Geneva Damayanti graduated from the Bachelor of Social Sciences (BSocSc) and the Master of International Public Affairs (MIPA) of the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Hong Kong (HKU). Geneva currently serves as the Public Information Officer at the United Nations in New York.
The HKU Experience: Cultivating Community and Leadership
Geneva’s student life at HKU was characterised by excitement, curiosity and enjoyment. As an Indonesian student who completed secondary school in Singapore before relocating to Hong Kong, Geneva was eager to explore a new environment and connect with peers from diverse backgrounds.
Residing at Swire Hall, Geneva actively participated in various hall activities, including joining DANSO, the hall’s dance group. One particularly fascinating aspect of hall life was the experience of High Table Dinners, which reinforced a strong sense of tradition unique to HKU.
As a Student Ambassador, Geneva had the opportunity to represent HKU, interact with numerous individuals, participate in events, and travel through different programmes. Beyond academics, Geneva frequently spent time at the Global Lounge – a vibrant hub of student social and cultural life – where she actively engaged in student activities and organized cultural nights.
HKU Student Ambassadors
Notably, Geneva played a pivotal role in founding both the Indonesian Students Association at HKU and, subsequently, a broader Indonesian student network in Hong Kong, which later received formal recognition from the Indonesian Consulate. These efforts were initially driven by a desire to foster greater connection and representation for Indonesian students abroad, and ultimately became instrumental in developing Geneva’s leadership and community-building skills.
Indonesia Students Association, HKU Hong Kong Indonesian Students Association Formalisation
A Global Journey: International Exposure and Lifelong Connections
Being an international student in Hong Kong allowed Geneva to fully experience the city, from late-night visits to cha chaan tengs to occasional gatherings in Lan Kwai Fong with friends. These experiences contributed significantly to her personal growth and were as integral to student life as academic pursuits. A transformative experience for Geneva was participating in the 3 Campus Exchange Programme with Keio University and Yonsei University, which provided her with memorable moments and lifelong friendships. During the programme, she completed the course “Contemporary Global Issues and the Role of the United Nations,” and visited Global Festa Japan, one of the country’s largest international cooperation events. These opportunities further inspired Geneva to pursue a career at the United Nations.
3 Campus Exchange Programme
Additionally, Geneva developed a deep connection to Japan after spending several months there on an exchange programme, returning home just before the 2011 earthquake struck. Wanting to support the community she had grown to love, she took on the role of master of ceremonies for “3.11 Let’s Swing Forward,” an event commemorating the first anniversary of the tsunami. The experience was profoundly moving for Geneva, as she witnessed students from all backgrounds come together in solidarity to honor those affected and show their support for Japan.
Serving as Master of Ceremonies for “3.11 Let’s Swing Forward”
After joining the United Nations through the Young Professionals Programme and relocating to New York, Geneva reconnected with her closest friend from Yonsei University, whom she had met during the exchange programme. Now colleagues at the United Nations and living nearby, their enduring friendship underscores the lasting impact of international education and the unexpected connections it fosters.
UN Internship
Geneva credits the BSocSc & MIPA programme at HKU for her professional development, highlighting its comprehensive approach to critical thinking, societal analysis, and global perspectives. Through studies in political theory, liberalism, governance, international affairs, and social issues, she gained insights essential for her work at the United Nations. The programme’s focus on Social Innovation and Global Citizenship (SIGC) expanded her worldview, enhanced her adaptability, and introduced her to NGO work and social impact thinking. These experiences equipped Geneva with the skills to communicate across cultures, analyse complex global issues, and pursue international opportunities with confidence—attributes she regards as foundational to her career journey from Indonesia to New York.
Graduated from BSocSc
Graduated from MIPA
Career Advice: Integrity, Compassion and Global Mind
Geneva emphasizes the importance of finding a sense of purpose, not as having everything figured out, but as understanding what brings meaning and fulfillment. She believes it is reasonable to start small, whether through writing, community organizing, storytelling, research, design, policy, or helping others feel heard. Geneva encourages individuals to consider how their interests can positively impact others, even in modest ways, as this mindset is especially valuable in the field of Social Sciences.
Regarding career advice, Geneva stresses the importance of building a genuine reputation. She notes that sincerity, collaboration, and dependability often matter more than grades, and that attitude and consistency leave a lasting impression. Leading with empathy and emotional intelligence has been essential in Geneva’s experience, particularly in international settings such as the United Nations, where teamwork and respect for diversity are crucial.
Organisations today seek adaptable, globally minded individuals who align with core values such as integrity, professionalism, compassion, and belief in international cooperation. Geneva advises students not to be discouraged by a nonlinear path; setbacks and detours often provide valuable lessons. She recommends focusing on learning, relationship-building, and taking incremental steps forward, as clarity and opportunities often emerge in hindsight.
At work in the UN headquarters