In addition to Chinese students majoring in International Finance and Management at the UK campus, there are also international students from around the world majoring in Cross-border Management. With aspirations for Peking University HSBC Business School, they embarked on their first year of study in the Master's program at the UK campus.

We caught up with Liew Jia Yi, a student from Malaysia, to hear about her life and studies at our UK campus.

Why did you choose the Cross-Border Finance program at the Peking University HSBC Business School UK Campus?

This is an interesting question. To provide some background about myself, I have been in the UK for several years now, ever since my undergraduate studies. You could say that the UK has become my comfort zone.

Upon graduating, I wanted to pursue a Master's degree to enhance my job prospects and deepen my knowledge in the field of Management. My initial plan was to apply to a UK university, as I am very familiar and comfortable with the lifestyle here. However, during my research, I discovered that PHBS has a UK campus, which piqued my curiosity and interest. Growing up in a Chinese family, I knew that Peking University is one of the top universities in the world, and I aspired to be a Peking University student.

At the time of application, if you had asked me to enroll in a two-year program entirely based in Shenzhen, China, I would have felt unprepared to leave my 'relaxed' Western environment and start a new chapter in a completely different country known for its more dynamic atmosphere. Therefore, the PHBS cross-border program provided me with the perfect opportunity to achieve my goal of becoming a PKU student while gradually immersing myself in Chinese culture before moving to the Shenzhen campus.

What is your favorite/most rewarding course?

I would say that my favorite course at present is Organizational Behavior and Entrepreneurial Finance. I particularly enjoyed the teaching style of the professors who taught these courses. I thrive in a highly engaging class environment where we can share our ideas with professors and classmates and learn from one another.

An honorable mention goes to the Introduction to Chinese Economy course, which I find to be the most rewarding. As an international student, I rarely have the opportunity to access this type of knowledge. This course has greatly enhanced my understanding of China's history and the development of its economy, providing valuable insights into how China has become what it is today.

What do you find unique about studying at Peking University HSBC Business School UK Campus?

What I find unique about studying at PHBS UK Campus is the opportunity to experience the UK environment while receiving an education based on the Chinese education system. This combination allows us to learn and enhance our knowledge in a diverse and enriching setting.

What is your favorite thing to do at the UK Campus?

My favorite thing to do at the UK campus is to walk around the lake on sunny days when the weather is superb. It provides a relaxing atmosphere and is a great place to enjoy nature. Additionally, I love studying and playing table tennis with friends at the PHBS UK campus. It’s a fantastic way to bond and stay active.

What are some tips you’d like to pass on to newbies?

My top tip would be to enjoy your time at the UK Campus and in the UK itself. If you have the time to explore, I highly recommend doing so, as you will be fascinated by the beautiful villages and stunning scenery you’ll encounter here.

What are your expectations for your life at the Shenzhen campus over the next year?

My expectations for my life at the Shenzhen campus include attending more networking activities and events and thoroughly enjoying my time there for the remainder of my program.

What aspects of the Shenzhen campus are you interested in learning more about?

I am particularly interested in learning more about the Shenzhen campus student lifestyle and their recommendations to students who will be joining Shenzhen campus for the following year - such as their favourite places in the Shenzhen campus and any top tips they would like to pass on to us!