“I was born into a family where my father was a driver, and my mother a factory worker. Both of my parents grew up in rural areas and didn’t complete their studies. Despite this, they always tried their best to offer the best conditions for me to study.

I am so grateful to be awarded the Mackenzie Investments scholarship from the Ching Tien Foundation. Receiving the scholarship from the Ching Tien Foundation and Mackenzie Investments not only ensured my financial affordability while study abroad, other support and learning opportunities the Foundation provides has helped me greatly to grow and adapt to my new life.

Studying in a foreign country is a brand-new experience for me. One big difference is the teaching style. Instead of cramming us with theoretical knowledge, professors here intend to instill in us the mindset of critical thinking. For instance, as a student concentrating on Artificial Intelligence, besides being taught about the mathematical fundamentals of machine learning, I am asked to think about the social problems that AI brings to our society. How can we deal with the discrimination of AI systems? What about privacy issues? I really appreciate the awareness raised from my study here, I believe leaders need to be equipped with this awareness.”

“Both my parents are farmers. As a female, I normally wouldn’t have the same opportunities as my brother, but my mother was determined to provide me with the opportunity to attend school.

Since I came to Dublin in mid-August, I have been amazed by my new environment. I love the beautiful nature here and the slower pace of life. In China, everyday life seemed to always be in a rush. In Ireland, I am learning how to slow down and take some time to enjoy nature.

I have met other students who are from different countries in Europe, Asia and Africa. In class, most students are curious and confident. They often raise their hands to ask questions or give feedback on what we are discussing. This is a new experience for me. The learning culture here is so different, almost opposite from the way I was used to. With the help of my academic tutor, a volunteer from the Ching Tien Foundation, I am gradually making progress developing my English language skills, independent and critical thinking and forming my own views and opinions.”

“I was born and raised in a village in Henan Province. My parents are farmers. My mother only had a middle school education, but she has always believed in the importance of education. During the years of my undergraduate study, I applied for a student loan to cover tuition and worked part-time jobs. After graduation I worked as an engineer building bridges in Algeria. When I received a generous annual bonus in 2021, I decided to donate it to my university with the purpose of helping other unprivileged students like me.

I am deeply inspired by one of Ching’s quotes, “If you truly want to do something you’ll find a hundred ways. If not, you’ll find a hundred excuses.” I find this aligns perfectly with the "can-do" mindset I strive to embody. I hope to live by this motto and put it into practice in both my personal, my professional life and the leadership learning process.In 2025, I will begin preparing for my post-graduation give-back project. My goal is to support women in vulnerable situations who are temporarily facing hardships and help them navigate through challenging times.”