Chan Hei Yuen, Ashley

During my year at ICS, the question I asked myself most often was "Why do I think this way?" Questioning the "normal" and reflecting on the "self" are valuable skills I have learnt at ICS. For example, in the Medicine, Media and Justice course, I was deeply aware that behind the seemingly uncontroversial definition of "illness" and "health", there are representations of different cultures and power dynamics. In Politics of Cultural Identities, I also learnt that a person's identity is not simply categorised based on a piece of identification, but also on the political metaphors behind the document and the otherness of society.

All these courses made me think: "Is this phenomenon natural? Why is this happening? " The interesting and varied courses and the knowledgeable professors and TAs at ICS have inspired me to discover and analyse the "unnatural" behind what seems natural in society. Although there is no single cultural theory that can answer everything, and studying cultural studies cannot change an unjust world, ICS has made me realise that "questioning" and "challenging" are indispensable. Only by 'questioning' can we avoid being numbed by grand narratives, and only by 'challenging' can we discover alternative narratives that have been ignored. The knowledge and the spirit that I have learnt at ICS this year will stay with me for the rest of my life. Enabling me to be touched by "human beings", to pay attention to marginalized groups' thoughts and to respect the spirit of life. May I always have a sense of questioning in my future life, and may I always ask: "Does the fact that something has always been like this mean that it is right?”

Show More

Hui Pui Yee

As a part-time student, balancing my demanding job as a social worker with part-time studies is challenging, but my deep interest in the subject matter has continually driven me forward. The course content has been incredibly enlightening, providing new insights and stimulating my intellectual curiosity. This learning experience has significantly contributed to my personal and professional growth. Working as a social worker, I have found that my studies in cross-cultural research have had a profound impact on my approach to my job. By understanding society and power relations from new perspectives, particularly the struggles of women in various identities, I can step outside conventional frameworks and view their situations more holistically. This broader understanding helps me better support and advocate for the individuals I work with. I look forward to applying the knowledge and insights I have gained to my work, helping to create a more inclusive and understanding society.

During these two years, I have experienced a supportive and engaging learning environment provided by ICS. The lecturers and tutors have been approachable and always willing to help, greatly enhancing my learning experience. Their dedication and willingness to share their knowledge have been instrumental in my academic journey and have contributed to a positive and enriching experience. I am extremely grateful for my time at ICS, which has not only empowered me with knowledge but also given me the courage to pursue it further. These are invaluable treasures that I will cherish.

Show More

WANG Yunhui

This year at ICS was a year of transformation for me. ICS was like a mirror that helped me to recognize myself, escape from the dilemma of failure, and regain my confidence. ICS gave me a pair of eyes to explore the world, allowing me to break through the inherent constraints and think about people, nature and society from different perspectives. It was ICS that gave me the courage to say no to all the inequalities in this world. At ICS, we pay attention to marginalized people, the lower classes and sexual minorities, explore postcolonialism and Asian modernity, and reflect on the opportunities and challenges brought by the development of media and technology. It is ICS that provides us with infinite possibilities and allows us to find our own answers.

In the end, I would like to share what Janet and TieGe said at the end of the first semester: "If everything around you seems dark, look again, you may be the light." "Be Independent." I hope that everyone at ICS can become the light that illuminates themselves and others. No matter where in the world, continue to look at the world and society critically, justly and compassionately, and continue to maintain an independent self!

Show More

ZHANG Jinyi

I don’t know how to properly express my gratitude to MAICS. I think the positive impact MAICS has had on me is twofold. First of all, MAICS provides rich opportunities for academic knowledge accumulation and skill training. It is important to recognize that one-year study period is only an introduction to any professional field. But discovering research interests is paramount, and the MAICS’s curriculum helps bridge undergraduate general education and postgraduate professional education. Rather than placing all admitted students in a closed container, MAICS encourages any attempts to break boundaries, ultimately helping everyone find the interests that make them joyful and fulfilled. Thus, MAICS is a very rewarding journey of discovery for those who have not yet developed a clear research direction but have critical thinking during their undergraduate studies. For students from Mainland China, MAICS is definitely one of the most interesting, unique and valuable among all the humanities and social science programs offered by CUHK. Secondly, as far as career planning and personal development are concerned, it is actually not quite easy to juggle extracurricular internships if one wants to fulfill the academic assignments well and maintain a healthy lifestyle. As for me, irrelevant multi-threaded tasks may instead exacerbate anxiety. Therefore, MAICS plays more of a role in fostering a positive personality for those of us who will eventually step out of the ivory tower and into social life. Appreciation for others, collaborative spirit, leadership, cultural literacy, self-driven and self-compassion...These are the important and indispensable lessons that MAICS has taught me. In the era of involution when a master’s degree has almost become the minimum threshold for employment, we need to rationalize the value of “one year” in our lives. In addition to making our resumes more competitive, peace of mind and determination are hard-earned assets.

Show More

ZUO Maolin

Due to the interdisciplinary and diverse curriculums, the journey for ICS students is rich and engaging. This not only fosters discussions from multiple academic backgrounds but also allows students at various levels to find a matched growth path. Beyond media, identity, and gender studies, we have the opportunity to explore anthropology, global health, and social justice. Therefore, MAICS serves as a supportive program for students seeking further academic advancement. Besides, many students are drawn to the program for its inclusivity. At ICS, this inclusivity is more than just a slogan—it is evident in challenging the notion of "this is how it works," delving into different contexts to uncover how structural exclusion occurs. In this process, our ability to empathize and listen is developed. By attempting to move beyond the binaries, the academic training at ICS helps us understand others and encourages us to make a change.

Show More