"I chose the MAChDS program because its syllabus truly captivated me. It offered a unique blend of studies on China’s economics, politics, globalization, and even sustainable development, which is a combination not often found in other programs.

China, as an enormous and powerful global entity, coupled with my legal background, has always led me to believe that understanding China's Geo-economics and Geo-politics is crucial for everyone, especially in this ever-changing era. Analyzing China from different perspectives felt like unraveling a very complex puzzle, it was quite challenging but also very fascinating. Therefore, this program also felt like a “China-focused MBA” that particularly concentrates on China's current landscape.

Since this program is truly diverse, it could be overwhelming sometimes when you immerse yourself and dive into those different features. But this whole journey is ultimately worthwhile. Even with my varied work experiences, this journey still greatly broadened my horizons and inspired me beyond my expectations!

“ To know China is to know the world. If you're curious about China, come and shine with the MAChDS!＂
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"My experience in the MAChDS program at the University of Hong Kong has been both challenging and rewarding. The curriculum is impressively broad, covering diverse areas such as economics, politics, and geography, which gave me a well-rounded understanding of contemporary China. The lecturers and staff are incredibly supportive, patient, and approachable. Despite I had no background in social sciences, their guidance made it possible for me to graduate successfully with effort. The program not only teaches students theoretical knowledge, but also focuses on students' practical experience, which provides great help for graduates' future employment. Another remarkable aspect is the diversity of both the lecturers and fellow students. Coming from various academic and cultural backgrounds, they bring a wide range of perspectives to the program. It helped me a lot in developing a more nuanced view of China’s development, as I was constantly exposed to different viewpoints and approaches. The skills and insights I gained from this program will undoubtedly be valuable assets in my future career."

"Witnessing China’s dramatic social and economic transformation, I realized that understanding China is key to understanding the world. It not only shapes the global landscape but also impacts each of us. The MAChDS program offers us a comprehensive understanding of China’s global-local interactions and regional variations, which is also a golden opportunity to have a deeper understanding of various areas from urban development to international trade. This program is an irreplaceable platform for us to explore the dynamic landscape of China with a broad spectrum of assignments such as debating and drafting a government proposal, communicating and collaborating with people of different nationalities, delving into some interesting topics by field trip in different countries and regions, and ultimately preparing for the field where we can make a significant impact in the future. It has truly been a transformative experience for us, and I believe it can be the same for you."

"We understand there is an ongoing transformation in China's economy and international relations. The curriculum of MAChDS programme focuses primarily on geopolitics and geoeconomics. It gives me a comprehensive and systematic understanding about the country in terms of its historical context and the challenges we are facing right now. Throughout this valuable one-year studying experience, I truly enjoyed the collaborative interactions and friendships with my excellent teammates, who bring with diverse work experiences and inspirations. If you approach the programme simply to complete assignments and credits, you may miss out on this dynamic progress. However, by fully immersing yourself in this team-based coursework, you will undoubtedly gain exceptional insights and improvements over the course of the academic year."

"After having worked for a number of years, I found the MAChDS programme a thoroughly enjoyable and intellectually stimulating experience as a part-time mature student. The programme was well structured with a range of elective courses depending on student interests. I personally particularly appreciated the opportunity to join the first fieldtrip since Covid, as well as fairly independently undertake primary research to complete a dissertation, using methods and knowledge obtained over the programme. The overall experience of being a student again was important to me, including meeting interesting fellow classmates and academic staff over this time at HKU."

"My year in the MAChDS program was filled with great moments and gains. This program broadened my horizons and inspired me to explore more in the social science area. There is a wide variety of choices in the interdisciplinary curriculum of geography, economics, and politics. The best thing, though, is that I have the opportunity to study from an admirable and excellent teaching team, which aids in my understanding of contemporary China and prevalent social issues. The theories and frameworks I learned in courses can be applied to the critical analysis of phenomena in modern society. Moreover, I met students from diverse backgrounds in this program. The variety of educational experiences and cultural mindsets makes it possible for our thoughts to collide and generate unexpected insights. Discussions in class were quite useful and thought-provoking. Keep an open mind, and you will enjoy an incredible journey here."

"The MAChDS program has equipped me with a comprehensive understanding of the current development of China, including regional differences, development disparities, and its role in a globalised world. This course is beyond merely an encyclopedia. All contents were expressed under a rigorous academic foundation, and the assignment design has greatly improved my academic capability, especially my ability to conduct independent research projects and group assignments. Moreover, this one-year study has improved my problem-solving ability and laid a solid foundation for my subsequent development, whether for my future career or doctoral research. More importantly, I become friends with a group of excellent classmates. I really enjoy this one year of learning."

"The MAChDS program is not easy, but neither is it overwhelming. The program and the Department of Geography provide you with all the tools and guidance you need for success, although that is all for nothing if you do not bring yourself. Without your earnest engagement in the program, whether with the professors, your fellows, or the course content, there will be very little for you to gain or success to be had. However, if you do actively engage with all the opportunities for learning and self-development the program provides, then you will flourish. I hope that, just like me, you will find yourself coming out of this program a better person in whichever way that matters to you than when you went in. Finally, as an international student, this program was an excellent opportunity to make close friendships and learn much from those with very different backgrounds from me, for which I am forever grateful"

"Being a local student with business and logistics backgrounds, I enjoyed the time immersing myself in learning China throughout the year. From public policies to international trade, this programme offered students with a broad spectrum of assignments such as debating and designing a poster – you would never get bored! The way of thinking acquired could always be applicable regardless of careers. Currently working in a global logistics company, I appreciate how this learning journey at HKU has brought positive impacts on my ability to communicate and work with people of different nationalities. I highly recommend the MAChDS programme to all students who are passionate about sharpening one’s analytical thinking and would like to understand China in various perspectives."

"Studying in MAChDS is a journey full of surprises and expectations. The curriculum here greatly caters to students from different backgrounds, for example, we have specialized courses on research methodology as well as courses related to economic geography, urban geography, GIS and so on. In MAChDS, I have learned more than I could have imagined. The outstanding professors assign us many challenging assignments, and to complete these assignments, we need to read a lot of papers systematically and think critically about the papers we read to form our new understanding. If we study the reading in Moodle carefully, actively discuss with the professors in class, and read and discuss with insightful classmates after class, we will be surprised to find that we have mastered the most simple but effective way to enter a certain research field. Thanks to the professors in MAChDS for teaching me the knowledge and skills so I can go further in my professional career."

"In addition to knowledge, the MAChDS programme gave me valuable experiences. The instructors and professors are not only our instructors, but our friends and tutors, teaching us learning and practical problem-solving skills. The MAChDS program is a family to me. In addition to the super nice professors and TAs, I also got to know lots of capable friends from all over the world (Thailand, Ukraine, Boston, Britain, Australian, Germany, Canada, HK, Mainland China, etc.). The 9-month period I spent with MAChDS was the best experience I have ever had in my university life."

"With several years of working experience under my belt, it is inevitable that I had encountered bottlenecks and confusion. The programme helped me establish a well-rounded knowledge base and holistic thinking skills.
The courses in the programme systematically link most aspects of the development of mainland China, providing me with a better framework to more effectively conduct further research. It also helped me build self-confidence and raised my interest in exploring and reading. The professors and lecturers of the programme encouraged critical thinking. Even when we raise possibly immature opinions, as long as we show our thinking process, we were given positive feedback, making reading and exploring new areas of interest much more enjoyable.
The programme also brought me invaluable friendships. It’s my pleasure to be a part of it."