiences. It has significantly enhanced my leadership and interpersonal skills.

Guiding career direction through internship experience

In terms of internships, the faculty frequently provides a diverse range of opportunities. I have completed internships at the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Authority, KLN Logistics Group Limited, and Recruit Express (HK) Ltd. These experiences enabled me to apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios and clarified my career development direction.

Future plans

Looking ahead, I aim to accumulate practical experience, gradually enhance my management and leadership capabilities, and transition from an excellent supply chain professional to an outstanding supply chain manager. I am deeply grateful for PolyU’s abundant resources, which have laid a solid groundwork for my future career planning and empowered me with greater confidence and strength to pursue my aspirations.

My Study at PolyU LMS

My four-year study at PolyU LMS allowed me to gain valuable experience and insights. The teaching here helped me to learn various knowledge in aspects of chartering management, shipping logistics, liner shipping management, maritime insurance, etc. The Department also provided various opportunities for me to equip myself with skills to become a young talent in the shipping and logistics industry.

Study Tour

During the second semester of my third year, I joined the Singapore Study Tour. We have visited the container depot, air cargo terminal, container terminal, port authority and warehouses of different third-party logistics providers in Singapore. We also visited two tertiary institutions which provided logistics and shipping-related programmes. This study tour was unique because it was organised by students. We worked together to organise the tour's itinerary, including contacting companies for site visits, preparing different items and booking air tickets and hotels. From the study tour, not only did I learn the operation of logistics and shipping industries in Singapore, but I also learned how to cooperate with people, no matter my classmates or coworkers in Singapore.

Internships

My internship experiences in Expeditors Hong Kong Limited, Pacific Basin Shipping (HK) Limited, Marine Department, and China LNG Shipping (International) Co., Ltd have enriched my knowledge in the shipping and logistics industry. By completing tasks assigned by my supervisors, I understood the role of different stakeholders in this industry. These internship experiences also allowed me to know people working in this industry, which developed a solid foundation for me to start my career upon graduation. Through my four internship experiences, I can get connected to various LMS alumni, who are currently working for different companies in the industry. I am grateful that they are willing to share their experience in career development, which has given me a clearer picture of developing my career.

Site Visits

LMS organised several site visits for students in the past years, which allowed my classmates and me to get in touch with industry facilities. I was fortunate to have the chance to visit Container Terminal 8, the marine training vessel from Dalian Maritime University “Yu Kun”, and also the Hong Kong Maritime Museum. I also got a chance to take a lecture in the sea across different harbour facilities in Hong Kong. Having a site visit to these facilities helped consolidate the knowledge I learned in class and deepened my understanding of this industry.

I have also attended company visits organised by LMS. The company’s management staff shared their view on the shipping and logistics industry and provided advice to students who wish to develop their careers in this industry. Some alumni also shared their experience working in the industry. It gave me valuable insights and helped me to develop my career in this industry.

LMS Student Ambassador

By becoming a Student Ambassador, the role allowed me to share my university life with secondary school students, who may become LMS students in the future. I can take the opportunity to review and look for improvement in my studies. This role is very meaningful since I can contribute to the Department by assisting in programme promotion and helping organise different events.

Towards the Future

I would like to express my gratitude to LMS for nurturing me with theoretical knowledge and practical skills which can be applied in the shipping and logistics industry. I will strive for betterment and give back to the industry and society by applying what I have learned in the past four years. Now I have started my career at COSCO SHIPPING Container Line Agencies Limited. I will miss my time at PolyU.

Time flies and it is time for me to say farewell to my university life.

Looking back, I have no hall life and exchange. Still, my U-life is fascinating!

From having online lessons due to the sudden outbreak of COVID-19 in the first year, to Hybrid mode, and then attending face-to-face lessons in my last year, I would say these experiences have flavoured my study life in PolyU. You might wonder if the pandemic had been deterring us from socializing and making new buddies. Yet, this might not be the case – I have met new friends in various group projects, not only within my department but also from other faculties, who are able to accompany me through different semesters.

One of the most memorable activities I did with friends was joining case competitions. It is always a pity for business students not to participate in any. Therefore, I took part in several of them. Since then, I have figured out that apart from luck, having resilient and reliable teammates is a key factor to success. Admittedly, it is never easy to identify companions throughout our academic journeys, but I would say I am lucky enough to have them found in my university life.

Knowing that many students had gone to exchange and learnt overseas cultures, I did not do the same but took a minor in Hotel Management. Comparatively speaking, I studied a few more subjects than my friends did, but it was not tiring. Instead, it was just like joining various interesting and inspiring extra-curricular activities, since I was being exposed to a whole new learning environment and syllabus such as wine oenology and hotel operations. Most importantly, these topics are closely related to my major – International Shipping and Transport Logistics, which allow me to merge my knowledge and apply it in different scenarios.

Besides, since it is compulsory for students to work before we graduate, PolyU and our department have been offering a lot of help by providing several channels for us to find work-related opportunities. I worked in Kuehne & Nagel Limited as a summer intern in year 2 and extended till the beginning of year 4 semester two. During my working period, I participated in different projects and encountered colleagues from different departments. They treated me so well and were willing to teach. My supervisor was very supportive either and always encouraged me to voice out questions whenever I had doubts. I learnt many practical skills and had a great working time there. This internship experience thus allows me to taste what the actual working environment is like and prepare me for my future path.

Everything just happened in the blink of an eye, and it is about time for me to embrace my new life as a graduate. I am very honoured to be able to study in this course, meet passionate professors, make life-long friends, and gain knowledgeable insights which will definitely help my personal development and career path in the future.

Internships

I am interested in pursuing various internships because my academic program involves a wide range of stakeholders and companies, including logistics, forwarders, air cargo, liner shipping, and supply chain management. With such a broad spectrum of industries to choose from, I believe that participating in internships will enable me to determine which area I would like to focus on in my future career. In addition, I believe that internships provide an opportunity to apply the theoretical knowledge I have learned in the classroom to real-world business situations. While exams are one way to test one's understanding of theoretical concepts, practical experience gained through internships offers a more comprehensive understanding of how businesses operate in the real world. Therefore, I am eager to pursue internships to gain practical experience and to enhance my understanding of the industries that interest me.

Innovation and entrepreneurship competitions

My experience in innovation and entrepreneurship competitions has earned me over 25 awards and scholarships in this field. As a student of business, I firmly believe that participating in competitions can provide me with a lot of benefits that would help me grow both personally and professionally. One of the primary advantages of competition is that it can enhance my communication and leadership skills, which are crucial in the business world. Moreover, I am particularly interested in competitions that involve pitching and problem-solving. Pitching competitions, for instance, can help me improve my presentation skills, which are essential for convincing potential investors and customers. Similarly, problem-solving competitions can enable me to develop my critical thinking and analytical skills, which are highly valued in the business world. Given these reasons, I am excited to participate in competitions that offer these opportunities to learn and grow. I am confident that these experiences will not only enrich my academic journey but also equip me with the necessary skills to excel in my future career.

Thank you very much to the Department of Logistics and Maritime Studies which nurtures me with theoretical knowledge and practical skills. I am now well-prepared to pursue a career in the related industry. After graduation, I work for one of the world's largest consumer goods companies to take a management role.

I would love to conclude my studies at PolyU LMS in two words: transformative and diverse.

Transformative

Like many students who just graduated from high school, I was bashful and lost four years ago. Fortunately, I joined the BBA-GSCM programme offered by LMS, which enabled me to build a solid business foundation, explore my interests, and improve my employability.

PolyU LMS allows us to develop our passion for supply chain by equipping us with a solid foundation of business and different supply chain elements while diving into specific fields, such as quantitative analysis and operations management of different transportation modes. The courses keep up with information technology and big data development. The LMS Academy, run by elite students, provides workshops, site visits, and other opportunities to foster career and personal growth. Notes published recently for Active Listening skills are one of the examples that you may check out from LMS Academy’s Instagram and LinkedIn.

My internships with Sinotrans, the Hong Kong Jockey Club, and Pfizer have advanced my learning to the next level. I had opportunities to apply what I have learned in various supply chain functions, from procurement and operations to marketing and customer fulfilment. The internship experience not only helped me to integrate theories and business applications, but also provided industry insights while accomplishing day-to-day tasks. For example, I learned how a company evaluates and selects a technical proposal and a commercial proposal during the tendering process. This practical experience has equipped me with the business skills of preparing for or studying a tender in the future.

Diversity

PolyU LMS provides various opportunities for me to connect with my peers all over the world. Overseas exchange students joining our department for a semester offer an excellent opportunity for me to practice communication skills and understand cultural diversity. I met some Swedish friends at PolyU and we maintained a lovely relationship even after they returned to Sweden. Additionally, I spent one semester studying at Aston University. Located in Birmingham, United Kingdom, the exchange experience has strengthened my creativity, international business sense, and independence. In Aug 2023, I attended the 11th University Scholar Leadership Symposium held at the Thailand United Nations Conference Centre. Through meeting with like-minded delegates and leaders from different places, I improved my understanding of the challenges faced in Asia Pacific and was inspired with new ideas for contributing to our society.

Overall, PolyU LMS is the right place to develop my whole-person professionalism in supply chain management. After graduation, I started my career in pharmaceutical supply chain.

The past four years studying at PolyU LMS have been one of the most remarkable years in my life, giving me lots of insights, opportunities, and great memories. Most importantly, I have met my life-long friends at PolyU and my BBA-ISTL major has provided me with a clear career path upon graduation.

During the second semester of my third year, I was lucky to have an opportunity to be an exchange student at Aston University in the UK, amid the COVID-19 pandemic. It was the first time I left my parents to stay alone for months. I spent six months in the UK, which enabled me to grow up and be independent. Without my parents around, I needed to manage everything by myself in the UK.

Other than the skills of living, the learning culture in the UK was quite different from what I experienced in PolyU where there are lots of guided tasks and assessments throughout the whole semester. In the UK, self-learning and reading played an essential role in the study process and I had only one or two assessments in each subject. Moreover, the exchange life in the UK allowed me to make many good friends from different parts of the world. We lived and travelled together throughout the six months, and we still keep in touch.

My internship experiences in Cargo Service Far East Limited, Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminal Limited, and Aldi Sourcing Asia Limited have enriched my knowledge in the logistics and supply chain field. By completing different practical tasks assigned by my supervisors and by day-to-day conversations with my colleagues, the internships have helped me to develop a solid foundation and be ready to start my career in related industries.

Apart from overseas exchange, internships, and study, my time at PolyU was made remarkable and meaningful by being one of the LMS student ambassadors. This role not only has allowed me to share my PolyU life with potential students, but also has given me opportunities to get connections in the industry. I took those opportunities to review my university life in the past few years and looked for room for improvement. Time flies! I have started my graduation job as a management trainee in OOCL and I will miss my time at PolyU.

Self-Introduction

Hi, everyone. Here is WANG Huazhe, Jerry. I am a fresh graduate of the BBA (Hons) in Global Supply Chain Management in 2022/2023. I am now pursuing my MSc in Business Analytics at HKUST. My PolyU journey was full of amazing memories. Various projects and activities, including internships, overseas exchange, community service, mentorship, and student ambassadorship, not only enriched my university life, but also improved my communication skills, expanded my networks, and broadened my horizons. After graduation, I always remind myself to “keep learning and never let up”.

Exchange Programme

LMS provides students with lots of chances and resources to explore the world. Joining the overseas exchange programme is indeed one of the highlights of my study. I was lucky to join a four-month overseas exchange with two of my BBA-GSCM friends at Lund University in Sweden. In addition to learning, we also experienced the traditional Swedish festival atmosphere and food, explored the natural and cultural scenery of Sweden, and made many interesting friends there. Throughout the exchange, I travelled to 11 European countries to explore different customs, learn the diverse history of Europe, and visit famous natural sceneries. These experiences undoubtedly have widened my horizons. After returning to Hong Kong, I found that my English has improved a lot, especially my oral English. 

International Experience

Thanks to the strong alumni network and resources of PolyU and LMS, students are provided with various internship opportunities in Hong Kong, Mainland China, and abroad. For me, I have engaged in several internships during my study. One company I worked for was Cedar Holdings in Guangzhou. Through on-the-job training, I gained practical insights into the basic process of the aluminium rod supply chain and its trading mechanisms. My competency in using various office software has improved a lot as well. In addition to supply chain, I also have internship experiences in insurance, securities, and real estate. These experiences have helped me to integrate my classroom knowledge with real-life applications not limited to my major, but also related to the business world in general.

External Activities

Aside from studying, I actively explored activities and competitions outside the university. In 2020/2021, I participated in the "The 2nd Youth Elite Aspiration Program" organized by the Hong Kong Professionals and Senior Executives Association. During the event, I had a chance to talk with outstanding leaders in various fields and to understand their views on the future development of Hong Kong. The event was fruitful for me in shaping my career. 

I am very grateful to PolyU and LMS for their continued help and support. I am surprised to have grown and made a lot of progress in every aspect in these years. I have set a career goal, and I am working hard to pursue it. In the future, I will strive for betterment and give back to society. Finally, I will stay connected with PolyU and LMS and provide support as a way of expressing my gratitude and appreciation for all the wonderful learning opportunities which I have received.

Hands-on learning

Through connections with its alumni, the Department of Logistics and Maritime Studies offered us a golden opportunity to complete an internship at Walgreens Boots Alliance, a world-renowned logistics company. During the internship, we worked alongside staff members to assist in different departments’ daily duties.

We were given project ownership and defined the topic, carried out research and presented our recommendations in the presence of the Asia-Pacific directors. One of the most exciting parts of the experience was getting a restricted area permit to visit a cargo aircraft (not the passenger aircraft we usually take).

Networking

I also had the chance to learn from my mentors who are experienced professionals and alumni of the department. They were very supportive and took time out of their busy schedules to guide us. My mentor was the general manager of a listed company in Hong Kong for years. He taught me to be ambitious and proactive and brought me along to a lot of events and courses.

When another mentee needed to find a logistics company for her final year project, he immediately contacted his friends to find connections. As for the mentor assigned by department, he was also willing to help. When I had to make decisions before a very tight deadline, he responded instantly via WhatsApp. I am so happy to have such supportive and caring alumni as my mentors.

International exposure

In my third year, I was nominated by PolyU to join an exchange programme at the National University of Singapore for one semester. Classes were different from Hong Kong. One of the courses I took there was Itadakimasu – Food in Japan. It was a cross-discipline course on how food, history, economies, politics and culture affect each other. We had tasting sessions during lectures. Professors even arranged a tea ceremony for us as a tutorial. The class was very innovative and enjoyable.

Moreover, I developed valuable friendships with my hall mates, chit chatting overnight along the corridor. When they came to Hong Kong last summer to visit me, I took them around Hong Kong as they had done for me back in Singapore. We had site visits to some Singaporean logistics firms, where I discovered that Singaporeans and Singaporean firms are very open-minded and creative.

Connecting with communities

Apart from attending lectures as a student, I also actively participated in community service locally and overseas. As students, we want to be able to contribute to society. I developed teaching kits to teach English to children in rural Chinese villages, in hopes of raising their interest in learning English through storytelling. In a leadership programme organised by PolyU, I also went to Israel to discuss ethnicity issues with local youth to understand the relationship between Jews and Arabs. I also spoke with locals to learn how to develop entrepreneurship.

During my years as a Global Supply Chain Management major, I took an extensive range of courses related to supply chain management. Most of the courses were taught by industry veterans with solid connections and experience. As such, we were able to make frequent visits to industry companies and interesting places such as shipping dockyards to engage with professionals.

In one of the courses I took, the lecturer who was a maritime logistics and operations expert, took us to a marine service provider. The company provided ship repair, harbour towage and shipping related engineering service. I got to see an actual tugboat and the equipment introduced in our lectures. We also visited the operation room and learned about the different processes of dockyard operations and the information system.

Apart from a well-rounded academic experience, my time at PolyU was made remarkable because of the people I met. I was chosen as a mentor in the Department’s “mentorship programme”, a programme that connects freshmen with senior students to provide support and guidance as they transition from secondary school to university through various activities. The department arranged outings to Disneyland and the Ocean Park, for example, for mentors and mentees to get to know each other better and form a bond in a relaxing environment. We had so much fun and made precious memories, and eventually become good friends.

I feel grateful to have had the opportunity to attend insightful and practical courses and made some lifelong friends.

During my years as a Global Supply Chain Management major student, I took an extensive range of courses related to supply chain management. Most of the courses were taught by industry veterans with solid connections and experience. As such, we were able to make frequent visits to industry companies and interesting places such as shipping dockyards to engage with professionals.

The lecturer for one of the courses, a maritime logistics and operations expert, took us to a marine service provider. The company provided ship repair, harbour towage and shipping related engineering service. I got to see an actual tugboat and the equipment introduced in our lectures. We also visited the operation room and learned about the different processes of dockyard operations and the information system.

Apart from a well-rounded academic experience, my time at PolyU was made remarkable because of the people I met. I was chosen as a mentor in the Department’s “mentorship programme”, a programme that connects first year students with senior students to provide support and guidance as they transition from secondary school to university through various activities. The department arranged outings to Disneyland and the Ocean Park, for example, so that mentors and mentees can get to know each other better and form a bond in a relaxing environment. We had so much fun and made precious memories, and eventually become good friends.

I feel grateful to have had the opportunity to attend insightful and practical courses and made some lifelong friends.

The last three years of university have been some of the most rewarding years of my life, great memories were made, windows of opportunities opened and most importantly, I got to meet some awesome people that I can call friends for life.

Last year, I was an exchange student at the University of Mannheim in Germany. It was the first time I ever got to travel out of Asia, let alone live in a foreign country on my own, so it was pretty intimidating at first. I spent 6 months in Germany and I decided it was a good time to pick up a new language. Unlike Hong Kong, Germany is not a bilingual country and you rarely see English translations on signs, so I signed up for a beginner’s German class.

The learning culture in Germany was quite different from what I'm used to in Hong Kong. It emphasises self-learning and curiosity. During lectures, students were eager to raise questions.

Still, I made some very good friends from different parts of the world, with whom I still keep in touch with today. Together we travelled to many neighbouring countries, including Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Denmark. As an avid photographer I took the chance to explore the many beautiful landscapes these countries have to offer. The cultural differences within members in our travel group did not stop us from understanding each other. Instead, we became closer through getting to know each other through our travels and ruling out misconceptions we held previously.

My internship experience at Siemens also deserves a mention. The 3-month internship provided a solid foundation to build my career in the logistics industry. Unlike conventional big companies, the laid-back working environment meant I was rarely given strict procedures to follow and was encouraged to raise questions.

There was an incident during my internship where a shipping schedule was disrupted by a typhoon. The shipment was unable to arrive on time. I assisted my supervisor in rearranging the shipment and liaised freight details with forwarders. That was an exhausting day but it was a worthwhile experience that really sharpened my ability to improvise.

Time has passed in the blink of an eye and this is my last year at PolyU. Looking back, I have participated in various activities in that have enriched my university life.

PolyU is a place where I have met friends that I will cherish for life. I remember how I met my first group of friends at the student halls of residence. I first moved into the halls 3 years ago and I have never felt bored living there because there are always people there you can hang around with. We have spent numerous sleepless nights chatting, watching movies and playing games in each other’s rooms.

I am an avid traveller and the past three years at PolyU have given me a lot of opportunities to explore the world and gain a global perspective with visits to various countries. I was an exchange student at Ryerson University in Canada for a semester. During that time, I made friends with people from different parts of the world and learned about different cultures. I remember there was an “International Night” dinner event where we sat together sharing traditional dishes from our hometowns.

Last summer, I went to Hangzhou as part of Service Learning, a compulsory course at our university. Service Learning is different from other voluntary works. Throughout the project, teachers guided us on how to promote positive youth development for underprivileged children and adolescents on the mainland.

Towards the end of the project, we went to a primary school in Hangzhou and practised the theories and skills that we had learnt. We provided educational support for a week. We built close relationships with students and the experience has definitely been rewarding and memorable to me.

As a student of global supply chain management, our university and department has given us a lot of work-related opportunities. Last year, I joined a study tour organised by our department to the UK where we paid visits to different ports and companies such as Tesco and John Lewis. We learned from professionals of related fields about real-world business operations.

I also joined the aviation practicum programme last year, where I visited top airlines and airports as well as received professional training on knowledge and skills of the aviation industry. I even worked as student consultant for Hong Kong Airlines Limited and gained hands-on experience.

Apart from academic knowledge, my friends and all the valuable experiences and memories are the key takeaways from my years at PolyU that I will cherish forever.

My internship experience in Melbourne, Australia gave me a taste of working at a culturally diverse working environment. I worked as a Purchasing and Operations Intern at Alloys International - the Non-Traditional Distributor, where its Melbourne office is home to partners and staff from around the globe. This experience truly opened my eyes to the operations in Australian companies and the different methods they use when compared with local or Chinese firms.

While working with the Purchasing and Operations team, I gained a wide range of knowledge and learned about different techniques such as the calculation of DIFOT (delivery in full, on time) and fill rate, transferral of stocks between warehouses, and how to draw warehouse layouts, to name but a few.

Alloys provided me with a lot of opportunities to really understand and learn how a distributor runs its business, as well as the way they embrace its “non-traditional” values to both buyer and supplier.

Alloys' laid-back working environment made going to work every day very enjoyable. I always heard laughter coming from every corner of the office. I am grateful that my colleagues, including the CEO and my supervisor, were so supportive and motivating during my time there.

They did their best to make me feel at home and were always patient with me. They never turned away my questions and were willing to help when I encountered difficulties.

When I was not working at the Alloys office or on-site with the Purchasing and Operations team, I spent my time exploring the city of Melbourne. I met new friends who also came from PolyU, and we spent a lot of time travelling around. Australia is a place where the beauty of life is all around us, and is home to species such as koalas and kangaroos.

The natural landscapes of Australia were magnificent, places like the Twelve Apostles, Phillip Island, Mornington Island and Brighton Beach had breathtaking views. The most memorable trip I took was to Tasmania for a weekend. It is undeniably a paradise on earth - the sight of Cradle Mountain was unforgettable.

I am honoured to have been selected to participate in this program and would like to thank PolyU and Alloys International for this incredible opportunity. I have made connections and memories that will last a lifetime. I had an excellent time during my time in Melbourne and highly recommend future interns to pursue this opportunity.

During the summer break of my sophomore year, I joined the Shanghai WIE (work-integrated education) programme where I did an internship with the industry-leading international logistics company, Kuehne + Nagel. The experience not only gave me the chance to put the logistics knowledge acquired from classes in a real-life work setting, but also insights into actual business operations in freight forwarding. I also consider this internship experience as a good chance for self-evaluation. Through daily work and communication with colleges, I understood myself better - my abilities, career interests, and areas in need of improvement.

As my university life comes to an end, I have come to realise that what I gained here at PolyU is much more than just a degree - it's also about having the ability to be a fast learner with solid work experience, because ultimately, these are the values that will take me into the ever-changing world when I graduate.