Having been in the non-profit sector for over 15 years, I enrolled in the Master of Social Sciences in Nonprofit Management with the aim to consolidate, enrich and expand my knowledge in and perspectives towards philanthropy practices and the non-profit sector in Hong Kong, Greater Bay Area, China and beyond. The program delivered just that.

The two-year program was a rewarding and enriching journey in a sense that it has deepened my knowledge on the sector, provided me with practical skills and broadened my network.

In terms of formal academic training, the diverse yet focused program offerings have broadened my perspective and discernment on the role of civil society with respect to the government and the private sector in Hong Kong, the region and beyond. The mix of theoretical knowledge and practical illustrations in line with the current trends throughout the course further underscored the relevance of the program.

The meaningfully designed course work and group projects have also sharpened my collaborative skills with teammates from varying backgrounds and skills, and offered me the opportunity to bridge classroom learning with real-world situations. These valuable experiences have enabled me to effectively apply some of the tools, principles and best practices I have acquired during the program in my work.

Equally important, the program provided a conducive environment to meet like-minded classmates and inspirational industry experts. Through group projects, site visits and guest lectures, I have developed valuable friendships and connections which will be beneficial both professionally and personally.

Finally, the program would not have been as memorable and meaningful had it not been for the team of dedicated, committed, caring, patient, understanding and nurturing instructors. Their expert knowledge and their genuine desire for us to succeed in the program have spurred us on throughout the program and, in particular, during challenging moments.