At PolyU, students with curiosity and ambition bring their talents to a place that values both learning and societal impact. Many arrive with outstanding results in the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (DSE), ready to take on new challenges and explore how their interests can make a difference. Among these bright minds are Alvin Ng and Alex Lam, two first-year students who embody PolyU’s spirit of innovating to benefit society. Their journeys, one in physiotherapy and the other in computer and mathematical sciences, reflect how the University empowers students to pursue their own paths and transform passion into purpose.

A new path: Journey to physiotherapy

Determined to forge a new path, Alvin Ng (Alvin), a first-year physiotherapy student from the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences at PolyU, reflects on his transformative journey. “I realised early on that I wanted a career beyond a desk. Physiotherapy opened my eyes to a world where I could actively change lives,” he shares.

After taking some time away from formal education following his actuarial studies at another university, Alvin sought a path that aligned more closely with his values. His experiences as a fitness coach and owner of a gym led him to appreciate the complexities of physical health. “Working with clients made me realise how crucial it is to understand the human body beyond basic fitness,” he explains. The revelation drove him to pursue physiotherapy, seeing it as a way to deepen his knowledge and enhance his ability to help others.

Choosing PolyU became a pivotal moment for him, as its educational excellence and strong emphasis on professional training captivated his interest. “Here, I saw an opportunity to engage with my passions and connect with people in a meaningful way,” he says.

The rich learning environment at PolyU has significantly enhanced his understanding of human anatomy and healing processes. “It’s not just about the theories, but also about putting knowledge into action,” he recalls his experiences in anatomy classes, where he interacted with cadaver specimens. This approach deepens his comprehension and prepares him for the dynamic nature of patient care.

Looking ahead, Alvin envisions transforming community perceptions of health, especially among the elderly. Having previously participated in teaching at elderly homes, he aims to use social media to educate the public on sustainable fitness practices, aspiring to empower individuals to take control of their health journeys. “Many don’t realise how exercise can enhance their well-being,” he states earnestly.

Curiosity now drives Alvin’s study philosophy, rather than a focus solely on grades. “Learning is about understanding how this knowledge impacts lives,” he advises, encouraging his classmates to embrace their studies beyond exams. For prospective students, he recommends, “Choose PolyU for its emphasis on addressing real-world problems; here, you’ll discover the positive impact of what you learn.”

Cultivating passion: From student to future maths teacher

With clear ambitions and a strong sense of purpose, Alex Lam (Alex) is charting his first year at PolyU, studying computer and mathematical sciences under the Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences that was established early last year, which aims to meet the ever-increasing demand for educating the future generation of talents in the era of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital transformation. In fact, the disciplines of AI and mathematics at PolyU both ranked first in Hong Kong in ShanghaiRanking's Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2025, a testament to PolyU's academic excellence. 

Alex’s passion for mathematics, ignited during his secondary school years, continues to guide the path he is eager to follow.

“I chose to study Mathematics Module 2 in my secondary schooling because I wanted to dive deeper into algebra and calculus,” Alex shares. His decision was heavily influenced by a supportive Form Four maths teacher who inspired him to explore the subject’s intricacies. “His encouragement opened my eyes to the beauty of mathematics and sparked my passion,” he recalls.

Alex chose PolyU not only for its well-regarded programmes but also for its focus on connecting theory with applications. “I was drawn to PolyU because it offers a curriculum that combines maths and programming, which really excites me,” he explains. The University’s innovative approach allows him to engage with real-world problems, making his learning experience both meaningful and relevant.

He enjoys tackling challenging problems and finds that programming strengthens his grasp of complex concepts. “Whenever I encounter a difficult question, I don’t hesitate to seek advice from my teachers. Their guidance has been invaluable,” he emphasises.

Reflecting on his time at PolyU, Alex encourages prospective students, saying, “If you’re passionate about maths and want to excel in a supportive environment that challenges you, PolyU is the right place to be.”

Outside the classroom, Alex holds a black belt in Taekwondo and teaches children this traditional martial art in his leisure time. The discipline of Taekwondo has helped shape his mindset, encouraging him to face challenges with the same perseverance both on the mat and in his academic pursuits.

Aspiring to become a mathematics teacher, Alex hopes to inspire students just as he was once inspired. “I want to create a classroom where students feel confident asking questions and exploring ideas,” he says, highlighting his dedication to nurturing curiosity.

PolyU continues to attract some of Hong Kong’s brightest minds, including students who are eager to make an impact through purpose-driven learning. In fact, the average best-of-five DSE score of incoming students of this academic year (2025-2026) reached an impressive 25.0, placing PolyU virtually on par with the city’s third-highest-ranking university. This achievement underscores PolyU’s growing reputation as a top choice for academically strong students who value an education that blends excellence, innovation, and real-world relevance.