Vicky Chan is a young graduate from the Master of Public Administration (MPA) Programme at the Faculty of Social Sciences (FOSS) of the University of Hong Kong (HKU).
Vicky describes her student life at HKU’s Faculty of Social Sciences as a really rewarding experience, both academically and personally. Coming from a Western education background with extensive working experience in international development in Jordan, it was refreshing to study in an Asia-focused environment and to see public administration from a new perspective. It also gave her a chance to reconnect with Hong Kong, understand its governance system more deeply, and reflect on how different cultural contexts shape public policy. The renowned faculty and practitioner-led insights at HKU provide her with a dynamic platform to connect policy theory with social impact, broadening her perspective and professional network.
One thing she really loved was the diversity of the MPA cohort. Her classmates came from government, NGOs, business, and international organisations. Everyone brought their own professional experiences, so classroom discussions were always dynamic and grounded in real-world situations. She learned as much from her peers as from the lectures themselves. What stood out most to her were the collaborative projects, which pushed her to think differently, to listen more, and to find common ground.
One of the most memorable experiences at MPA was visiting Lai Chi Wo. A powerful example of how public policy, community development, and environmental sustainability come together in practice. Seeing the collaboration between local communities, government agencies, and the university to preserve Hong Kong’s cultural heritage while promoting rural sustainability brought many classroom lessons to life.
In addition, Faculty members brought invaluable practitioner insights, having played key roles in shaping Hong Kong’s policy landscape. At the same time, Vicky was equally inspired by the theoretical expertise of scholars, whose research on governance, organizational theory, and public administration provided the intellectual foundation to understand these systems at a deeper level. Having access to both theory and practice perspectives was incredibly valuable. It allowed her to connect abstract concepts to real policy challenges and to see how academic ideas translate into tangible outcomes in governance and administration.
One of the most impactful courses she took in the MPA was the “Workshop in Public Affairs”. The course framed public administration as a shared endeavour, not something achieved by government alone, but through the collective efforts of citizens, civil society, and the private sector.
This concept of co-creation has become particularly relevant in her current role at the Institute of Philanthropy (IoP), empowered by The Hong Kong Jockey Club and its Charities Trust. To achieve high-impact philanthropy, collaboration takes center stage. The Bridgespan Group’s report on High Impact Philanthropy: Five Practices That Lead to Lasting Change identifies “Engage Other Actors” as one of the defining traits of effective funders. Currently, she supports the IoP’s Leadership Excellence in Asian Philanthropy (LEAP) fellowship, an initiative empowering Asia’s next generation of philanthropic leaders, by co-creating its curriculum with three academic partners.
The course didn’t just teach her the theory behind collaborative governance; it gave her a framework that she now uses to foster meaningful collaboration between funders, policymakers, and community organisations. It reinforced that real systems change happens when sectors work together to co-create innovative solutions for the public good.
HKU’s MPA offers practical insights, diverse peer learning, collaborative projects, and real-world experiences that prepare students to address public policy and drive impactful social change.